I have a leak

[85Ram50]

Hi its an 85 Ram 50 and the leak seems to be from the grill between the hood and windshield over the glove box. Somehow this thing is not a rust bucket. It has superficial rust but nothing deep or needing repair except possibly this leak. I have no idea how to get that grill off to look. Any suggestions? Is this a common failure point?

[pennyman1]

The windshield gasket shrinks and it will run down the A-pillar either onto the dash or the floor - my 86 project truck has the same leak, and rotted out the rocker on the inside of the truck, but not the floor.

[85Ram50]

Is there a method for removing that grill? I will get the windshield gasket fixed since there is only superficial rust on it.

[pennyman1]

that cowl panel is welded on - you have to drill out the spot welds to remove it. Are you sure it is not leaking around the heater air intake? I am not sure what you mean about superficial rust on the windshield gasket - the gasket is rubber with a stainless steel locking strip. you can also remove the panel on the right side of the firewall to get access into that side of the cowl.

[85Ram50]

Duh bad Grammar. By "it" I meant the truck in general. Thanks I'll look into it I expect you are right about the gasket.

[85Ram50]

OK I looked and the windshield is rubber only and it looks good. The rear window on the other hand looks like it failed at the top passenger side corner. That makes more sense since the cardboard box behind the bench was soaking. I had assumed the wet floor in front came from the front. Now to find a gasket as my local can't access one.

[85Ram50]

What is a reasonable price for a rear window gasket? It is a one piece window.

[pennyman1]

finding one will be the issue - used ones are probably be as bad as the one you got. Mike Warme may have NOS ones - also look at steele rubber products

[85Ram50]

I've already found one but they want $93 bucks for it that is why I asked about the price. The glass guy wants $175 to install it!

[85Ram50]

I don't have any chrome trim around my windshield. ???? Is that just chrome or is it functional?

[85Ram50]

Can anyone describe how the windshield is removed? It doesn't look like the usual epoxy job. I'm thinking it might be similar to the rear window.

[geezer101]

It's a press fit seal. One way to remove the glass is to spray soapy water around the inside and outside of the rubber, roll the rubber from the inside and push the glass out. This will be a lot easier with someone helping you as there is a real risk of bursting the windscreen, especially if the rubber is rock hard. Once the seal starts to move it should slip out of the cab without too much effort.

[pennyman1]

that is the rear window that you can peel out from the inside - the windshield won't come out like that without breaking the windshield - better to use a utility knife and cut the gasket around the windshield and lift the glass out - you will need a new gasket for it. - I may have a rear window gasket, but I need to see if it is still usable - I will let you know.

[85Ram50]

I emailed with Mike and ended up ordering the rear gasket from Steele Rubber. I'm gonna try the back window myself after seeing how easy it was to do with cord there is no way I am paying $175 for the glass guy to do that. Even with two guys that's a $50 job tops especially iwth me supplying the gasket. If I can find the front gasket new I might do it too.