Bought me a 1996 E350 15 passenger van to use for trips. It has a cracked windshield, thinking about replacing myself with a junk yard one. Was wondering what years will fit. Thanks Bruce

 

if you are going to a pull-a-part that is one thing, but most junk yards are going to have an inventory sheet and already have cross references on what parts will fit. Just call and ask them, you can also search Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market.

I'm pretty sure the windshields are going to be the same across the board from 92 all the way through 2008 when they changed the front end, or maybe even till 2014.

 

That is what I thought but the junk yard said only 96 thru 2000. But the guy at counter not very bright? Said the thought it was just a tinting issue that was different. They had several good ones in the later years but he said they would not fit. His lookup said so. That is why I wanted some one to clarify the years that would fit. Will try the link you put up right now. Thanks Bruce

 

I"m definitely not an expert on the windshields, but the fact that the exterior of the van was basically unchanged from 92 until they did the superduty front end in 2008 would lead me to believe the windshields from any of those years would fit.

 

Well being in the auto/truck glass biz I'm a bit knowledgeable about this.....

Technically every E-Series body from 1992 to end-of-life use the same general shape of windshield---from that aspect they're all the same.

The only real difference is in the composition of the glass itself---some were solar controlled designated, others have slightly different inside rear view mirror attaching lugs, all still interchangeable from '92 onward.

Parts counters guys tend to be "less than knowledgeable" so while he's somewhat correct about "tinting" they'll all fit.

What's your plan on removing the existing windshield and installing the used one? You're aware they're urethane set and the "piano wire cutout" trick a bit of a foolhardy adventure right?

 

Yes, I am a semi retired master auto and truck mechanic. Planning on getting a windshield blade for a sawzall? Was told that the sawzall has to much stroke though, is that correct? I have one of those angled knife blades, tried that on one and it was a PITA, decided I would not use that again. The windshield at the salvage yard they only want 35$ for and I have a tube of the urethane if it hasn't all hardened! Thought I would try it myself this time. Thanks for the info. Is there a better year model to get for the best tint? This is going to be a vacation rig, used more in summer. Thanks Bruce

 

Listen---with all due respect...........hire someone to do this for you---its much easier and you'll thank me for this advice.

I get the desire to DIY but there are some things better left to professionals---surgery being one, urethane bonded windshields another. Not because its so massively complex but doing the job correctly requires a bit of experience and tools/materials that make no sense to buy for a single use. For close to $200 you can probably find an independent installer to do the job--call around but avoid SafeLite---another good bit of advice.

Yes the standard Sawzall (Milwaukee brand name) or reciprocating saws aren't well suited to W/S removal for a lot of reasons, the blade stroke being just one. The angled blade knife is most likely a "cold knife" and they do require a bit of experience to use correctly and effectively.

Best tint is a moving target--best for what? The big craze these days is "solar tinted" which is pure BS. The claim its better at UV rejection is bogus as its better only by a stinkin' 4% over "normal" or standard tinted windshields.

Urethane W/S adhesive and its primers do have expiration dates which should be followed if only to avoid reworking the install down the road.

Depending where you live I could arrange for you to pick up and pay COD for a new W/S----PM me for details.

 

Thanks for the Professional advice and the info on Safelite, the company I work for has a discount program with them. Also thanks for the year info, that is what I wanted. Bruce

 

I had a new windshield installed right in my driveway for $200.00 a few years ago.

 

Windshields are one of those things that even super amazing car builders don't touch because its just so easy and worth the price to have someone else install it. Plus if they break the window its on them

 

Yeah I would have to agree that it's probably not worth the trouble. I hesitate to respond since I'm operating from a commercial viewpoint, but to me it seems like even a home operator is going to come out ahead by calling in a glass shop.

You have to figure going out to the junkyard, extracting the windshield yourself involving no shortage of effort and special tools. Then you need to extract your windshield and install the junk yard windshield with the proper caulking compounds. Dispose of the old windshield... Lots of messing around there.

We get our windshieldss installed for around $170. Non commercial operators might see a higher price. But I would not be interested in getting junkyard glass at $35 given our rate with the glass shop. They'd have to give them to me for free to get me interested in replacing them myself.

The last time we had a windshield replaced I recall one of my drivers calling to say that there was shattered glass all over our parking area and a bunch of blood all around a van. He called back a minute later to say that he saw the glass guy with a blood soaked bandage on his leg and working on installing the new glass.

I don't want to know what happened there. I'm just glad it's not on our work comp policy. All I know is that our van got a new windshield.

YMMV

 

Available discount or not you'd be highly advised to avoid Safelite. I have no stake one way or the other with your van and windshield but experience in this trade as well as with that outfit scream out "you get what you pay for!"

As Del says YMMV so good luck with all this.