I need to remove and replace the windshield on Project Brownie. I've removed windshields before but have never reinstalled a new one. Wondering if anyone has any tips.

I would get a glass company to remove and install but I want to make sure I clean everything up first and make sure I don't have any rust starting.

Thanks,

Scott

 

I used Safelite... they cleaned it up and use a primer speaker, then black adhesive, and new clips $300.

 

I've done this once. And will pay someone next time.

I tried using the two common remover tools, the cable cutter thing and the pull blade thing. Neither worked. The windshield is recessed so the cutter cable thing couldn't get a proper (straight) angle. Bent the blade on the other tool.

What I ended up doing was cutting through the sealant from the inside with one of those carpet/linoleum knives. You know, the one that looks like a hawk's beak. This knife is insanely sharp and strong. Did it make the job easy? Heeeellll no. That sealant was hard as tire rubber after twenty eight years. I tried skimming along the glass just trying to get the sealant to separate enough. Still a major b****h. And i, of course, couldn't reach the entire perimeter anyway. And no, it didn't take a single pass. It took seeeveral passes before I was able to make any headway with the next step.

At this point I taped sheets of plastic to the outside and the inside and used leg strength to push the glass out. It was already cracked in a couple of places so, even though this worked, the entire windshield was totally crumbled when I got done. Some scraping and cleaning and the frame was ready for a new windshield, or paint in my case.

Never again.

Installing the new glass is a two-person job. Do a little more sealant than you think you should. That metal isn't straight or flat, and you only get one chance. If it's a concern, run some tape around, leaving room for the sealant, so any bleed-out on the inside will be easy to remove. Place the little shims before installing the glass.. They will keep the glass from sliding down while the sealant cures.

Probably not needed, but a test wash would be a good idea before putting the trim back on, if just for the comfort that comes from doing it.

It was recommended that I buy two tubes of sealant, but I only really needed one.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the input!

 

In for pics of you have rust and how you will repair.

 

Hoping for no rust or just surface rust that I can wire wheel and hit with some POR-15.

 

Got the windshield out with a little bit of effort.

No issues getting the stainless trim off.

Windshield removal was more difficult than expected.

First, I cut the urethane rubber right next to the glass and then removed it. Next, I tried to use the cold knife to cut through the urethane and release the glass. No luck. I'm a big guy, but I still couldn't get it to cut through the urethane.




Next, I used the Harbor Freight tool - two handles on some piano wire - to cut through the urethane. Worked great.




After getting the urethane out, it looks like the top of the windshield channel has some scaly rust. No rust-through, so that's good news, but it will still need some attention. My plan is to wire wheel it and then use POR-15. When that's done, I'll install the new glass. @Hit Man X - I'll get some pics tomorrow.

 

Thanks for the update

 

The only input I have is don't use a textured coating around the the seal as the guys I had install my windshield said that they installed one on a vehicle that had been painted with raptor liner and the week later (after it rained) had to go back and refit it, this happened several times to the same vehicle. At least if a professional installs it they guarantee their work and they aren't that expensive.

 

Rust was worse than I had hoped especially given the condition of the rest of the truck, which is about 99% rust free.








Spent a few hours with prep - getting all the old urethane out and then wire and sandpaper to get rid of all the rust. Then I hit it with some Por-15 Metal Prep. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then washed off with water.



Followed by POR-15.




Waited 24 hours, then scuffed with 320 grit and washed again with water. Next up was some POR-15 red oxide primer. Damn stuff is expensive.




Next will be new windshield clips; they're reproduced, and the top and sides use a different clip than the bottom does. Then I'll apply some special windshield primer; supposed to help with urethane adhesion. Then urethane. Then the windshield.