… adhering a power window to its regulator rail clips?
Application: 2001 F150
Problem: The window separated from 2 mounting clips during cold temperatures where the stock adhesive froze and the motor pulled the track down away from the window - and subsequently the window fell off track.
So Far: I’ve gotten the window sitting back in the correct 2 mounting clips on the regulator rail. The stock adhesive which holds the window in these mounting clips (not just gravity held) appeared to be a silicone adhesive, so I reapplied a silicone adhesive. It did not hold. The regulator rail and clips still pull away from the window and separate when the motor is activated down - gravity is not sufficient to hold the window in the track, as there is apparently significant resistance from the weather stripping.
So… Glass ----into—> Metal clips. What adhesive to use?
Silicone will work, but the surface has to be absolutely clean. Use acetone to get rid of any possible contaminants. A mineral or petroleum based cleaner/solvent won’t work. Then you have to clamp it very well. Any sort of thickness to the silicone will make it fail. You’re looking to squeeze 99% of the goo out under pressure. You’ll end up with the silicone bond and a lot of suction bond as well. A long time ago I used a piece of nylon disk as a larger washer while bolting something to the body. I used a thin film of silicone to keep water from getting in there and rusting. I bolted it all together, then after a year or so wanted to take it apart. No way, I was hitting it with a hammer and chisel trying to get that disk off and it wouldn’t budge. I ended up leaving it on.
Instead of going all out with that gun/panel epoxy setup, Napa ordered me some 3M Window Channel adhesive - specific to the problem and cheaper too! I’ve got the clips all cleared out now and I’ll let you know how it holds. Again, thanks!