Quarter Window Leak

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
I was hoping someone would reply with specifics, but here goes.. From memory. :)

You need to remove the rear seat and seat back, seat belt shoulder strap attachment point, and then the internal quarter trim panel. The glass is held in by a few studs from the rear.. Remove the nuts, and it lifts out.
 

enriquei

New member
I was hoping someone would reply with specifics, but here goes.. From memory. :)

You need to remove the rear seat and seat back, seat belt shoulder strap attachment point, and then the internal quarter trim panel. The glass is held in by a few studs from the rear.. Remove the nuts, and it lifts out.
Thank you. What sealant should I use? How long does it take (Ball park?). Would you consider it to be A, B, or C skill level?
 

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
It shouldn't really be all that tough, but do allow yourself some time to figure out how everything interconnects.

Removing all of the parts to get to it will require some patience, and some quality time sitting inside the car. My only advice is to avoid the temptation to take shortcuts. If something is in the way, remove it rather than trying to work around it.

On the bright side, you'll still be able to drive the car with the back seat all taken apart.. :D At least until you get to that window..

As for the seal, I'd go with one of these two, which both seem purpose-made for automotive windows.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-08609-Window-Weld-Urethane-Cartridge/dp/B000FW61EW
http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81158-Silicone-Adhesive-Sealant/dp/B000AL6WLA

I'm assuming the Permatex will be available pretty much anywhere, but being from Minnesota, I'm a bit partial to 3M.

I should stress. When I had mine apart, it was to remove the headliner.. I've never actually removed the window, so if you get into it, and this looks wrong, post here and say so. We'll figure it out.
 

SCTBIRD1173

Mark my Bird!
I've taken them out of T-birds but never Marks. They aren't bad to get out once the nuts are removed on the inside; just make sure the seal is hot or warm if you ever want it to be able to separate from the body. Good luck!
 

97MarkJA

New member
I used butyl tape when I put mine back in. Roll it until it is the same thickness as the oem and reinstall.
If you use urethane or permetex that window is never coming out without destroying something (the studs will prevent you from cutting it away from the body)
 

Neil

New member
While it may seem obvious where the leak is I would try to verify its location before removing the window.

Does your car have a moon roof? It could be the drains.

Have a partner with garden hose spray the window area only while you observe from the inside.
Remove inside trim around window to pinpoint the leak.

Neil
 

enriquei

New member
While it may seem obvious where the leak is I would try to verify its location before removing the window.

Does your car have a moon roof? It could be the drains.

Have a partner with garden hose spray the window area only while you observe from the inside.
Remove inside trim around window to pinpoint the leak.

Neil
No moon roof. I hopped into the back during the car wash. It's coming from the top of the quarter window, maybe the 1 O'Clock position as you're looking out.
 

beerdog

New member
The OEM factory seal material is 3M Window-weld round ribbon seal 1/4" round. a 15ft roll should do and can be purchased on Amazon. It is made from butyl.
 

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
A bit of visual documentation, compliments of the Michigan mark VIII meet.



Step 1) leave the car in the sun to soften the seal.
Step 2) drink 5 beers..
step 3) Once you get the nuts off, here is the Ford recommended removal procedure. Grab a friend, and assign duties as you see fit
20140815_164518.jpg

20140815_164601.jpg
 
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enriquei

New member
Haha I'll see if I can recruit my dad. Would a heat gun be a good idea if it's not sunny? I'm doing it at my folk's place this weekend. Will try to document.
 

Lvnmarks

quandoomniflunkusmoritati
If you can pin point the leak, is this something that can be sealed with out removing the window?

I have removed a few dozen and there not hard at all but I would think it would be easier to plug the hole then remove the whole window and potentially create another leak.
 

enriquei

New member
I didn't get to it this weekend. I did get the 3M tape though. I haven't been able to pinpoint the leak. I know it's coming from the top of the window, but that's it. I thought about spraying some sort of expanding foam in there, or black silicone... but that seems like a really half-assed way to fix it.
 

beerdog

New member
I will post up some more picks later. This is actually very easy. There is no reason you can not do a professional quality job.
 

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
This. Other than the time involved in taking the interior apart, I think you'll regret fixing this half-way.

Remember, this may have been Jeremi's place, but these two did it in the driveway, with basic tools, while drinking..

Of course we'll see what happens when Beerdog runs it through the next car wash.

Here's a few more photos.

Also.. it's worth noting.. that photo where he has his feet on it. That's firm pressure.. Not kicking. For the love of all that is holy, don't kick that window.. :D

Once you have the window out, find a good solvent of your choice to remove the remaining seal, and clean the paint. You'll find a bunch of dirt on that ledge hidden by the window..

20140815_172217.jpg

20140815_172223.jpg

Here's what the OEM window was sealed with:

20140815_172136.jpg

And here's what it looked like once applied to the window..

20140815_172057.jpg

Next, install glass, and tighten nuts. There's a "stop" on the bolt, so they only tighten so far...

20140815_172358.jpg
 
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beerdog

New member
That SEM degreaser works great. Spray it on a rag and wipe away any old seal residue. I have to get a few cans of that stuff.
 

beerdog

New member
Here is the basic outline

1. Remove back seat bottom. It just pulls out. Push it back and up at the same time.
2. Remove the back seat back by removing the 2 lower 13 mm bolts from the floor. Push up on the seat and it will come out.
3. Slide off the coat hangar hook and remove the hidden phillips screw. Screw is long so use a cordless drill.
4. Remove the upper rear seat belt opening trim piece. Then remove the hidden phillips screw. Screw is long so use a cordless drill.
5. Remove the 2 Torx T50 seat belt bolts. I think both have a trim piece covering the bolts.
6. Pull out the rear quarter interior panel. You will not remove it from the car. Just pull it to the side.
7. Remove the window retaining nuts.
8. Remove the vertical weather seal that is on the window. The one that seals it when the door is closed. Just pull it off.
9. Push the window off from the inside.
10. Remove the old butyl seal. Wipe the window clean with degreaser.
11. Clean the car seal surface with degreaser.
12. add the new butyl seal to the window. Stay in the guide lines. Stay on the outside of the bolts. Put the seal joint where seal ends meet on the bottom of the window. Make sure the to over lap the seal material and smooth it out so there is not a large bulge in the seal.
13. Gently install the window. Ideally have someone push on the outside while someone tightens the bolts a little at time while alternating around the window.
14. Reinstall the interior.
 
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enriquei

New member
Legit guys! Thank you. I'll be doing it this weekend. Going to recruit a friend of mine (He doesn't know yet. He's also an asian / euro fan... so he'll loooooooooooove working on a ford. :p)
 
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