Reply to "leaky windscreen"

Chris, having changed four or five windshields in Panteras, I can say that most WILL leak regardless of the newness of the $250 rubber gasket. The real fix is to install the windshield, then lift the outer lip of the gasket and insert the end of a large tube of RTV windshield sealant. Run a small bead ALL THE WAY AROUND the inside of the gasket including across the top. Quickly wipe off any excess that squeezes out onto the bodywork. Windshield RTV is transparent but looks tacky.

Note- USE RTV FOR WINDSHIELDS! Regular cheap RTV chemically reacts to form acetic acid with atmospheric moisture- the characteristic smell of vinegar. This acid will penetrate through the paint to badly corrode the steel windshield channel just in front of the dash. I've seen Panteras that had visible water in the relays below the windshield from this.

I've also seen $100,000 restorations in which the passenger had to ride with a towel on her lap when it was raining, or the glove box needed emptying after a ride. Windshield-RTV gives off a gas that dissipates and does not form an acid. If you can smell vinegar near fresh RTV, it's the wrong kind for windshields (or indeed, inside ANY enclosed space including for electronics).