Leaking side window

[gjestrada]

I have the 15 passenger E350 Clubwagon. The side window is leaking and I believe I need to replace the window seal. I've taken off the interior paneling and now have clear access to the nuts that screw onto the screws that are connected to the window. Once I remove the nuts, do I just push the window out with someone on the other side to catch the glass? Any advise on how to put the new seal in place?

As a result of the leak, the rug got soaked over the years, caused rust on the floor board and a moldy rug -- whoa, what a smell. I've taken the rug out, but now I also have to eventually attack the rust. Will that be an easy job or do you suggest letting a body shop do it? I like the challenges, but don't have the know how. Any advise for doing body work would be greatly appreciated.

[WVFord]

How bad is the rust? Bubbled up paint bad or "I can see the ground through the floor" bad?

[disableddude]

are you sure the seal has gone? if you have side windows that have a sliding windows at the bottom check the drain holes under the track. i had to make mine a little larger. lo and behold no more leaks

[Greymare]

Well I am not positive on which way the window you are talking about is installed but it should be one of 2 ways if it is a side window and not a front door window.

If it is a rubber seal that is holding it in place then you will just need someone to hold the window when you take out the last 2 nuts. Then you may have to fold the gasket back with something plastic as you push on the window. Then to install I suggest a small rope in the gasket then you stick the window into place and work both ropes toward the inside slowly and it will pull the seal in for you.

If you have the black stick gasket then you will have to apply pressure to the window all the way around until it starts pushing out. If it is leaking there is a good chance it will pop right out for the most part. Once the window is removed you need to make sure you get all of the old gasket off. I found that if you take a piece of the old gasket that is still sticky and dab it against the remaining gasket it will remove the majority of the old gasket. Then you can take a carb cleaner or adhesive remover and spray onto a rag and clean the rest off. These will remove any wax and grease from the area. Once everything is clean you can install the new gasket. You can buy this gasket from the local paint supply. You can simply ask for 5/16th window gasket (assuming the van uses 5/16). When you install it start at the bottom and work your way all the way around the window with one continuous strip till you get back to the bottom. Butt the bottom together. Make sure that you don't press down to hard on the gasket as you install it on the window. It will look like it is going to stick out a lot but trust me it will smash down when installed. Stick the window back into place and press firmly on the window all the way around. This will set the gasket and then install the nuts and tighten them down slowly all the way around the window till they are tight. Just remember it is glass and if you over torque them you will be replacing the whole window. The window make not pull all the way down the first time. You can place the van in a heated shop or in the sun light and let the gasket get warm. You will want to go back and tighten these again after it is warm to fully seat the gasket.


As for the rust if is just surface rust you can take a wire brush to it and remove all of the rust. Then you can take the carb cleaner and clean the area and then some paint prep spray. Then spray a little rustoleum on it and it will be good as new.

If it is the "I can see the ground" kinda rust you may want to take off to the body shop unless you have some kind of Mig/Tig welding skills. If you have the welding skills I can wall you through that too.

Hope this helps.