Cracked Rear Window Trim?

[AirJunky]

The rear window on my 05 has been cracked for years. Thought about filling the crack with RTV or JB Weld, but I just cracked another beer instead. My window has a graphic on it so I'm in no rush to replace it. Doesn't really pose any problems, cracked or not. Plus it's June so it's not even in the truck at the moment anyway.

 

[Vaeagleav]

I don't think my google pictures are working anymore.  I just created a Photobucket album in case the picture in my above post isn't showing up.  Do you think a "crack" this big can be fixed by JB Weld or RTV?  It seems a bit excessive to me.

Sorry I don't know about your window, mine was caught when it first formed and was on a straight edge not the corner. If it was mine I would try using some cargo straps to gently bring molding back in place on the window and try some flexible, waterproof adhesive of some sort to keep it in place and seal the crack before the leak causes major damage with rusting metal and mold in upholstery and carpet etc.
Good luck with your repairs or hope you can find a cheap replacement window soon.

 

[enoniam]

I'm lucky, mine is cracked on the top, near where one of the securing tabs holds the window in place.  Doesn't see much water up there unless going through a car wash, which Ol' Yellar hasn't seen in a while...

 

[Randy]

I'm lucky, mine is cracked on the top, near where one of the securing tabs holds the window in place.  Doesn't see much water up there unless going through a car wash, which Ol' Yellar hasn't seen in a while...

Same with mine, cracked on top. It did open up enough to separate the defroster solder connection so the it doesn't work, but since I live in California I've rarely needed it. I turn it on for the mirrors only.

It looks like the window expands, probably when it's hot out or the sun is on it and the casing around it splits. At least the cost has come down, you can get them on ebay for $140.O0 now.

 

[old skool]

Don't feel bad...mine is just as bad as yours.

 

[Chevymike2003]

Mine is an 03, purchased it in 2007 and its been cracked like that ever since the day I picked it up. I don't remove it often, due to the fact that I have sub woofers under the rear seat, but it's never seemed to be of any issue.

 

[Dalefan]

My 04 was also cracked for years, no leaks. But the shifting glass caused the rear defroster solder joints to break.
When I tried to re-solder, held iron on too long trying to get a good flow and the whole window grenaded.

 

[ygmn]

Use straps to gently pull frame in tighter so gap is less.

I first clean area.
Then added some silicone and then used strap to pull frame tighter to reduce gap to about 1/4" or less.

I did not go more for fear it would split again...

you can also use some epoxy to hold frame together with gap and then fill in gap with silicone.. or go epoxy the whole way.

Take time and do on sunny DAY or park truck in garage in case she rains.

Or go to safelite and drop about $200 for new one.

 

[AirJunky]

Use straps to gently pull frame in tighter so gap is less.

I first clean area.
Then added some silicone and then used strap to pull frame tighter to reduce gap to about 1/4" or less.

I did not go more for fear it would split again...

you can also use some epoxy to hold frame together with gap and then fill in gap with silicone.. or go epoxy the whole way.

Take time and do on sunny DAY or park truck in garage in case she rains.

Or go to safelite and drop about $200 for new one.

But why? Is it hurting anything? Does all this work last or does it crack again the next time it gets cold?

I got why you do most repairs. Because the problem is causing a leak, difficult to see thru, unsafe, etc. But this one doesn't seem to have any real result.

 

[blu_fuz]

My solder points broke and the cracked corner leaks in car washes. Might just buy a new one and watch it crack too. 

 

[ygmn]

But why? Is it hurting anything? Does all this work last or does it crack again the next time it gets cold?

I got why you do most repairs. Because the problem is causing a leak, difficult to see thru, unsafe, etc. But this one doesn't seem to have any real result.

Reason to keep together =
1 - Keep frame from coming off glass as she can crack in 2 corners...so when you remove and place in midgate she does not fall apart
2- Keep frame close to original size so she FITS into midgate holder space.
3- prevent water leaks into cab
4- Prevent defroster tabs from breaking off glass and not working anymore.
5- looks horrible when cracked and you get huge gap....
6- Cuts down on some bed noise

ONce you use the silicone or epoxy or whatever it is less likely to crack again as the frame now has a place to expand and contract.... My guess is will eventually crack again but if it lasts a year it was worth the repair.

 

[AirJunky]

Reason to keep together =
1 - Keep frame from coming off glass as she can crack in 2 corners...so when you remove and place in midgate she does not fall apart
2- Keep frame close to original size so she FITS into midgate holder space.
3- prevent water leaks into cab
4- Prevent defroster tabs from breaking off glass and not working anymore.
5- looks horrible when cracked and you get huge gap....
6- Cuts down on some bed noise

ONce you use the silicone or epoxy or whatever it is less likely to crack again as the frame now has a place to expand and contract.... My guess is will eventually crack again but if it lasts a year it was worth the repair.

Both lower corners on mine have been cracked for years. The window fits in both the upper & lower spots fine. Defroster works fine. Go figure.

 

[ygmn]

Both lower corners on mine have been cracked for years. The window fits in both the upper & lower spots fine. Defroster works fine. Go figure.

Lucky you...

On mine the crack got so wide I could not put the window into the storage holder as the frame spreadwider then the recess pocket.

 

[old skool]

Lucky you...

On mine the crack got so wide I could not put the window into the storage holder as the frame spreadwider then the recess pocket.

Have never used the storage area for the glass. 

 

[AirJunky]

Lucky you...

On mine the crack got so wide I could not put the window into the storage holder as the frame spreadwider then the recess pocket.

And silicone or JB Weld holds that together??  

My rear window has been in the Midgate storage for a couple weeks. It's storming here tonight so I moved it up into the regular spot. I looked at the frame while moving. The gaps in the cracks are like 1/4" or 3/8", but the frame that isn't cracked hasn't moved or widened like you mentioned.

 

[ygmn]

they all break differently.... some in one spot inmiddle bottom.
others incorners... some small cracks some large...

some 2 cracks both sides...


Yes 2 part epoxy holds it together...as long as you leave a bit of gap...

otherwise she cracks somewhere else....

 

[David Reynolds]

Its 2021 and I've found the trim on the back windshield of my 2004 avalanche is broken just like this discussion is about. Does anyone know if that trim can be replaced or is it made to enclose the windshield perimeter permanently from the factory? I'm having a difficult time finding any info regarding this. Im hoping there are newer discussions on this subject. I have no freaking idea how to navigate this thing. I'd think after 19 years the old discussions would be archived or something.

 

[ygmn]

Yo uare pretty much the first I remember asking if the frame is separate.

the frame is part of the window...made onto glass during manufacturing...NOT SOLD by itself.
Rear glass comes with new frame....

You Can get new replacement rear window from Safelite auto glass for reasonable price

OR EBay, junkyards, maybe Chevy still sells em?

 

[ygmn]

Guess I did not answer all your questions:

.... I have no freaking idea how to navigate this thing.

Not sure your issue navigating but I will say we have the forum divided into sections with each trying to keep to certain subjects.
ya have a problem? search in the problem sections.
Ya have a problem with your engine? search in the PROBLEMS: ENGINE section.
If searching does not work then just click to get to section and read thru all the different thread titles.. one may have help inside for you....

Not much different then any other internet FORUM.... except we may have more sections sorry if too many sections annoys people but it does make it easier to find similar threads to whatever interests you.

I'd think after 19 years the old discussions would be archived or something.

Why we do not archive..... better question is why archive? old threads have information in them; in fact I believe the older threads tend to have more information in them younger ones since it was when a problem first cropped up when owners had new trucks and their were more members posting their facts, opinions etc....

People can open and post in old threads heck might add new info since things have changed since the truck is our of production.

I am pretty sure every possible question has been asked at one time on here and some people are "shy" and do not like to post but log on daily to read old and new posts..

Heck the site is 19 years old (started Jan 2002) for a truck with only 12 model years.....

Good luck with your searches and I hope you either find your solution or ask and maybe someone old or new can help ya.

 

[Vaeagleav]

I understand it can be overwhelming when first becoming a member on this website since there is a mountain of info contained on the site. Over time it will become easier once you follow ygmn advice and use the separate boards to your advantage. Using the word search function can help a lot as well.
It may just be me but I would rather look at one or two threads that stay on topic and not have hundreds of threads to search individually for tips and info.
I too have not read or known of any member buying just a frame for the rear window. They usually buy the whole window with frame and glass etc. together. FYI my RTV repair is still holding up and I am very happy with the results.