Small Spot of Rust at Windshield Corner - Best Way to Address it?

[VinylSeats]

Hey All.

My 1999 LC has a small bit of rust on the driver's side where the windshield meets the roof. It's about 3" by 1/2". It's an Arizona and Colorado truck so there's very little rust throughout the vehicle.

What's the best way for me to address this? I live in Colorado so moisture is not too common but I want to do what's best to maximize the life of this beast.

Thanks!

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

This is a very common place for rust to occur. The best way to address it is to grind it down and reprimer/paint when THE WINDSHIELD IS OUT. There is probably a lot of rust you cant see underneath. When replacing the windshield, make sure you use new seals all around, and proper rivets.

 

[VinylSeats]

This is a very common place for rust to occur. The best way to address it is to grind it down and reprimer/paint when THE WINDSHIELD IS OUT. There is probably a lot of rust you cant see underneath. When replacing the windshield, make sure you use new seals all around, and proper rivets.

Gotcha. Thanks for the reply. Should I be acting on this quickly? How high of a priority should this be?

 

[Julian Stead]

@2001LC has just done this and he kindly done a write up on the procedure.

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

Well, if you need a new windshield, you should do it soon! If it doesn't bother you too much, they you might wait. Rust only gets worse when it isn't treated, but getting a quality windshield installation is important too. If you are having this done at a shop, you will want to make sure that they use the correct rivets on the re-installation. Make sure you pick a reputable installer, if you are outsourcing the work.

 

[bigredmachine]

the sooner the better, its only going to get worse. it dosnt look too bad now so if your thinking of doing it yourself you can probably wait till spring or summer when the weather will be better. if someone else is going to do it, send it to a body shop. theyll have a glass guy if they dont do it in house and will be able to do any repairs to the body and paint it

 

[ripvanmd]

I just had this same problem on my 2001. Seller told me it was due to sunroof leakage. Mine was a bit more extensive. I had one body shop recommend replacing the entire roof panel to the tune of $4k. Eventually I had the windshield removed and it was inappropriately set. The trim was epoxied rather than riveted. Cleaned up well and replaced correctly and the roof painted white (not a popular decision at home).

 

[pbreisch]

I just fixed this problem on my LC. I’m on my phone and can’t relink the pics, but look at my post history and find my Build thread, I have pics of what yours probably looks like under the glass. I went all in on the repair with new trim and windshield with some paint refinishing around the windshield frame. Was just under $1000 for the work at a body shop I trust.

 

[VinylSeats]

@2001LC has just done this and he kindly done a write up on the procedure.

Very good to know. Thanks!

Well, if you need a new windshield, you should do it soon! If it doesn't bother you too much, they you might wait. Rust only gets worse when it isn't treated, but getting a quality windshield installation is important too. If you are having this done at a shop, you will want to make sure that they use the correct rivets on the re-installation. Make sure you pick a reputable installer, if you are outsourcing the work.

The windshield is great so I didn't have any plans to replace it soon. Might need to move up on the agenda.

the sooner the better, its only going to get worse. it dosnt look too bad now so if your thinking of doing it yourself you can probably wait till spring or summer when the weather will be better. if someone else is going to do it, send it to a body shop. theyll have a glass guy if they dont do it in house and will be able to do any repairs to the body and paint it

Cool. Good to know. Thanks.

I just had this same problem on my 2001. Seller told me it was due to sunroof leakage. Mine was a bit more extensive. I had one body shop recommend replacing the entire roof panel to the tune of $4k. Eventually I had the windshield removed and it was inappropriately set. The trim was epoxied rather than riveted. Cleaned up well and replaced correctly and the roof painted white (not a popular decision at home).

Yeah, mine doesn't seem to have rust anywhere else around the windshield. Would love to know when it started on this vehicle.

I just fixed this problem on my LC. I’m on my phone and can’t relink the pics, but look at my post history and find my Build thread, I have pics of what yours probably looks like under the glass. I went all in on the repair with new trim and windshield with some paint refinishing around the windshield frame. Was just under $1000 for the work at a body shop I trust.

Gotcha. I'll take a look at your build. I hope mine isn't that extensive but $1000 really isn't too bad.