Rubber windshield molding shrinking

KE0M · 12-07-2006, 02:23 PM

Am I the only one that is having this problem? There are 3" wide rubber moldings across the top and bottom of my windshield, and a single vertical rubber molding down the center. The top molding has shrunken about 4 inches and in the gap I can see the windshield glass and the silicone seal where it bonds the glass to the end-cap metal. I am guessing that UV radiation from the sun, heat from the glass in the sun, ozone in the atmosphere, and the very low humidity levels in Colorado are to blame. I've been told go to any auto glass company and they can replace the molding. However, I am wondering if I should order a new molding set from the Big O Bago factory? Waddauthink?

Larry

KE0M · 12-07-2006, 02:23 PM

Am I the only one that is having this problem? There are 3" wide rubber moldings across the top and bottom of my windshield, and a single vertical rubber molding down the center. The top molding has shrunken about 4 inches and in the gap I can see the windshield glass and the silicone seal where it bonds the glass to the end-cap metal. I am guessing that UV radiation from the sun, heat from the glass in the sun, ozone in the atmosphere, and the very low humidity levels in Colorado are to blame. I've been told go to any auto glass company and they can replace the molding. However, I am wondering if I should order a new molding set from the Big O Bago factory? Waddauthink?

Larry

John_Canfield · 12-07-2006, 05:10 PM

Hey Larry - welcome to the forum.

I haven't heard about windshield molding shrinking but I would be concerned. Maybe give a call to the Winne service number and talk it over with them.

keleri · 12-07-2006, 09:57 PM

HI larry welcome to the forum

I too have had that problem, the last time i was at my dealers for other things i noticed it, and asked the tech about it. He looked at it, got his ladder and stretched the molding back into place, them glued it down with some sealeant, took all of 5 miutes.

NeilV · 12-08-2006, 01:04 AM

Yep it is a common problem here in sunny Florida and not limited to just the motorhome.

SMIES · 12-08-2006, 05:06 AM

I had a similar problem with my side window gaskets where they popped out at the corners. My dealer replaced them. Your molding is not rubber but is extruded flexible PVC.PVC will shrink due to temperture. Don't be surprised is you see the condition again eventhough it was re-glued.

RVDriver · 12-08-2006, 02:19 PM

Had the same problem, just loosen the screws in the upright molding, stretched the top rubber back to where it belonged, tightened the screws, holding for 3 months now!

Bruce

KE0M · 12-09-2006, 03:52 AM

Great news! I took John's advice and sent an email to the factory service site. They are sending OEM replacement moldings for the entire windshield. And, there will be no cost. Thanks for the advice and thanks to Winnebago for standing behind their product line after the sale.

Larry