How does one remove the windshield without cracking it? OR How much is a new one?

[PHXVETTE]

I'm reposting the following question in this new thread because I realize now my original post was way too wordy...

How does one remove the windshield without cracking it? I don't even have a clue about the exterior trim removal?

I project myselft ripping that trim into pieces with out guidance because someone (my Dad probably) put silicone sealer all around the window, underneath the trim.

Also it looks like the inside, under the window sealer is some hard compound. (Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the stock sealer was 'gummy')

Can I cut out the windshield and with what?

I think the answer is that I will be buying another windshield, anyone know the going rate?

There is rust all around the windshield surround. So by removing it will make that repair alot easier. Plus I may get the dash back in without cracking it!

Thanks in advance!

Bill Hart

 

[dmrodco]

good luck......

My C3 had the same problem. VERY rusty windshield support. I tried to very carefully cut the sealer. I know they have a tool for it.I think I saw it in MID AMERICA. I got it most of the way out then it cracked ! these are really fragile when not supported buy the car. Anyway having it out allowed me to blast the support. I have treated it wit corroless and will call the local glass guy to come out and install a new piece. As for the trim it snaps on to clips that screw into the support. You will probably have to remove the t bar trim as I did because the rust creaped under it. good luck.

 

[69MyWay]

Bill,

As much as I am Mr. Do it Yourself, I found that securing a professional for glass work can be a wise decision.

Call around. I found a local Glass company that removed my windshield for only $25. That included popping the trims, and pulling the glass. They do not make any guarantee that they won't break it, and are not responsible if they do. However, they rarely if ever break one. Plus, they are mobile so they will come to you.

When you are done repairing the rusty area you can call them back up and have them come back out for another $25-$50 and they will reinstall with new sealant, and pop your trim back in place.

This is the best $50 I ever spent on my car. My buddy TZracer did not take my advice and ended up cracking his...Ooops. Now that is going to cost him much more than $50!

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Call a glass shop.

Plain and simple. They do this more often than the do-it-yourselfer and have more skill/patience. My windshield has been re-set, and finally replaced, both times by a glass shop and both times together do not amount to over $200, including purchase of new windshield.
Heidi

 

[Jack]

Call an auto glass installer. I had one done recently. Boy things have changed. Used to use a piece of piano wire to cut through the old sealer that was once gummy but since hardened. Gone was the piano wire ... in with Sawzall. That's right ... glass tech used a Sawzall equipped with a wide thin metal knife blade (kinda like a putty knife blade) that quickly zipped through the old gakset material. Sawzall produced some very minor chipping (chips no larger than a grain of sand) to the extreme edges of the glass.
JACK:gap

 

[PHXVETTE]

That's some good advice, I'll Take it!

Thanks for the words of wisdom. I forgot that those glass places could just come out and remove it onsite. I thought about taking it to a glass shop, but then how the hell would I get it back!

Duh! :duh Have them come to me!




Thanks again.

Bill Hart

 

[pgtr]

Interesting thread.

I remember the days of using Piano wire though personally I have no real experience with this. I just remembering in the day watching someone thread the wire through a corner and then working it back and forth with handles.

In this era, don't most shops just put a tray under the window and beat out the glass w/ a hammer?

How about the restorer at home with a partially disassembled car needing to remove the windshield? I like the idea of calling one of those mobile places coming out and removing it for you if they offer the service. They would have the tools, suction cup holders etc. Then you just store it in a (hopefully) safe corner perhaps on a wooden rack or something. In fact I can't think of anything better. I too am an avid DIYer but sometimes we have to choose our battles.

For restoration purposes, the original windshield is probably marked and date coded I'd guess so it probably has some extra value in that regard (if it's original).

 

[Evolution1980]

So what about the price of a new windshield though? Mine is cracked because of the new seals I put on my T-Tops...nice! Actually torqued the A-pillar just enough to stress fracture the glass (as some of you may have noticed at SharkFest).

Anyways, I'm gonna be needing a new windshield. I don't think I've ever really seen 'em advertised in any of the regular vette catalogs...
:confused

 

[69MyWay]

So what about the price of a new windshield though? Mine is cracked because of the new seals I put on my T-Tops...nice! Actually torqued the A-pillar just enough to stress fracture the glass (as some of you may have noticed at SharkFest).

Anyways, I'm gonna be needing a new windshield. I don't think I've ever really seen 'em advertised in any of the regular vette catalogs...
:confused

Usually, any glass company can get you one (brand new even).

 

[Twin_Turbo]

They're pretty easy to remove. Remove all the stuff on the pillars so you have the bare pillar left & the dash. Use a sharp needle and some fine but strong steel wire. Push the needle through the adhesive (lower A pillar, near the VIN tag is a good location), carefully push it through and grab it with needle nose pliers on the other side.

Then with a sawing motion saw through the adhesive, putting some strain on the wire. I did mine 2 times like this and it came out unharmed (only to be cracked in storage by something falling on it grrrr ad )

Marck