Paint and Body Re-sealing Rear Hatch Window

[jeremyzcook82]

I live in Georgia and noticed one day while my hatch was open just after it had rained, that water was leaking from under the glass. Looks like it is leaking from two places, both at the bottom of glass. Is it a good idea to have Safelite remove the glass and re-seal it? If not, does anyone know of a good shop that could do it? I would do it but I am worried about bending the trim pieces that hold the back glass in.

 

[Noobz347]

Yeah... Let them do it.

 

[BlakeusMaximus]

Whoever does it, be careful, those trim pieces bent extremely easily.

 

[jeremyzcook82]

Whoever does it, be careful, those trim pieces bent extremely easily.

That's my worry. I know they are easily bendable. I want to make sure someone does it right. Therefore, I was wondering if I should find a custom shop close by?

 

[limp]

Any old school shops around you?? Look for a small Family owned Auto Glass shop with somebody " older". out back doing the work .. Just my recommendation..

 

[85GTStangGuy]

I wouldn't trust hardly anybody to not screw up one of the molding pieces.

Like @limp said, find an old guy (60+ ) that's working at a body shop or glass shop that has experience with these style moldings.

Or just get the tool, watch some videos and go at it yourself. It doesn't look too hard, but I'm sure there's an art to it.

Getting 'em back on without any issue may be just as much "fun".

If the moldings are off, I'd probably first look at sealing the leaking areas (assuming they're identifiable), before I'd yank the glass. Maybe some silicone in the right place(s) gets you by for another decade....

 

[AeroCoupe]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FnEW-G9BkM

 

[limp]

I never used the same tool the buffoon in the video used ( did you see him scratch the paint with it?) and " prying ' up like he did is a sure way to bend your trim..... Should be able to insert the removal tool to move the clip towards the glass GENTLY, releasing the trim...
Most trouble is when the factory installed this some sealant oozed a bit and stuck to the chrome, the clip or both.....
Be careful as the edge of the tempered back glass is its weak point......
Hate to be a Debbie Downer but expect rust to be your leaking problem...

This is the tool I used when I was doing this for a living..

 

[jeremyzcook82]

I never used the same tool the buffoon in the video used ( did you see him scratch the paint with it?) and " prying ' up like he did is a sure way to bend your trim..... Should be able to insert the removal tool to move the clip towards the glass GENTLY, releasing the trim...
Most trouble is when the factory installed this some sealant oozed a bit and stuck to the chrome, the clip or both.....
Be careful as the edge of the tempered back glass is its weak point......
Hate to be a Debbie Downer but expect rust to be your leaking problem...

This is the tool I used when I was doing this for a living..

Man I hope it isn’t rust. Thanks for the info

 

[jeremyzcook82]

I never used the same tool the buffoon in the video used ( did you see him scratch the paint with it?) and " prying ' up like he did is a sure way to bend your trim..... Should be able to insert the removal tool to move the clip towards the glass GENTLY, releasing the trim...
Most trouble is when the factory installed this some sealant oozed a bit and stuck to the chrome, the clip or both.....
Be careful as the edge of the tempered back glass is its weak point......
Hate to be a Debbie Downer but expect rust to be your leaking problem...

This is the tool I used when I was doing this for a living..

Is it difficult to remove the glass after the trim is removed? Or should I have a glass shop do that after I remove the trim?

 

[General karthief]

Is it difficult to remove the glass after the trim is removed? Or should I have a glass shop do that after I remove the trim?

Depends how gutsy you are, I ain't scared but there is a line between bravery and stupidity. I live on that line.
If you're have someone else do it take the spoiler and the trim off first.

 

[LILCBRA]

Is it difficult to remove the glass after the trim is removed? Or should I have a glass shop do that after I remove the trim?

Having replaced the windshield in my II, I'd think that it would be the same process. It's not hard per se, the hardest part was cutting the seal to release the glass. If memory serves (it's been 20+ years now....) it will still be sticky, but comes out with a little effort once the seal is cut. If I had to do it all over again, I think I'd just call someone and have them do it. someone who does this all day every day should be able to knock it out faster and with little effort. It will also save you from the anxiety of breaking the glass. If they do it, they'll have to replace it - if you do, then you're right back to square one. Not to mention that glass of that size isn't light, so it's almost a 2 person job if you don't have the lift assist....

I don't know of anyone local to me, but I don't think I'd hesitate to call Safelite. They should be insured, so if they do screw something up, you'd be reimbursed, if not have it replaced at their expense.

 

[limp]

I don't know of anyone local to me, but I don't think I'd hesitate to call Safelite. They should be insured, so if they do screw something up, you'd be reimbursed, if not have it replaced at their expense.

NO Company will insure they can take out used glass without breaking it... Getting the seal cut without breaking the glass is the hard part...
Your Tempered Back Glass is a lot easier than a WS, but if you have never done it, I would not suggest it..
Is your Back Glass heated?/ One TINY little nick on the heat strips can end its heating days...
I was in the Glass and Aluminum industry for 40 years... " in my opinion" I would not let Safelite work on my pet rock.....

 

[jeremyzcook82]

Having replaced the windshield in my II, I'd think that it would be the same process. It's not hard per se, the hardest part was cutting the seal to release the glass. If memory serves (it's been 20+ years now....) it will still be sticky, but comes out with a little effort once the seal is cut. If I had to do it all over again, I think I'd just call someone and have them do it. someone who does this all day every day should be able to knock it out faster and with little effort. It will also save you from the anxiety of breaking the glass. If they do it, they'll have to replace it - if you do, then you're right back to square one. Not to mention that glass of that size isn't light, so it's almost a 2 person job if you don't have the lift assist....

I don't know of anyone local to me, but I don't think I'd hesitate to call Safelite. They should be insured, so if they do screw something up, you'd be reimbursed, if not have it replaced at their expense.

Great advice. I think I might try the best of both worlds. I might try to remove the trim pieces myself and then have safelite remove and reinstall the glass. I want to see if there is any rust under the glass. I sure hope not

 

[BlakeusMaximus]

They pop off easily with that tool. Just have be careful.

 

[AeroCoupe]

@limp - appreciate the trim removal tool advice as I do not have one and would have got that other one had you not chimed in.

 

[limp]

@limp - appreciate the trim removal tool advice as I do not have one and would have got that other one had you not chimed in.

Granted its been a " few minutes" since I did this for a living but I never needed the one in the video..... Glad to help