Windshield removal & available tools? Autoglass question from a Terrible n00b

[SaukRapids]

I got enough damage that it can't be repaired. The chain place wants like $550 for a new HUD (04+ gp) glass installed, which I don't think will be covered by insurance.

I kinda been waiting on a couple different people to get a windshield for me ..but it's been 3 weeks. We want it fixed. There's still pick n pull place within distance to save money.

My friend has done a few windshields and kinda gave me the gist. He suggested a guitar string, and heat is always your friend. Sounds easy enough once you get the string started, but uhhh 1) I don't play guitar & 2) I never took out a windshield; So combining 1 & 2, how would I know which to get?

The other option is buying a dedicated tool. The site I'll link has a lot of different setups from like a $12 cold knife (or a $70 "nice" cold knife - Power Advance Cold Knife - Equalizer(R)), to oscillating tool blades, to thousands of dollars professional kits. I've been looking at using an Equalizer Squire wire kit like this for about 40 bucks - Squire™ Start-Up Kit - Equalizer(R)

They sell different thicknesses and shapes of just wire for cheaper (ex. "Triad" triangular wire). Might try one of those to save a little more, idk yet.

Do you think I'm on the right track for junkyard success? I don't know typical jy policy, but I'd imagine if I broke a windshield, I'd still have to pay for it.

If there's good chance at a newbish failure, I'd rather bite the bullet and find a brand new glass.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[BillBoost37]

have you considered looking on car-part.com? I did and found a place that I could buy windshields from for $50 each iirc.

 

[SaukRapids]

There's a couple listed, so thanks for the heads up!

 

[markpa]

Alot of times the chain places will do a-lot better knowing its a cash non insurance job.


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[FordMan77]

I've done a lot of my own windshield replacements over the years. The only wire I've used was an old bicycle cable (brake or shifter cable). I find a place to pop it through then just saw it back and forth as you pull it through the urethane seal. I've also wrapped it around vice-grip pilers to give me some extra pull. Also having someone on the inside gently pushing outwards on the glass to keep it from re-sealing can help.

Don't remove all the old sealer from the seams, just cut it down smooth with a razor after you get the old glass out. Then throw some new black urethane sealer around the frame and stick the new glass in. Press it down gently all the way around to seal it up. I usually keep it in a dry place for at least 12 hrs. so it can cure. So far I've never had a windshield leak on me.

Just be careful when cutting the glass out as it can chip and pop out at you. Always wear safety glasses and gloves if you have some. Glasses for the person on the inside too if you have help. I've had one old windshield put up a fight and had to put my feet against it to push it out and it started to pop and crack all over the place. Tiny shards of glass are not something you want to get in your eye.

 

[QUICKSILVER462]

I have always done my own windshields also whenever possible. It's not hard, you just have to know what you are doing. These auto glass franchises SUCK, years ago I had the windshield in my 88 Ramcharger replaced, guess what, IT LEAKED!
Buy the best pair of suction cups you can afford. It is also a good idea to have a helping hand (another person) when installing the new glass. The urethane that holds the glass to the car is structural (verb), and sets up in less than an hour.

 

[Scottydoggs]

my local glass place, 5 star glass, yeah right, two guys get in the car and kick the windshield out, they dont cover the defroster vents and it fills with glass chips. then you turn it on and glass in the face.

so id tape over the vents no matter what.

 

[BillBoost37]

New Jersey.. nuff said.

 

[LeadfootCJ7]

Everyone has covered the important stuff. Gloves, glasses, etc are a must. Cover vents and honestly laying an old sheet down over the dash is a good idea. After trimming the old sealant it is a good idea to put some primer or touch up paint down over any bare metal where the pain may have been scraped off. These areas can rust and get bad before you ever see them again. I prefer 3M WindowWeld for sealant on the new glass. Window sealant is messy! I use 3M acrysol to clean it up, but I believe rubbing alcohol and similar chemicals work as well. They just may not be as fast.

Keeping it inside out of rain is excellent advice and I might avoid washing for a few days.

Having a friend help with the install will make it much easier. Just make sure this friend is not a clutz and is a bit careful. You don't want to break the new glass.