Quarter Glass

Remove and replace the quarter glass (fixed rear side window) on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including interior trim removal and weatherstrip sealing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Quarter glass assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Quarter glass weatherstrip seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trim panel clips (assorted) × 1 — Replace any broken clips
• Urethane windshield adhesive (if bonded installation) × 1 — Mopar or equivalent OEM-approved

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Ensure interior is cool to touch if vehicle has been in sun to prevent burns from heated trim components.
3. Protect exterior paint around quarter glass area with masking tape if desired.
4. Open door on side being serviced for interior access.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Interior Trim Panel
   Locate the interior quarter trim panel covering the quarter glass area. Remove the upper seat belt anchor bolt if it passes through or covers the trim panel. Using trim removal tools, carefully pry the trim panel away from the body starting at the bottom edge and working upward. The panel is secured by push-type retaining clips along its perimeter. Release each clip by pulling the panel outward with steady pressure. Disconnect any electrical connectors if present (dome light, speaker, or other accessories). Set trim panel aside on a protected surface.
2. 2

   Remove Weatherstrip Trim
   Inspect the interior and exterior edges of the quarter glass for weatherstrip trim molding. On the interior side, carefully pull the rubber weatherstrip seal away from the glass and body pinch weld flange. Start at one corner and work around the perimeter. Note the orientation and routing for installation. On the exterior, remove any decorative trim molding by releasing clips or removing fasteners along the top or bottom edge, verifying the fastener type and quantity against factory service documentation. Set all weatherstrip components aside in order.
3. 3

   Identify Glass Mounting Method
   With the interior trim removed, inspect how the quarter glass is secured. Look for visible fasteners (nuts or bolts) around the perimeter accessible from inside, or determine if the glass is bonded with urethane adhesive. Verify against factory service documentation how quarter glass (if equipped) is retained on this specific vehicle; the 1992 Viper RT/10 roadster uses removable side curtains rather than a conventional fixed bonded quarter glass, so confirm the actual configuration before proceeding. If mechanical fasteners are present, count and note their locations, verifying the actual quantity against factory service documentation. If adhesive-bonded, proceed to adhesive cutting in the next step.
4. 4

   Remove Mechanical Fasteners (If Applicable)
   If the quarter glass uses mechanical fasteners, remove the nuts or bolts securing the glass frame to the body. Determine the actual fastener type and size from factory service documentation before removal; do not assume T30 Torx or 10mm without verification. Remove all fasteners around the perimeter and set them aside. Have an assistant support the glass from the exterior to prevent it from falling once the last fastener is removed. If adhesive-bonded, skip to Step 5.
5. 5

   Cut Adhesive Bond (If Applicable)
   If the quarter glass is adhesive-bonded, use a utility knife with a fresh blade or dedicated adhesive cutting wire. Working from the interior side, carefully insert the blade between the glass and body pinch weld. Cut through the urethane adhesive with a sawing motion, working around the entire perimeter. Keep the blade angled away from the glass to avoid scratching. Apply heat with a heat gun if adhesive is stubborn (105-120°F surface temperature). Have an assistant support the glass from outside. If mechanically fastened, this step is not required.
6. 6

   Remove Quarter Glass
   With fasteners removed or adhesive fully cut, carefully push the quarter glass outward from the interior while an assistant supports it from the exterior using suction cups. Lift the glass away from the body opening and set it on a padded surface. Inspect the glass frame and body opening for any remaining adhesive, old weatherstrip material, or damaged clips.
7. 7

   Clean Mounting Surface
   Thoroughly clean the body pinch weld flange and mounting surface where the quarter glass seals. Remove all old adhesive using a putty knife and acetone on a clean rag. For mechanically fastened installations, clean the weatherstrip channel. Ensure the mounting surface is clean, dry, and free of rust or corrosion. Check that all mounting studs or fastener holes are intact and not damaged.
8. 8

   Prepare New Quarter Glass
   Inspect the new quarter glass for any shipping damage. If reusing the original glass, inspect for cracks or chips. For mechanically fastened installations, install the new weatherstrip seal onto the glass perimeter, ensuring it is fully seated in the glass frame channel. For adhesive installations, clean the bonding surface of the glass with acetone and allow to dry. Apply urethane primer to the glass edge per adhesive manufacturer instructions if required.
9. 9

   Apply Adhesive (If Applicable)
   For adhesive-bonded installations, apply a continuous bead of urethane windshield adhesive to the body pinch weld flange. Use a 3/8-inch bead height, keeping it consistent around the entire perimeter. Work quickly as urethane begins to skin over within 10-15 minutes. For mechanically fastened installations, skip to Step 10.
10. 10

    Install Quarter Glass
    With an assistant, carefully position the quarter glass into the body opening from the exterior. Align the glass with the body contour and ensure even gap spacing all around. For adhesive installations, press the glass firmly into the urethane bead with even pressure around the perimeter. For mechanical installations, align the mounting holes and insert fasteners hand-tight. Ensure the glass sits flush with the surrounding body panels.
11. 11

    Secure Quarter Glass
    For mechanically fastened installations, tighten the mounting fasteners in a cross-pattern sequence to ensure even clamping pressure. Torque the fasteners to the value specified in factory service documentation for this fastener; do not apply an assumed value. Verify the glass remains properly seated and flush with no gaps in the weatherstrip seal. For adhesive installations, apply masking tape across the glass-to-body joint to hold the glass in position while the urethane cures (minimum 1-hour safe drive-away time, 24 hours for full cure).
    Torque spec

    Body Panel Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install Weatherstrip and Exterior Trim
    Install the exterior weatherstrip trim molding around the quarter glass perimeter, pressing it firmly into place. If the trim uses fasteners, install and tighten them per factory service documentation; hand-snug plastic trim clips to avoid cracking without applying an unverified torque figure. Ensure the weatherstrip creates a complete seal with no gaps or loose sections. Check that water drainage paths are not blocked.
    Torque spec

    Trim Clips3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall Interior Trim Panel
    Reconnect any electrical connectors for accessories in the trim panel. Align the trim panel with its mounting location and press it firmly into place, seating all retaining clips around the perimeter. Verify all clips have engaged by checking for secure fitment with no loose edges. Reinstall the seat belt anchor bolt if it was removed, torquing to specification. Verify the trim panel sits flush with no rattles or gaps.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the removal steps above, following reverse order.
2. Ensure all trim clips are fully seated and trim panels are secure before returning vehicle to service.
3. For adhesive-bonded installations, allow minimum 1 hour before moving vehicle, 24 hours before washing or high-speed driving.
4. Inspect weatherstrip seal for complete contact and water-tight fit around entire perimeter.

Verification

• Visually inspect quarter glass alignment with surrounding body panels; gap should be even on all sides.
• Check that weatherstrip seal has complete contact with no gaps or lifted sections.
• Verify interior trim panel is secure with no rattles when pressed or when door is closed firmly.
• For adhesive installations, check that urethane bead is visible around the entire perimeter from interior side with no voids.
• Test for water leaks by spraying water around the quarter glass perimeter and checking for interior wetness.
• Confirm all electrical accessories in the trim panel function correctly if applicable.

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