Windshield removal?

[Lsixer]

I did a search on "windshield" and only found a few topics. One was a recent post by Alex, but, not completely relevant to me.
This winter, I want to pull the windshield and do some SERIOUS detailing in and around my dash. You all know that the gradient of the windshield is such that unless you are tinkerbell, you cannot get all the way down for some detailing. I figure upon completion, I would also try to recondition the gaskets, or replace, and any other tasks that are easily achieved due the windshield being out. I did notice I got a "windshield" hit on Jeffs wolfie project thread, but, jeez, I didnt want to search all gazillion pages.

Anyone pull one before? Is it a overly complex project? I dont want to hire a pro, because I'll have to pay him twice. Thanks!

Adam

[jbd5015]

haha...i cant even remember what i was talking about in my thread about windsheilds...

BUT, i know that dm635 did a windsheild replacement recently. All i remember is there was a TON of patience involved. At least on the install.

Im sure he will chime in.

-Jeff

[alpinacsi]

Are there any chips or nicks in the windshield? Definately have them repaired before you remove it.

I have found that if you want to save the windshield, you will destroy the gasket. and the reverse is true as well. These are older cars and the windshields are more fragile with wear and the gaskets are usually due for replacement.

To save the glass and make it easy to remove; take a razor knife and run it flat along the windshield and cut the gasket back to the alum trim. This will allow removal of the trim and glass without damage. The gasket that is between the alum and the glass should pull away, the trim should lift out and you should be able to see all edges of the windshield. Push the glass out from the center or use suction cups to lift from the outside center. Never pry up on a corner as this will put extreme stress on the glass and could cause it to crack.

Installation should be done with a new gasket, glass and trim as a unit. Use the rope method to work it back in place or pay someone to reinstall.

[Lsixer]

Are there any chips or nicks in the windshield? Definately have them repaired before you remove it.

I have found that if you want to save the windshield, you will destroy the gasket. and the reverse is true as well. These are older cars and the windshields are more fragile with wear and the gaskets are usually due for replacement.

To save the glass and make it easy to remove; take a razor knife and run it flat along the windshield and cut the gasket back to the alum trim. This will allow removal of the trim and glass without damage. The gasket that is between the alum and the glass should pull away, the trim should lift out and you should be able to see all edges of the windshield. Push the glass out from the center or use suction cups to lift from the outside center. Never pry up on a corner as this will put extreme stress on the glass and could cause it to crack.

Installation should be done with a new gasket, glass and trim as a unit. Use the rope method to work it back in place or pay someone to reinstall.

Wow, thanks for the directions. Almost makes it sound easy!

No, the glass is not damaged in anyway so I should be good there. But, I have a question, or better clarification.

Installation should be done with "new gasket, glass and trim as a unit"? I was hoping to reuse the glass and trim, but, definitely replace the gasket. In your opinion, can I reuse the glass and trim? Jeez I hope so. Also, is the gasket for the windshield easliy obtained through one of our suppliers?

Lastly, what is the "rope method"? Thats a new one to me. Although, I am thinking your latter idea of having an onsite installer drop by and re-install following the repair work a time saver. I'll cross that bridge when its near.

Thanks for all your help.

[alpinacsi]

Your glass and trim and new gasket.:)

A new gasket should be less than $100. Check with one of the known vendors.

The rope method is where you put a small rope in the gasket channel with the ends meeting in the center. Set the assemble in place and use the rope to pull the gasket over the metal body frame. You might want to do a search because I saw a very good write up on this a while back. Not difficult to do but can be difficult to explain.

[alpinacsi]

May not be for our cars but still the same principle:

http://www.route66restorations.com/1.html

[87M6 Chris]

Just did mine, be ever so careful with the aluminum trim, VERY easy to bend out of shape and quite ex$pensive to replace. The trim must be in the gasket as well as the glass when you start the install. As you are pulling the rope and the rubber is being pulled inside have someone outside the car watching and holding the trim in the gasket,
I likes to pop out at the corners, if it does you'll have leaks.
Chris

[Lsixer]

Thanks for all the help. The link was informative as well. I am thinking of starting around Christmas time, I have some extra days off and that should give me a good jump on the project. I'll take pics and post as project begins - ends. Thanks again everyone.

Adam

[LarryL]

I hate to be negative, but a 6-series windshield R & R shouldn't be attempted by a novice.

Even if you use a new gasket when you reinstall, there's a good chance the seal will leak in the bottom corners. The outside of the gasket needs to be sealed with 'body' sealer, and the glass-to-gasket mating area needs sealer also. Plus, the headliner can untuck itself while you're using the rope to pull the gasket lip in.

I own an autoglass replacement company, and the 6 series windshield has always been a PITA. I was in the business when the 6 series was a new car, and they've always been tricky.

Save yourself a headache and pay a pro.

[dm635]

I will chime in Jeff. Todd has correct info. The only difference I used on removal Was to cut on both sides of the trim crearing a "V", this allowed to remove the trim undamaged. I'm sure Todd's way works just as well

I also agree with 87M6, even though I was a novice, I did it myself. I did, however, crack the 1st windshield with only inch's to go. I did fine with the 2nd one. I only wish I had installed the trim into the gasket BEFORE setting the windshield.

[dm635]

EDIT- make that Julius instead of 87M6

[Acorn]

I picked an extremely hot day where the heat had softened the gasket, and worked popsicle sticks into many places around the gasket. Once I got all the way around, it kind of just popped (though not violently at all, more of slid) out. Then my dad and I just lifted and carried it inside the house.

[Lsixer]

I hate to be negative, but a 6-series windshield R & R shouldn't be attempted by a novice.

Even if you use a new gasket when you reinstall, there's a good chance the seal will leak in the bottom corners. The outside of the gasket needs to be sealed with 'body' sealer, and the glass-to-gasket mating area needs sealer also. Plus, the headliner can untuck itself while you're using the rope to pull the gasket lip in.

I own an autoglass replacement company, and the 6 series windshield has always been a PITA. I was in the business when the 6 series was a new car, and they've always been tricky.

Save yourself a headache and pay a pro.

The only problem is that if I pay someone, I have to pay them to come out, remove it, and then leave. Then I need to pay them to come back and re-install it. Kind of like double jepordy.

Do you have any recommendations for installers up in the Chicago area? BTW, how is it that the windshield breaks? I mean I understand that cracks can break it, and of course dropping it, but, if you are methodically removing it with two people, that is lifting it out, what causes it to break? Just curious more than anything I guess. Thanks!

-Adam

[alpinacsi]

BTW, how is it that the windshield breaks? I mean I understand that cracks can break it, and of course dropping it, but, if you are methodically removing it with two people, that is lifting it out, what causes it to break? Just curious more than anything I guess. Thanks!

-Adam

You do not want to put any pressure on it opposite to the curvature of the glass: like prying from a corner. You want to maintain the curvature as that is how it is designed and how it has its strength. Do not pry with anything that might chip the edge as this can cause a crack to develop. Older windshields may have stone chips which can create places for cracks to develop expecially when new forces are exerted during installation and removal. Also delamination at the edges can create issues with older ones. Even professionals can not gurantee used glass during installation and removal.

[Makr]

I had the windshield in my 633 redone some years ago....the guy walked out shaking his finger at me swearing. yikes


I need a new one in my 635 as I broke it putting the trim back in the old hardened gasket.


DM635 did his himself, but I am scared.


Keep this updated.

[LarryL]

The only problem is that if I pay someone, I have to pay them to come out, remove it, and then leave. Then I need to pay them to come back and re-install it. Kind of like double jepordy.

Do you have any recommendations for installers up in the Chicago area? BTW, how is it that the windshield breaks? I mean I understand that cracks can break it, and of course dropping it, but, if you are methodically removing it with two people, that is lifting it out, what causes it to break? Just curious more than anything I guess. Thanks!

-Adam

Down here we charge a flat rate for R & R. Includes both trips. Most of my customers are body shops, dealerships, and car lots, so we charge them $75 - $125 for an R & R. Most of them require two trips.

If you're going to cut the old gasket off the glass, you can remove it witjout breaking it. You'll need to be VERY careful, and take it slowly. If you try to re-install it, make sure you put the trim insert into the gasket before you install the assembly into the car body.

If you're not feeling confident, call a local body shop and ask them who they use.

I know people in Chicagoland, but none of them are in the glass business. :az