Is it possible to remove the windshield (from a '66) without breaking it? My desire would be to remove the glass, repair and repaint the flange, cowl top, A pillar, and surrounding area and then replace the windshield with new rubber. What is the likelyhood that I can do this successfully. I am somewhat familiar with the removal and installation techniques, but my concern is with removing the glass with aged rubber and not brealking it.
Any experience with this? Maybe it's done all the time?

 

I had my windsheild removed by TWO Professional glass installers. The glass had a SMALL rock chip in the center. These guys were very careful and worked very slowly and the windsheild still shattered into a million pieces
On the plus side, a new gasket and new windshield only set me back about $230.00 A great deal IMHO

 

A story: a couple of years ago a bought a 1967 Lincoln Continental with the intent of fixing it up a little (new vinyl top, new paint) and flipping it for a profit. Of course, in order to do the vinyl top properly, I had to remove the windshield and the rear window. To save the $100 or so in hiring a professional glass guy to do this, I decided to do it myself. I got the rear window out easily enough, but when pulling out the front window, it split right up the center - an awful sound and sight. So I ended up destroying my entire profit margin. A 1967 Continental windshield is not the most common piece of glass out there, so on an F-100 you might be willing to take the risk. For me though, with something is brittle as a windshield, from now on I'm going to let the professionals handle it and save money in the end.

-aaron

 

Since you are going to replace the gasket, cut the windshield free.You may need to cut from more than one direction. There is a tool, or you can make one with some hacksaw blade and a handle.

 

Cut the rubber gasket from the outside of the windshield using a utility knife. Unlike newer windshiels which are set in a bed of adhesive, this one is just held in place by the rubber. Cut off the lip on the outside and it will lift right out. After painting my truck, I I had a glass man come out and reinstall it. (Buy a new gasket first)

 

Jerry is right on. That's exactly how I did mine - utility knife. Once I had everything carefully cut away. pushing very carefully from the inside with my feet and my brother on the outside lifting and monitoring. Was a piece of cake. More worried about putting it back in, really.

Bob

 

Cutting the old rubber makes sense. I'll try it this week and let you all know how it went.

 

That's how my dad and I got the windshield out of my donor truck If we can do it.....anybody can

 

Outside cutting is a new one for me, I have always cut them on the inside, and pushed the glass outward.

I have removed several this way. I had a perfect replacement until I was moving things around and backed into it two years later.

John

 

FWIW . . .

I always cut the outside of gasket once I realized out how much easier it is! Also it's only way I know to "extricate" the SS Mldg on the CC's w/ Bright W/Shield Trim Moldings,without pretzeling it !

ALso FWIW, remove glass starting from top Center near ISRVM. Tip top outward, have helper recieve it. As it leans forward work to loosen/ remove it from gasket as req'd (see below). When it is only sitting on bottom center area, get out & both lift glass up & away from opening.


I've found making sure glass isn't stuck to gasket, or worse glued there in the past by some idiot too cheap to buy gasket & trying but failing to stop a leak w/adhesive (ARrrrGHghghgH ).

I "dressed" a cheapy steak knife with a light grinder so it's not sharp, pointed or serrated anymore. Tip looks like a artists pallet knife all rounded off etc. I bent a slight angle in it so I can work rounded tip into gasket, behind glass, inside the cab. I slather blade WET with WD40 & go around back side a time or two.

Last point. . . if there is any surface defect, especially exterior, or if laminate sheet is decomposing, (milking up-smokey-bubbled) it means there's a good chance glass can/ will crack upon removal regardless of expertise, technique, or experience used.

Either way Windshields & gaskets are readily available in Banded Tinted, or in Tinted not banded, or clear. Like shakespearesdad said it's under $250. In fact I bet it could be gotten installed for $250.

Keys are Preparedness, patience, Do not use no force but apply enough firm & gentle pressure to perform operation successfully.
GO FOR IT... But Leave all BFH's at friends place, Heh heh hee!

FBp