c/glaziers

Fixing a Mustang's window has me torn on using adhesive primer

So last week, I was putting in a new side window on a '67 Mustang. My buddy who helps out said we should skip the adhesive primer because the new urethane bonds fine without it. I mean, I've always used primer, thinking it helps the seal last longer, especially with temperature changes. But he pointed out that it adds time and cost, and maybe it's just me but I've seen old jobs where the glass popped out after a few years without primer. Idk, maybe the materials have gotten better. On one hand, saving time and money sounds good, but on the other, I worry about the glass coming loose down the road. What do you all think? Is primer still a must for auto glass, or are we stuck in our ways?

3 comments

white.nathan•1mo ago

A trick from my local café's window job makes moving big glass easier

They were replacing the front glass and I saw the crew use suction cups with hockey tape wrapped around the handles. It gives you a much firmer hold, especially if your hands are sweaty. I used this on a residential install and it prevented the glass from shifting during placement.

3 comments

singh.emery•1mo ago

Just realized how much faster glass orders come in now

Back when I was new to glazing, I took on a repair job for an old church window. The glass had to be a specific kind of obscured texture that was hard to find. I placed the order and then just waited. Weeks went by with no update, and I was checking in every few days. The whole job was stuck, and I felt bad for the church folks. Now, I can often get that same glass in a couple of days with a quick online search. It really shows how things have changed for the better in our trade. Have you noticed how much shorter the wait times are for materials these days?

3 comments

diana_black•1mo ago

My recent tinted glass job went cloudy from cleaner

Using the wrong glass cleaner can haze up tinted film fast. I had to replace a big storefront panel after this mess. Now I only use cleaners made for tinted surfaces.

3 comments

emery_cooper•1mo ago

Frosted glass that turns clear in the sun still messes with my head

I put in a frosted glass shower door last week, and during the day it looks totally see-through. The customer called me, thinking I used the wrong glass. We both stood there watching it switch from fuzzy to clear as clouds passed by. I know the glass was right because I ordered it myself. This isn't the first time I've seen this happen with frosted stuff. It's like the glass has a mind of its own with sunlight. Makes me wonder if we should warn people about this trick.

3 comments

barnes.skyler•1mo ago

Fitting custom curved glass for a boutique storefront is proving trickier than expected

This radius is deceptively finicky, and my usual tricks aren't cutting it. Any seasoned glaziers have a clever workaround they're willing to share?

3 comments