Remove rubber stripping on windscreen?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 699
Likes: 149
2015 SL550, 2017 GLS 550, 2010 G550, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Remove rubber stripping on windscreen?
I've posted numerous times on these forums about my G550 and rust problems. One problem area in particular is the front windscreen. I've devised a system to help mitigate rust that involves using a large industrial dehumidifier, fans, and rubbing WD40 along the seals once a week.
I currently have two small oxidation bubbles on the windscreen. Even after a body shop takes them out, the problem of water being trapped behind the seals will persist. I'd like to remove the seals and apply LPS to the inside of the seals to help prevent future oxidation, then reapply the stripping. Is it difficult to remove and reapply the weatherstripping? Will the seal be the same once I reapply it or will it be less effective at keeping water out?
Thank you.
I currently have two small oxidation bubbles on the windscreen. Even after a body shop takes them out, the problem of water being trapped behind the seals will persist. I'd like to remove the seals and apply LPS to the inside of the seals to help prevent future oxidation, then reapply the stripping. Is it difficult to remove and reapply the weatherstripping? Will the seal be the same once I reapply it or will it be less effective at keeping water out?
Thank you.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 301
Likes: 22
From: Carmichael, CA
2011 G55 + others
you can't remove the seal without removing the windshield. Not sure what LPS is but you'd want to apply it before reinstalling the windshield. This car does not have glued in glass like modern cars so those seals you see are actually channeled window gaskets that hold the glass. Older pick-up trucks had this type of glass in the rear of the cab. Those small bubbles, if they're on the metal windshield frame, you have rust. period. Small or large, the glass should be removed and that should be addressed ASAP. You will want to replace the windshield gasket and start fresh. I think lifting the gasket up after the car gets wet (i.e. parked or driven in the rain, washed, etc.) to let water drain probably help, but I live in CA, so no salt anywhere. It's an inherent design flaw with this car so not sure much more can be done.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 127
2020 G63, 2021 E450 All-Terrain Wagon
What's also interesting is that on the new MY19+ models, while they removed the rubber channels on the windshield and rear door window, they added the rubber moldings to the driver/passenger doors around those windows. Not sure why they did that, but I don't think rust will form as the rubber seals are much tighter and very difficult to lift/manipulate compared to the thin and flexible rubber on the windshield of the older models.
