Windshield Locking Strip & Tool

[scodari]

For an OPEL GT - I purchased a new locking strip and associated installation tool from OGTS and just spent an hour attempting to figure out how to use the tool. I am sure it is so simple that I'm simply missing it. Can anyone give me specifics on how to use the tool to install the locking strip? If anyone has pictures, that would be helpfull too.

Thanks!

[markandson]

Originally Posted by scodari For an OPEL GT - I purchased a new locking strip and associated installation tool from OGTS and just spent an hour attempting to figure out how to use the tool. I am sure it is so simple that I'm simply missing it. Can anyone give me specifics on how to use the tool to install the locking strip? If anyone has pictures, that would be helpfull too. Thanks!

I have one at home and can take pictures if need be, and it has been 3 years since I bought it and took it out of the box to see how it worked. I have not installed the windshield in my car yet, but here goes. If I get it wrong or you can't understand I will do the picture thing. The tool is sort of shaped like an airplane wing with a space underneath it for the locking strip to pass through. If your window is in place take the end of the locking strip and put it under the tool with the balance of the locking strip sticking out toward the front of the tool. Force the tool into the groove in the gasket and then push the locking strip into the open part of the groove. Now start to push the airplane forward like it is flying through the groove, and as it opens the groove push the locking strip in. Like you said it is really simple, the key is having the locking strip over the top of the closed gasket, but under the tool so that you can push it in as the tool moves forward.

[tomking]

I found that with the chrome locking strip you have to be so very careful or otherwise the tool will scrape the chrome off. Even with putting soap film on the strip it was too easy to damage it. I had better luck just using my hands and a small screwdriver to help open the channel.

[markandson]

A trick that my body shop guy taught me is to use Baby Oil when installing rubber components, it does a great job of lubricating and then evaporates when you are done for the most part, and it won't damage the rubber, plastic or paint.

[BQS4]

I did like Tom, I didn't get a tool, but, made a tool out of a small screw driver, but, I smoothly rounded all edges. I have done 3 windshields so far with this. The main thing is PATIENCE. If you're doing this in a less than warm garage/shop/carport, you might want to grab the daughter's/wife's hair dryer and use it to warm the strip when you go around corners, helps tremendously!! I was lucky, in that, all 3 windshields I did, they were done during the summer here in Atlanta. They didn't give us the nickname of "Hotlanta" for nothing.

[RallyBob]

Carl and Smitty (C & R's original owners) taught me to use normal ivory liquid soap to install the locking strip into the rubber channel. No damage to the paint, the rubber, or the glass, yet it's slippery as snot. Seems to work well, and you just rinse with water afterwards.

The real issue is being gentle with it, if it feels like you're forcing it...you probably are. Properly installed, it should take very little effort. It helps to have another set of hands align the locking strip as you go.

Bob

[scodari]

Well I tried again today for about an hour to install the strip on the front windshield....the tool was no help so if someone has pictures how to use, please post them. I lubricated the channel, and started pushing down from the top and pulling with needlenose pliers, I got it about half way around the windshield and then it popped out of the channel at the bottom corner (at the curve). Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[Sparky73]

I actually had a company come out and install my rear and front window. It only cost like $125, did a really nice job, and installed the chrome strips as well! I stood there and watched as he did the job right in my driveway as he asked MANY questions about the restoration of my GT. Took about an hour total for both windows, and only 5 minutes per window for the trim. He just kept soaking the trim and rubber gaskets in some type of liquid that looked just like soapy water and they slid right in! There was a few really small places where the chrome inside the trim had kind of "folded", but I was very happy with the install! I had never put a window in before, so I wanted to make sure they didn't get broke LOL.

[markandson]

Originally Posted by scodari Well I tried again today for about an hour to install the strip on the front windshield....the tool was no help so if someone has pictures how to use, please post them. I lubricated the channel, and started pushing down from the top and pulling with needlenose pliers, I got it about half way around the windshield and then it popped out of the channel at the bottom corner (at the curve). Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

I just saw your post, will try to set up a picture for you.

[oldopelguy]

I haven't done an Opel in a while, but I'm 99% sure that the strip is not supposed to be pulled into the channel with a pair of pliers. The strip is supposed to lay on top of the channel all the way around, and the tool is used to open up the rubber channel just in front of where you push the strip down into the channel. You move the tool a little bit and keep downward pressure on the strip at a location just behind the tool where the rubber is opened up. In effect you should be opening the gap up in the rubber for the entire strip, just one small part at a time, instead of trying to slide the strip in through one single gap.

[markandson]

Originally Posted by oldopelguy I haven't done an Opel in a while, but I'm 99% sure that the strip is not supposed to be pulled into the channel with a pair of pliers. The strip is supposed to lay on top of the channel all the way around, and the tool is used to open up the rubber channel just in front of where you push the strip down into the channel. You move the tool a little bit and keep downward pressure on the strip at a location just behind the tool where the rubber is opened up. In effect you should be opening the gap up in the rubber for the entire strip, just one small part at a time, instead of trying to slide the strip in through one single gap.

Exactly right, that is what I was trying to describe also.

[yellaopelgt]

Yes....dont pull it with a pliers!!! You push it in with your fingers behind the tool as you go along. The most difficult part is going around the corners....make sure the gasket seals back up over the chrome strip as you go along. I've never had to use soap or anything.....and frankly, I think you dont want to have any lube in the corners anyway. It would probably just slip out of the gasket that much easier!!! Its a tight fit,but if you go slow you should be fine......

[tomking]

As you both said, there should be no "tension" on the strip. In fact where you go around corners, it is best to push it into the corner to keep from pulling tension. Tension will make it tend to come out of the channel. Plus it is going to shrink some over time and so it is best to not install it under tension. IMHO.

[BQS4]

As for going around the corners, if you don't do this in warm weather, or a heated garage, use a hair dryer to warm the locking strip and it will go around the corner easier and "cool" in place.