After discouraging advice from various auto glass shops,I took it upon myself to pull my 33 year old windshield out of my '70 coupe.
After 2 days of blood,sweat,and tears..I got it out in one piece.
Some tips..
1. Remove the wiper door and grille as well as all interior/exterior trim.
2. Soak entire periphery of glass with a good thinner.I used MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone),which is readily available in the aircraft industry.I also used "PB Blaster" which really softens sealants.I left these both to soak up some HOT California sun.
3. Using .040" stainless lockwire (aircraft quality),pierce an entrance point somewhere along glass and using both hands,saw your way around complete periphery of glass to dismember the sealant. Glass will start to lift loose,but don't jump the gun and try to lift as this is where all the damage starts.Be sure to pass the wire down at the 6 o'clock area where it is heavily sealed. I removed both wiper arms for maximum access.
4. When ready, have a partner support opposite side and gently lift glass straight off in a forward direction.Do not cant glass sideways or attempt this solo as you are bound to cause breakage.
5. This job requires A LOT of patience and delicate time which most auto glass shops are not about to do. Shop hour rates do not preclude spending this amount of time and to them it's just another windshield.If careful,(and keep the beers cold till later),there is no reason to lose the glass.
I used basic hand tools and strong putty blade.
My biggest headache now is drilling out the broken bolts threads in my wiper door...but a pleasure,knowing I saved my original dated windshield.
After 2 days of blood,sweat,and tears..I got it out in one piece.
Some tips..
1. Remove the wiper door and grille as well as all interior/exterior trim.
2. Soak entire periphery of glass with a good thinner.I used MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone),which is readily available in the aircraft industry.I also used "PB Blaster" which really softens sealants.I left these both to soak up some HOT California sun.
3. Using .040" stainless lockwire (aircraft quality),pierce an entrance point somewhere along glass and using both hands,saw your way around complete periphery of glass to dismember the sealant. Glass will start to lift loose,but don't jump the gun and try to lift as this is where all the damage starts.Be sure to pass the wire down at the 6 o'clock area where it is heavily sealed. I removed both wiper arms for maximum access.
4. When ready, have a partner support opposite side and gently lift glass straight off in a forward direction.Do not cant glass sideways or attempt this solo as you are bound to cause breakage.
5. This job requires A LOT of patience and delicate time which most auto glass shops are not about to do. Shop hour rates do not preclude spending this amount of time and to them it's just another windshield.If careful,(and keep the beers cold till later),there is no reason to lose the glass.
I used basic hand tools and strong putty blade.
My biggest headache now is drilling out the broken bolts threads in my wiper door...but a pleasure,knowing I saved my original dated windshield.
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