Rear Window

Complete removal and installation of the rear window glass on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including interior trim removal, adhesive cutting, glass extraction, and proper urethane installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window glass assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Automotive urethane adhesive × 1 — Mopar or equivalent auto glass urethane
• Urethane primer × 1 — Compatible with glass and body
• Interior trim panel clips × 1 — Replace any broken clips
• Weatherstrip molding (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts during trim removal
3. Cover rear deck area with soft blankets or protective material to prevent scratches during glass removal
4. Mark glass position on exterior with tape if reusing original glass for alignment reference
5. Ensure ambient temperature is between 50°F and 80°F for proper urethane adhesion

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove interior trim panel
   From inside the vehicle, locate and remove the interior trim panel covering the rear window area. Check for fasteners around the perimeter of the trim panel and remove them. The fasteners are typically a combination of screws and push-type clips. Gently pry the panel away from the body using trim removal tools, working around the edges to release all clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors if the panel includes a third brake light or other accessories. Set the panel aside in a protected area.
2. 2

   Remove weatherstrip molding
   From the exterior, carefully remove the outer weatherstrip molding or reveal molding from around the rear window perimeter. This molding typically presses into a channel or clips onto the glass/body interface. Starting at one corner, gently pull the molding away from the glass, working around the entire perimeter. Inspect the molding for damage and set aside for reinstallation if in good condition.
3. 3

   Cut urethane adhesive bond
   Using a cold knife or power windshield cutout tool, cut through the urethane adhesive bonding the glass to the body. Insert the blade between the glass and body pinchweld from inside the vehicle. Work the blade around the entire perimeter of the glass, maintaining a cutting angle that stays close to the glass to preserve as much urethane on the body as possible. Apply steady, controlled pressure to avoid cracking the glass. For areas difficult to reach from inside, carefully access from outside, cutting between glass and body.
4. 4

   Remove rear window glass
   With a helper, position suction cup handles on the interior surface of the glass near the upper corners. Once all adhesive is cut, carefully push the glass outward from inside the vehicle while your helper supports it from outside. Lift the glass up and away from the body opening. Place the removed glass in a safe, padded location away from the work area. If reusing the glass, protect it from damage.
5. 5

   Clean adhesive surfaces on body
   Use a razor blade scraper to remove the bulk of the old urethane from the body pinchweld, leaving a smooth base layer approximately 1-2mm thick. This base layer provides better adhesion for the new urethane. Remove any loose urethane pieces, but avoid scraping down to bare metal. Clean the pinchweld surface with isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth, removing all dust, oils, and contaminants. Allow the surface to dry completely.
6. 6

   Prepare new or reused glass
   If installing a new window, remove any protective coverings. Clean the bonding surface of the glass (the ceramic frit band around the perimeter) with isopropyl alcohol and allow to dry. If reusing the original glass, carefully scrape away old urethane adhesive, leaving a thin base layer if possible, then clean with alcohol. Inspect the glass for any chips or cracks that could compromise integrity.
7. 7

   Apply urethane primer
   Apply urethane primer to both the body pinchweld and the glass bonding surface according to the primer manufacturer's instructions. Use the applicator to create a thin, even coat on the ceramic frit band of the glass and on the prepared body pinchweld. Allow the primer to flash (become tacky) for the time specified by the manufacturer, typically 5-15 minutes. Do not allow primer to fully dry before applying urethane.
8. 8

   Apply urethane adhesive
   Load automotive urethane adhesive into a caulking gun. Apply a continuous bead of urethane to the body pinchweld, maintaining consistent bead height of approximately 10-12mm and width of approximately 10mm. The bead should be uniform around the entire perimeter without gaps or voids. Apply the bead in a triangular or rounded profile for optimal contact with the glass.
9. 9

   Install rear window glass
   With a helper, carefully position the glass above the body opening, aligning it with the opening perimeter. If you marked the original glass position, use those marks as reference. Lower the glass evenly onto the fresh urethane bead, ensuring the glass seats properly into the opening. Press firmly around the entire perimeter to ensure good contact between glass and urethane, but avoid excessive pressure that could squeeze out too much adhesive. The urethane should spread to create a seal without large voids.
10. 10

    Secure and verify glass placement
    Check glass alignment from both inside and outside the vehicle, ensuring even gaps around the perimeter and proper fit within the body opening. Make minor adjustments immediately if needed, as urethane begins setting quickly. Apply masking tape across the glass-to-body joint at several points around the perimeter to hold the glass in position during initial cure. Avoid putting stress on the glass during cure time.
11. 11

    Reinstall weatherstrip molding
    Once the urethane has skinned over (typically 15-30 minutes), reinstall the exterior weatherstrip molding around the window perimeter. Press the molding firmly into its channel or onto the clips, working around the entire perimeter. Ensure the molding seats completely and provides a weather seal.
12. 12

    Reinstall interior trim panel
    From inside the vehicle, reconnect any electrical connectors for accessories in the trim panel. Position the trim panel over the window area and align all mounting points. Press the panel into place to engage push-clips, then install and tighten all screws. Verify the panel is secure and flush with surrounding interior surfaces. Note: Hand-tighten all trim panel fasteners snugly; interior trim screws do not require a torque specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final inspection and cure time
    Inspect the installation from both inside and outside, checking for proper glass alignment, complete weatherstrip seating, and secure trim panel attachment. Remove masking tape after initial urethane set (typically 1-2 hours). Reconnect the negative battery cable. Do not drive the vehicle or subject the window to stress until the urethane has fully cured per manufacturer specifications, typically 2-4 hours minimum for drive-away time, with full cure in 24-48 hours.

Reassembly

1. Torque all trim panel fasteners to specification using Cover Screws torque value
2. Replace any broken interior trim clips with new parts
3. Verify all electrical connections are secure if third brake light or other accessories are present
4. Allow full urethane cure time before washing vehicle or subjecting window to stress

Verification

• Inspect glass alignment from outside vehicle - gaps should be even around entire perimeter
• Check for proper urethane seal with no visible voids or gaps between glass and body
• Verify weatherstrip molding is fully seated and provides continuous seal
• Confirm interior trim panel is secure with no loose fasteners or rattles
• After cure time, test window seal by spraying water around perimeter and checking for leaks from inside
• Verify third brake light or other accessories function properly if applicable

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle