Replacing Windshield Concern

2000 XJ
i have a leaky windshield, top side passengers side that gets dash floor and seats wet in a good rain.
looks like rubber around it is hard and not laying on the the windshield frame.
i have 2 cracks on either side also.

my concern is that if it is removed the windshield frame would be corroded.
don't really want to pay for body work.

anyone have same experience?

my last xj i siliconed the area to keep it from leaking but i figured with the cracks maybe just replace.

It doesn't seal by the rubber gasket anyway!

My windshield frame had some surface rust on it when I pulled mine. Had to sand it down but it was not bad.

The rubber gasket is just cosmetic -- it serves no purpose other than to make the windshield look finished

The XJ windshield is glued in with sealant -- you can try to use silicon but you would probably do better with the proper sealant -- silicon might have adhesion issues with the sealant used to set the windshield

Best bet would be to take it to a proper auto glass shop and ask them to attempt to seal

Worst case is you have to pull, deal with rust, and replace the windshield

Not the end of the world

sounds good. thanks i'll have someone check it out