Quarter window glue failure / 05 Excursion

Eric Froberg · 09-12-2009, 10:36 AM

Sorry for writing a book here. I wanted to give as much information as possible in hopes of finally fixing this.

A 2005 Ford Excursion has what are referred to as "Quarter Windows" on both the driver and passenger sides in the rear 3rd. row / cargo area. These windows are hinged forward and open rear by use of an articulating arm attached to a motor. Arm attachment to the window is done by ball and socket method with the arm having the ball, and "glued" to the window is the socket with a base contact area of approximately 2 inched in diameter. The adhesive holding this part to the glass has failed. Having no luck getting any information from Ford I have, following all instructions and working on a vertical surface, tried unsuccessfully to reattach this part with Krazy Glue, West Systems 2 part Epoxy, Silicone and 5200.

The piece of glass being worked on is tempered has a factory film on its border that is black and impenetrable by light so I am sure the adhesive used is not of the UV Cure family and because of the necessary build thickness I would not think it of the “topical activator” family. The more I think about it the more the original OEM adhesive (which was rigid and came off as dust with a wire wheel) reminds me of a Plexus material. The adhesive must be able to build and hold to at least 1/32” as the socket needs the offset to align for proper operation.

Anybody ever encountered this or have any ideas for a fix?

Ford's answer is to buy another quarter window "which comes with a new socket attached" for $1100.00 and pay to have it installed. $1500.00 to repair a $2 part? I DON'T THINK SO. Ford had to use some type of adhesive to stick this part to the glass.

US1 Fountain · 09-12-2009, 11:06 AM

What about the glue that's used to glue your rearview mirror on?
Have you checked with an auto glass shop for recommendations?

Sydwayz · 09-12-2009, 12:15 PM

I'd try speaking directly to a well known glass shop in your area and see if they can drill the glass. I bet they can. With one screw through the glass I bet you will be fine.

Check the Ford prominent forums like www.thedieselstop.com and there has to be an Excursion board too. You can't be the only person that has had this problem.

29scarab10 · 09-14-2009, 09:22 AM

Us1 fountain has put you on the right track. Once glass is tempered it can not be modified (cut or drilled ) or it will shatter.
Allen