Quarter Glass

Removal and replacement of the quarter glass (small fixed window behind the door glass) on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including adhesive removal and installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Quarter glass × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Urethane adhesive (auto glass grade) × 1 — Mopar 04897125AB or equivalent
• Glass primer × 1 — Match adhesive manufacturer
• Body primer (if applicable) × 1 — Match adhesive manufacturer

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure workspace has adequate lighting
2. Cover exterior painted surfaces around quarter glass with masking tape and protective sheeting to prevent scratches
3. If working indoors, ensure adequate ventilation for urethane adhesive fumes
4. Inspect new quarter glass for correct fit and any shipping damage before beginning removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove interior trim panel
   From inside the vehicle, carefully remove the interior trim panel covering the quarter glass area. Check for fasteners along the edges of the trim panel and disconnect any clips securing it to the body. Inspect for both push-in retainer clips and any concealed screws before prying; the exact fastener type for the 2008 Viper quarter trim should be verified against factory service information. Work slowly to avoid breaking clips. Set trim panel aside in a protected area.
2. 2

   Protect interior surfaces
   Cover the interior surfaces near the glass with protective sheeting or towels to catch any adhesive debris or glass fragments during removal. Ensure coverage extends at least 12 inches beyond the glass perimeter.
3. 3

   Cut urethane adhesive from interior
   Using a cold knife or utility knife, carefully cut through the urethane adhesive bond between the glass and body from the interior side. Insert the blade between the glass edge and body pinch weld, working around the entire perimeter. Keep the blade angled toward the glass to avoid damaging the paint on the body pinch weld. Cut as deep as possible while maintaining control.
4. 4

   Complete adhesive cut from exterior
   Move to the exterior of the vehicle. Attach suction cups to the outer surface of the quarter glass for control. Using a cold knife or windshield removal wire, complete the adhesive cut from the outside, working the blade between glass and body. Apply gentle outward pressure with the suction cups as you cut to help separate the glass. A heat gun on low setting can soften stubborn adhesive if needed.
5. 5

   Remove quarter glass
   Once adhesive is fully cut around the perimeter, use the suction cups to carefully lift and remove the quarter glass from the opening. Have an assistant support the glass if needed. Carry the glass to a safe storage location away from the work area. Inspect the glass for any cracks or damage if reusing.
6. 6

   Remove old adhesive from body
   Using a razor scraper and utility knife, remove the old urethane adhesive from the body pinch weld. Leave a thin base layer of 1-2mm of old adhesive intact on the pinch weld if it is well-bonded and smooth (this provides a bonding surface for the new adhesive). Remove any loose, damaged, or contaminated adhesive completely. Take care not to scratch the painted surfaces.
7. 7

   Clean bonding surfaces on body
   Wipe down the body pinch weld area thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) and a clean lint-free cloth. Remove all dust, oils, and contaminants. Allow to air dry completely. The surface must be completely clean and dry for proper adhesive bonding.
8. 8

   Clean new quarter glass
   Clean the perimeter edge of the new quarter glass where adhesive will be applied using isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth. Remove any manufacturing oils, dust, or fingerprints. Allow to dry completely.
9. 9

   Apply primer to bonding surfaces
   Following the adhesive manufacturer's instructions, apply glass primer to the cleaned edge of the quarter glass where urethane will contact. Apply body primer to the pinch weld if bare metal is exposed or if required by the adhesive system. Allow primers to flash off per manufacturer's specified time (typically 5-15 minutes). Do not allow primer to become contaminated before adhesive application.
10. 10

    Apply urethane adhesive
    Load the urethane adhesive into the adhesive gun. Apply a continuous bead of adhesive to the body pinch weld, maintaining a consistent bead size of approximately 10-12mm width and 8-10mm height. Work around the entire perimeter without gaps or interruptions. The bead should be sized to compress to proper thickness when glass is installed.
11. 11

    Install quarter glass
    With an assistant if available, use suction cups to carefully position the new quarter glass into the opening. Align the glass properly within the body opening, ensuring even gaps all around. Firmly press the glass into the fresh adhesive, applying even pressure around the entire perimeter to achieve full contact and proper compression of the adhesive bead. The glass should seat flush with the body contour.
12. 12

    Secure and inspect installation
    Apply masking tape across the glass and onto the body in several locations to hold the glass in position during cure. Inspect from both interior and exterior to verify proper seating and adhesive squeeze-out. A small bead of adhesive should be visible around the entire perimeter where glass meets body. If gaps or voids are present, glass may need to be removed and adhesive reapplied.
13. 13

    Clean excess adhesive
    Using a clean utility knife or adhesive removal tool, carefully trim away any excess adhesive squeeze-out before it cures. Work carefully to avoid cutting into the seal or scratching surfaces. Clean any adhesive from paint or glass using the appropriate cleaner for the adhesive type.
14. 14

    Reinstall interior trim
    Once adhesive has cured sufficiently per the adhesive manufacturer's published safe-drive-away time (which varies significantly by product), reinstall the interior trim panel. Align the panel properly and press clips firmly into place. Verify all fasteners are secured and trim fits flush without gaps.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall interior trim panel, ensuring all clips and fasteners are properly seated
2. Remove all masking tape and protective coverings after adhesive has cured for at least 1 hour
3. Inspect final installation for proper alignment and complete adhesive seal

Verification

• Visually inspect the quarter glass from both interior and exterior to confirm flush, even installation with consistent gaps around perimeter
• Check for complete adhesive bead contact around entire perimeter with no voids or gaps visible
• After full cure time (consult adhesive manufacturer, typically 4-6 hours minimum), spray water around the glass perimeter to check for any leaks
• Verify interior trim panel is properly secured and fits correctly without rattles or gaps
• Test drive vehicle after full cure period and listen for any wind noise or rattles that would indicate improper installation

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