Windshield Questions

[mtnman210]

I'm curious if anybody has taken their own windshield out. Is there any special tools you'd need to get one out and then put it in.


Also is there any difference in the windshields over the years. I'm wondering if I can take it out of a 73 Jimmy and put it in a 77 Blazer.

 

[tRustyK5]

I bought a specific tool for removing a windshield, it has a thin sharp piece that slips between the glass and the seal, then you drag it around the windshield. First the rubber 'rope' needs to be pulled from the windshield gasket though.

The tool was used to break the seal between the inside of the glass and the rubber gasket.

Then it's gentle prying and coercing to get the glass out. I worked it slowly and patiently for about an hour. I got mine pretty much out...then cracked the glass right before getting it out.

Putting it back in was harder, and I cracked it once more putting it back in.

I have no future as a glass guy. IMO it's better to just pay a mobile glass guy to do the job for you.

Oh yeah, my '81 windshield fit the '74 full vert windshield frame just fine. The real difference in the glass is tinted or not, antenna in the glass or not.

Rene

 

[colbystephens]

i tried taking a windshield out of my '83 to put into my '73 and broke it BAD. I did test fit the broken one into the '73 and it fit - so you should have no problem with fitment. i installed my new windshield into my '73 with a few tiny flat head screw drivers and some soapy water. i just went super slow. I started by putting the gasket into the window frame, then the window and then finally the locking strip. The locking strip is the most tedious part - but probably not too bad if you have proper tools. Like i said, i did it with tiny screw drivers and warm soapy water for lube. not the most entertaining thing to do.

can't help ya on how to get one out succesfully tho!

edit: rene beat me to it.

 

[4xcrazy]

i have removed two just to install a visor strip of tint along the top of the glass...just a cleaner job by removing them.
also removed the old one from my dually to replace the rock chipped one with a brand new one,,,Jason4x4 has the rocked up one, not cracked either

I used no special tools, just soap and water to help lube things up, press on the glass in small sections till it startt to push the rubber out, yes, they can be removed without breaking or cracking just need patience.

reinstalling, make sure everything is clean, use soapy water, get everything wet, drop the glass in the bottom of the seal first, and work the rubber out around the glass all the way around, again, in small sections, do not try to do too much at one time, and do not get in a hurry..

oh yeah, you need to take out the zipper lock before removal

 

[toomany]

I've done a few. First couple I cracked putting them in. Got myself some "windshield sticks" made things allot easier. The sticks are made of plastic and are tapered. They bend before the glass cracks.

Rear windows are super easy with a piece of rope and the help of a friend.

With the exception of clean up...I prefer glue in shields to the gasket types. Atleast for instalations. Never been able to get a glue in out without breaking it.

 

[4xcrazy]

i forgot to mention, that when removing, it works to use the soap and water around the edges, and work the rubber loose, so it's not sticking to the glass as much when you start to push on it from the inside, start at the top corner with your hand in the inside pushing, and your head outside watching the glass push the rubber out, again, do not over do it., push just enough to get it basically moving and then move to another area.

again, i think the breaking the rubber loose trick is what helps to prevent from breaking them on removal.

and yeah, glued in windshields require the little piano wire trick, not fun...we did a few of those out at Firebird when the Monster trucks came, then we got fed up and just started bustin them out, also because it was taking way too long.

 

[MTMike]

When I did my cab swap, the '81 windshield fit the "new" '74 cab, if that helps.

My friend helped me do the glass swap, and it didn't get broken, and it was really easy. It's been almost 3 years though and I couldn't do it again on my own

 

[mtnman210]

well maybe I'll bow out of this one and call the guy that does our glass for work. Normally I'd say to hell with it and give it a shot but I couldn't afford a new windshield at the moment.....that's why I was trying to recycled the other one

 

[toomany]

and yeah, glued in windshields require the little piano wire trick, not fun...we did a few of those out at Firebird when the Monster trucks came, then we got fed up and just started bustin them out, also because it was taking way too long.

I've got the piano wire tools...never been able to get the wire under the glass without cracking it. Ofcourse I've only tried it on 3rd gen Camaros/Firebirds. Those windshields meet the firewall/dash at a real steep angle.

 

[kitimatdude]

I bought new glass for mine. It was $167 CDN at the local glass place I did not comparison shop. I put it in myself it was fairly easy. it later broke but not from the install or any defect. Now I have to do it again.