I've got a huge crack in my windshield on my 1990 F350 and want to replace it. I found a good replacement at the boneyard and would like to try to replace it myself. I've always wanted to try but never wanted to on a newer vehicle. This old truck I'd like to try for my first attempt because if this goes well I've got a 2004 tahoe that also needs the windshield replaced and the cost of the 2 windshields from the boneyard is going to be $120. To pay for both to get done we're looking at just over $400. I think it's worth a try. How do I remove the chrome trim around the glass without damaging it and what is the easiest way to cut the adhesive to remove the glass?
Is there a good quality tool or tools that anyone would recommend that would be less than $100 for the tool?

 

If you have a Harbor Freight Tool store locally, you can pick up both tools, trim removal and windshield cutting, for about $40.

 

I was hoping someone could give their personal experience with these tools, what's good, what's bad, what to look for and so on

 

Personally me and my dad did it with a few box cutters. Got it out of the truck we got it from and put it in his 90 no problem. took a lot of time but nobody around me does a good job replacing the windshields.
Trav

 

GOOD LUCK. My glass guy has all the professional tools and does it on a Daily basis. He says Maybe one out of 100 comes out without breaking

Not worth the effort. Just because it is not cracked does NOT make it good.
They get sandblasted.

Do you have a heated urethane gun to install the new one?


$200 is too much for a NEW glass PROFESSIONALLY installed with a guarantee NOT to leak?

 

X2 on Being able to get them out. My buddy's body shop and a local glass shop have never gotten one out of these trucks without breaking it.

 

Ya you have to get lucky to pull them out without an issue.


Brad I wouldn't say guaranteed not to leak. The glass shop that did my 92 and and my 88 (two different glass shops) both have mine leaking and both them keep telling me it is just how these ford trucks are yet I have others that don't leak a drop.


Also on the OPs Tahoe I wouldn't even want to touch it myself since I think it has those sensors in it that tell it temperature and when to turn on its wipers like my moms envoy. I would leave that one for sure to the pros.
Trav

 

Mine are guaranteed to not to leak, if they did leak, they would get fixed. Your glass shops are a joke if they tell you urethane does not seal a windshield(no matter that the glass goes in.) Rubber gasket is a different story(hence why they are no longer used)

 

I know they are a joke but luckily I know I can find the leak and seal it with some of the urethane from when I did it on dad's 90.


On our motorhome and the 02 f250 we use to have they broke the a-pillar on both sides and told us they were like that but we knew they were in perfect shape before I dropped the truck off. Hence why when I took my 92 in I took all the a pillars off (yet instead they get glass everywhere in the truck). I think the guy was mad at me because a 19 year old was telling him how to start the truck (it was having issues starting) and yelled at him for revving my little 6 banger to 5K when he got it started.
Trav

 

Around here a new windshield from the shop is less that $100 bucks. I wouldn't mess with a used windshield. Pulling out a cracked window isn't that hard. Cause you don't care. Putting them in can be tricky. Not as easy to get a leak free seal as you think.

Many times i'll have a local glass shop do my windshields. They can put in a new windshield with all the correct trims for under $200. My experience is don't try a body shop they charge list on the glass which is ridiculous. So the 100 dollar windshield for our trucks is probably 600 bucks at the body shop. Like I said ridiculous.

 

I had safelite replace mine 2 years ago and (knock on wood) no leaks. I didn't think that was too bad.

 

If you use a glass saw to cut the old one out GET SOME DECENT N-95 MASKS. I'm a volunteer fight fighter and trust me when I tell you you don't want to breath that glass dust in - and it gets EVERYWHERE. We still train with glass saws but rarely use them on scene.

 

2 dowels a piece of piano wire and your foot. Remove the trim and fish the wire through the sealer. With someone on the inside and you on the outside saw through the glue.
I have had comprehensive coverage on my insurance policy, for under 12 dollars for the year, and had the glass guy come to the house or work and replace it for free. All vacuumed out and the windshield washed inside and out. I like easy!

 

If you chip the edge of a good windshield it will break before you get it all the way loose. Here $120 to $150 will get you a new glass installed. If you want to get one out though is the ticket. I wish I had found this a long time ago! Mine was less than the Amazon one and IIRC it came from Harbor Freight.

 

I had the windshield in my 91'F350 replaced last month for less than $200. After watching the guys, no way would I attempt it for that cost.