Being in the auto/truck glass biz once you're close on replacing the windshield contact a local installer checking if they'd bring one (new or other) to test fit properly in your repaired A-pillar and roof area--that would give you loads of information how close you are to a good fitting windshield.
Were I contacted about this I'd sell, deliver and test fit the glass for a combined price. Any damage to the glass while waiting for installation would be the customer's responsibility. The test fit would reveal if further body tweeking would be necessary.
Depending where you're located I could arrange a new w/s purchase if one of my supplies has an outlet close enough for your comfortable drive to retrieve the part. PM me if that's helpful.
Being in the auto/truck glass biz once you're close on replacing the windshield contact a local installer checking if they'd bring one (new or other) to test fit properly in your repaired A-pillar and roof area--that would give you loads of information how close you are to a good fitting windshield.
Were I contacted about this I'd sell, deliver and test fit the glass for a combined price. Any damage to the glass while waiting for installation would be the customer's responsibility. The test fit would reveal if further body tweeking would be necessary.
Depending where you're located I could arrange a new w/s purchase if one of my supplies has an outlet close enough for your comfortable drive to retrieve the part. PM me if that's helpful.
Excellent!
Sure beats the cardboard left/right template I was going to make for the upper channel.
"Good enough...".
3M seam sealer in rain gutters.
Raptor liner with factory color tint applied. Had a few struggles using the HF HVLP gun but it's done now.
Windshield install next. I feel like the effort was worth it. My wife said we saved it from a trip to the junkyard so there's that.
Don't look too close, you'll see my terrible finish work. The Raptor liner cured out and hid a fair amount after this pic. Good news is most won't ever see the top.
At the end of the day not too bad after a ~15" diameter tree fell on it.
From these images the DIY repairs seem fairly well done and IMHO there's not a single thing to apologize for at the outcome.
Once this is back on the road and exposed to the elements watch areas of the heaviest repair in case minor tweaks are needed. The windshield would be my natural area of concern but any leaks should be readily visible. Do be sure to check under the dash under the floor mats for upper body leaks due the fallen tree damage to the areas where the roof joins the A-pillars.
Looking forward to your longer term reports how well these repairs hold up.
Veteran glass installer said preparation and fit was perfect!
Thanks to @JWA for sharing his time and expertise on the forum. DW1504GBY windshield installed and I will enjoy the darker top tint and full solar tinting over the original 1995 glass.
Our '95 Clubwagon Chateau lives to see another season of camping, towing, mountain bike and kayak hauling.
Update:
Van sat for a week while we were on vacation. The Raptor liner continued to cure out, my striped issues and shiny spot or two, evened out nicely. The "unsatisfactory to me" filler finish is now so hard to see, I'm not sure folks would notice unless I pointed it out to them.
The Raptor product lives up to its promise, and I survived picking up the impossible to repair gauntlet and won.
Do be sure to monitor how your repair and W/S installation holds up over time and miles. I don't see anything or concern after your repairs began but with all that sheet metal moving and repair one never knows what small issues might be discovered.
Look for water on top of AND below the floor mats as those are the first indications something needs to be checked once again.
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