It is possible to remove the windshield on these trucks without breaking it?
If so, what is the best way to approach this?

thanks
Michael

 

I am going to defer the particulars to those that have actually done this, but I understand that you will need to carefully cut the rubber gasket away from the windshield and cab, taking special care around the stainless trim, if it has this.

The rubber gets hard and brittle over the years of being exposed to the elements. The stainless steel trim usually has to be cut out from the gasket or else it will get bent up when you try to remove it.

 

You will need a sharp knife or cutter. I have used a leatherman wave with serated stanless blade. Seems the best way I found has been to cut around the gasket inside the cab. Once that inside lip is cut it will or should release the windshield outward. The stainless trim has a lip tha is trapped in a grove inside of the rubber gasket. There are some clips in the center of the trim that will slide off of the gaps between the ends of the trim. A note of caution the trim will probably be trapped in the brittle rubber and alot of trapped dirt so pull lightly on it once the windshield is loose it will come out of the gasket pretty easy at least thats what I have found on the couple of windsheilds I have remove. I got the sharp knife or blade idea from my brother who worked in a body shop for 10years. This was after I told him about breaking a few when trying to part out some trucks I have owned. Hope this helps.

 

If your gasket is older than 10 years, then use a drywall knife and cut the fat part on the inside & loose it. Push the glass outward starting at the top.

Dennis Carpenter makes the best replacement gasket. Order one from him with or without the trim. Should yours have the trim, you set up a couple work benches, clean the glass really good. place the gasket on it, then the trim in the slot. You will need a length of sash cord to completely surround the gasket. Start at center bottom and end there.

You will need a bud to move forward. Set the glass in the frame and start pulling the sash cord locking the rubber inside, come up both sides making sure it is deep in the channel. Go towards the mirror from both sides. When the cord is out the glass should be in place.

This is a dry set meaning no caulk, glue, etc. You can use soapy water for a lube if you like.



guluk




John

 

Depends on the condition of the windshield?
Do you have a hammer?

All kidding aside, mine was cracked in a few places, so it needed to be replaced. I tried the methods stated, but had nothing but problems because the rubber gets so tough after 46+ years of weather. I also had the stainless trim ring on mine which I wanted to save. I was able to figure it out, and was able to cut most of the gasket away with a utility knife. It was still stuck pretty bad, so I finished the job with a hammer after I cracked it while pushing on it from the inside.

John and Buzz's method posted above is probably the best way.

 

Corey, Only if you want to reuse the glass.




John

 

Thanks guys, I'll give this a try.
I'm not interested in saving the gasket. It needs to be replaced anyway, so I'll start by trying to cut it away from the inside and giving it a push from the inside out, starting in the middle top.

 

Man, you are the best! I am new here and every post I check for info on my project, you give the goods! THANKS!