Installing a windshield?

[Kyogie12]

So...i didn't have my hoodpins latched down and I was doing 65 on a local highway and this happened...

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So has anyone installed a windshield? How hard is it? I'm short on cash so i'd rather do it myself....

I just finished that car a few weeks ago too, got it as a shell and built her up

 

[Absit]

I'm all for doing my own work, but I won't touch a windshield. It's too important for both safety and handling. I'm sure it's quite simple though, good luck.

 

[92EagleAWD]

I would like to know this as well, i cracked mine last week :/

 

[rayrayx11]

well ive always wanted to kick a windshield out like the movies =P

i paid 50 for mine to be replaced. its just some kind of silicone holding it in places. just sand down around the windshield edges to prevent rust.

 

[Kyogie12]

Whered you get it replaced for 50 bucks?!

And as for the kicking i'm planning on trying that one tomorrow when i have some jeans and real shoes on haha. Should be fun!

 

[ktgurl87]

I would never even remotely attempt trying to change my own windshield. There's the seal that goes around the whole thing, if it's not set right, it'll leak like a SOB. If you're not careful with the glass, you can break it or crack it. But you go ahead and give it a whirl dude. Let us know who far ya get.

 

[rayrayx11]

someone gave me a number. the guy pulled up in a van at my house. had it done quick. too easy. i did have a spare car to get the windshield from though. 50 is the guy swapping it. my suggestion would be look around in the yellow book. i guess i just got lucky

 

[ktgurl87]

I believe I got quoted $150 around here to replace the GST's windshield. It's got a crack in it above the driver's side wiper arm. That's not a horrible price to be honest. I'd call around to see what you can find.

 

[Absit]

I paid $210 for a new windshield a few months ago.

 

[Carlz0r]

1. Cut out old windshield (utility knife or an actual windshield cold-knife works great)
2. Use utility knife to cut old urethane down so that it's about 2mm tall all the way around
3. Clean back side (inside) of new windshield with ammonia-free glass cleaner
4. Apply glass primer all the way around the outer edge of the windshield (everywhere the urethane will be bonding to)
5. Clean entire windshield frame area with water (just to remove any dirt)
6. Apply proper metal primer (there's specific stuff for windshields) to anywhere around the windshield frame where there's bare paint or metal showing
7. If it's not already attached to the windshield, attach the outer trim
8. Cut a V into one side of the tip for the urethane (it'll probably have marks on it for where to cut)
9. Starting in one of the lower corners, apply the urethane in a consistent bead all the way around. Chances are you won't make it all the way in one tube, but starting in the bottom corner drastically reduces any risk of leaking.
10. When you have to switch tubes (which you almost certainly will), finish your bead, making sure to blend the urethane together at the start and end. You want to make sure you have a consistent bead all the way around with no breaks, or you risk leaks
11. Have someone give you a hand setting the windshield into place. There should be a support on both the left and right bottom corners of the windshield frame to hold it in the correct position. If not, use a strong tape from the windshield to the roof to hold it in place.
12. Smack the windshield all the way around the outer edge with your hand. This will spread the urethane out and seat the windshield in place.

Make sure you leave a window open for at least 3-4 hours. If you close a door without the window being open, the sudden increase in pressure can actually pop the windshield out slightly, causing leaks.

Hope this helps!

P.S. As much fun as it may seem to kick out a windshield, it wont work with one that's been urethaned in (and they have been for a couple decades now). All you'll do is make it even more difficult to remove, and you risk getting glass slivers. Trust me on this one, they suck. Make sure you wear leather gloves when you remove that windshield.

 

[unplugme71]

Its not that hard to do but I don't think I would do it again unless I have someone with experience helping me like I had before. Breaking glass would not be fun.

 

[rayrayx11]

150 with or with out the windshield?

 

[ktgurl87]

That was them bringing a new windshield out here to my house and putting it in. Maybe it was $175. Put it this way... it was under $200. And just as soon as I have more money to throw at this car, I will surely get right to it.