Ask yourself this, new rubber or not, after fitting a new windscreen to a 30+ year old car without using sealant and then after a harsh rain the windscreen leaks, what are the odds of getting your nice new glass out to fix the problem without breaking it? Fix it once properly. The right stuff to use is a caulking compound. It remains soft and gooey for years and repels moisture. Which is what you want.

Some of the windscreens you can purchase are in fact thinner than the original units supplied from the factory. This can make them a little more difficult to fit but another unexpected thing i have noticed is the engine and outside noise is more apparent in the cabin. I suppose it comes back to the old adage you get what you pay for. Sikaflex should not be used as a sealer if required as it is a hardening sealant that is used for late model flush fit glass. A mastic sealant stays flexible and allows flex.

Had mine replaced a few months ago, $380 fitted including new rubber and the chrome refitted.

Took them over three hours just to fit the chrome but it is fitted perfectly and undamaged.

The biggest thing is to make sure you repair any rust damage etc under the seal while it is out or you are asking for trouble in the future..

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Thats interesting as I just spoke with a glass guy whose replacing the seals/rubber setting that holds in the door glass to the metal frames & I think I'm going to have him come out & do the install on the new windshield as well. When we were talking about the windshield install he suggests using the sealant in the seal not only as a bedding adhesive but to provide structural integrity to the windshield frame. As in if you get whacked the shield provides some roof /pillar strength as well as not popping out of the frame.

Thats just what he said, I thought it made some sense but hey, I've never fitted a window so I'm in the dark.