Hey everyone,
Been wrenching on the 86' Bullnose and making good progress. Of course other repairs are needed and one thing I'm looking at doing sooner than later is pulling the windshield to inspect the frame for rust. I'm seeing some rust along the firewall inside the cab especially near the gas pedal area. Theres water coming in somewhere and I'd be shocked if the windshield gasket wasn't part of the problem. I really hope the frame is not to bad but the windshield has to come out to get a good look. The windshield is in good shape and I'd like to reuse it (read not break it getting it out). So I'm guessing the old gasket will need to be cut out but I've never done this before so I'm appealing here for tips on how to make that happen.
Thanks,
Jcris

 

There are tools made to cut the butyl seal between truck & glass.
I use this one I have had for ever.

Being careful you get the knife started in the sealer. I found if you can get it on the glass and pull it with the handle it's not too bad.
Now the thing is you HAVE TO KEEP THE BLADE FLAT TO THE GLASS!
If you rock the tool the glass will crack and then you can have fun leaning on the rest with out worry of breaking it LOL.

I also heard of using a metal guitar string and using it like a saw to cut thru the seal.
Thing is getting it started thru the sealer and needing 2 people when you get to the center top & bottom to move the string.
I have not used the string so that is all I know of it.

The other thing and safest is to reach out to local auto glass shops, tell them what you need to do if they can pull it so you can repair and when done you call them and they install it for you.
I was able to get mine out by myself but it is heavy and no way I can install it with out help and I don't think I have anyone close that can help so I may be making a call about installing it.
I did get a card for a place that was doing glass on a car in a parking lot and asked about another project of installing the front & rear glass when the time comes so I know shops do this.

When you go to install the glass or someone else does DO NOT glue it in like they do the new cars & trucks.
Our trucks were not made to have them glued and flex and can crack the glass when back on the road.
You will find the younger installers were ONLY TRAINNED TO GLUE and will tell you that is the ONLY WAY TO DO IT!
I would tell then have a good day and find a different shop that will use butyl tape.
The butyl will let the body flex and still keep a seal between glass & body till the butyl dries out over a long time.

That is reason I want to do my glass my self.
BTW I have done glass remove / installs when I had a body shop with my dad.
Dave ----

 

Piano wire or the like is the the only way to do it without breaking the glass. The above pictured tool is nearly impossible to use without cracking the windshield, I own one of those tools so been there and done that.
There are lots of tutorials on youtube on how to do it with Piano wire or spider wire fishing line.

 

I have only cracked 1 in the hand full I have done and it was already cracked on the vary edge hidden by the molding.
I was repainting the car and wanted to pull it and when the molding came off I saw the crack.
Was hopping to get out in 1 piece but no luck. I was lucky as I had an spare from a parts car I also pulled.

I also pulled the front & rear Glass on my 70 AMC Javelin. You can no longer get the rear glass so I took extra care when pulling it.
You just have to take your time, rushing is when it turns bad with glass!
Dave ----

 

Frustrating the cameras on the truck can't be used so cameras have to be mounted side by side

 

Hi, I started a thread the other day about removing the trim... it may be some help in that step. If it comes to where I have to remove the windshield, I will gladly pay for that.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l-86-f150.html

Here's another thread from the Related Threads below.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...d-removal.html