Foo - Fixing a windshield.

Tomorrow my brother and I will be going to the junkyard to get him a new windshield which we will be replacing that afternoon. It looks pretty easy, just looks like we gotta pull the plastic part underneath, then pry off the rubber, and put back together the same way. I've never done this before, but I figure it can't be too hard, and in case of any oopsies, I can seal it off with Solar Seal caulk. Anybody have any pointers for fixing windshields I should know about?

Actually windshields are glued in really tightly. The caulk or rubber gasket you see on top is simply decorative to hide the glue underneath. You'll need some sharp tools to cut the bond. There's specialty made knives with right-angle blades that you can slide under the edge and cut away the epoxy or whatever goo it is they use.

I've done a lot of car type stuff but that is one thing I think better left to the professional. If you crack it putting it in you'll be right back where you started.

How bad is his windshield? If it's just a small crack you can pick up a sealant vaccuum thingy for like 5 bucks at an auto parts or big box hardware store

It done busted good squegeeboo:(

I'll have to go over to Murrays and look into those knives. My buddy works there, so I can get him to abuse his discount for me. I suppose we could also pull out the old one, and just buy a new one from the stealership, but that would be pretty damn pricey.

Thanks for the advice so far everybody.

I have seen the guys on the car shows use what appears to be a piece of thin wire to cut the old adhesive.

Here is an online tutorial

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/autos_boats/article/0,2021,DIY_13708_2272109,00.html

Thanks for the linky Jsharr. Doesn't look too hard. They said best to leave it to the pro's, but nah. If I can install a bay view window on the second story of a mansion, I bet I can do this;)

Before doing anything, I'd check with his insurance. Quite a few insurance companies cover windshield replacement and most people don't know about it. I only found out about it when I called a glass shop to have a windshield replaced and they mentioned it. I called my insurance company and it was covered under comprehensive and I didn't even have to pay a deductible (though I know some companies do charge a deductible of $100 or so). Just a thought . . .

I've never replaced a windshield myself, but I did once have the opportunity to watch my dad destroy one while trying to install it in his '56 Bel Air. That cured me of thinking of trying to replace one on my own.

Insurance is out. He's got minimal coverage as it's a 97, and nothing more than his beater he uses for moving lawn care equipment from job to job. (He has 2 jobs since the UFCW is a worthless piece of trash which doesn't get him a remotely good wage)

I've done a lot of work with glass, just not in cars. I think if we bust it, it will be a good learning experience anyway.

We had a windsiheld put in our Escort. Dude came and did it right in the driveway. IIRC, the whole job was < $300, parts & labor.

You don't have the luxury of flashing and 1 1/4" galvinized nalis to hold a car window in Mich.

Less than 300 bucks ain't bad, but less than 100 with a learning experience is good too. Of course it could turn into a less than 400 dollar learning experience if we mess up and take it to a shop, but eh, oh well.

Your welcome for the link Mich. For kicks, I would call a few glass places and get a quote. I mentioned teh first places price to the second place and they were lower and so one. We got a windshield in my wifes Hyundai Santa Fe for around $200 if I recall correctly. They came to my office and fixed it here while I worked.

http://www.diamondautoglass.com/instantquote/iq.aspx

this will give you an online quote. it quoted under 200 for the windshield for a 2004 hyundai santa fe

I work for a Windshield Wholesaler...One piece of piano wire 3 foot long,one piece of kite string 3 foot long long,one tube of 418-uf Sealant,One Windshield,Gasket,Trim. Use the wire to cut the old sealant,clean channel,apply sealant.install gasket on Windshield,place in car bottom first,use kite string to set gasket,press tightly around edges. Done

Ok, first you need to determine if you've got a big rubber gasket around the glass, like old VWs. If so, you can push the old one out, and rope the new one in.

Since that's probably not the case, here are a few things to keep in mind. The urethane (not glue, not caulk, urethane) that holds it in there is probably 3/4" wide. The knife works best, but two guys with some wire could probably cut it out, once you make a pilot hole. There may be some little rubber or plastic feet at the bottom. Find them, and hand them to the nearest woman, so they don't get lost.

After the glass it out, take a razor and cut all the old urethane out. If you see bare metal, even the cheapest primer is money well spent. The windshield is there for more than just keeping your hair pretty. Rust around your windshield is very bad. This is also why you need to use urethane. Almost anything else will guarantee rust. Silicone sealant is the worst. Anyhoo, clean the inside of the new glass really good. Put a nice bead of urethane all the way around. Now, get the missus to give you back those little feet, and put them where they belong at the base of the windshield's opening. It works best if you put the glass in bottom first. Don't be afraid to slap it a little on the edges, to set it in good. Assuming you were able to save the trim, put that back on now.

If you want to be a pro, put two strips of low-tack masking tape on the top, and don't wash it or drive in the rain for 24 hours.

I might have done this once or twice at my brother's shop.

Thanks for the linky Jsharr. Doesn't look too hard. They said best to leave it to the pro's, but nah. If I can install a bay view window on the second story of a mansion, I bet I can do this;)

A house doesnt go 70 down the highway with you a foot away from the glass either :D

Nor do you hold up a car up over your head with a suction cup while standing 2 stories up on a shakey ladder;)

I've done a lot of car type stuff but that is one thing I think better left to the professional. If you crack it putting it in you'll be right back where you started.

Not only that, but the windshield serves as structural support as well...it kinda has to be done right to serve its purpose.

Getting it off isn't going to be as easy as you think.

Getting it off isn't going to be as easy as you think.

I've had to pull a helluva lotta windows out without breaking them. I know its different, but the practice is the same. Slowly and carefully, taking the time to do it right.

......You don't have the luxury of flashing and 1 1/4" galvinized nalis to hold a car window in Mich.

That would be Kansas. :lol:

If it's a glued in one while you're at the junkyard cut a hood release cable and use the inner cable to cut out the old one, they're stranded wire and cut better than solid wire. Poke a hole through the sealant and have a person inside & out sawing back & forth. Wrap the cable around a stick for a handle. Usually easier than the right angle knife which should have a aux handle to help you pull. glued in ones are a bit of work to do. Any "good" auto parts store should have windshield install kits with the glue strip or tube and locating blocks to prevent it from sliding down until the glue sets. If it is in fact a rubber gasketed one - typically older trucks, you can usually cut the gasket on the donor and push it out with your feet - even steady pressure is key. Worked for a time in a scrap yard and removed a lot of windshields, some you broke trying to get them out, rarely broke one installing.

That would be Kansas. :lol:

I'm offended.

Getting it off isn't going to be as easy as you think.

Words to live by...

BUMP

Inquiring minds need to know if Mich and bro got the glass in and out.

You said in and out. :lol:

so get me a burger and tshirt!

I'm offended.


Sorry. No yearly inspections .....ya see all kinds of things on the road.

You said in and out. :lol:

Double double.