Front windshield installation

[graciebrother]

Hi,

Does anyone have any instructions on the process for removal and installation of a new windshield?

Costs about $300 if I send it to the pros but think I may be able to do it myself if it's fairly straightforward. I should be able to get one from the wreckingyard.

thanks

gb

 

[vroomzoomboom]

this is something you shouldn't do yourself if you don't know how. beleive it or not, a windshield is a structural part of your roof. also, it could turn into a very messy job, as well as if you don't do it correct it can or will leak (and i know how much rain you get out in Vancouver) and could pop out if your air bags go off if your ever in an accident. trying to cut one out without breaking it, if you don't have the correct tools will be next to impossible.

 

[Blee1099]

I've seen the pros do it.. Leave it to the pros.. The adhesive they use is some nasty stuff.. That stuff will stick to anything.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

^^^that too. i used to do windshields when i was a bodyman, and things can go south in a hurry. anything from getting the urethane everywhere, to dropping the windshield on the hood (and yes i have done both).

 

[toypaseo]

I would also recommend leaving it to the pros, even though the putz who installed my last one sucked.

My ex-Ford mechanic neighbor also has told me that the windshield is structural.

 

[96eb96]

I would also recommend leaving it to the pros, even though the putz who installed my last one sucked.

My ex-Ford mechanic neighbor also has told me that the windshield is structural.

Yup, not a DIY job. The windshield also probably contributes to structural integrity in some rollover situations.

Some things you should pay an experienced pro to do. Its good to keep glass coverage even on older cars, there is no penalty for a glass claim.

 

[graciebrother]

thanks for the advice all. I'll take you up on it and leave the project well alone. Had a couple of cracks grow on me in the last few weeks and it's going to need to be replaced in the spring summer. Until then, hopefully it won't get too much worse!

GB

 

[97xlt4.0]

couldn't hurt to call a few other shops as well, see if you can work a deal, if you haven't already. I paid $195 for my new windshield installed back in May of '09.

Are any of your cracks where they could interfere with your vision as the driver?? I know down here they can pull you over for that(my old windshield was NOT legal....)

 

[my98nnj]

$300 bucks?
I just had mine replaced, got a genuine Ford windshield installed for $180.

 

[graciebrother]

Yeah, guess I will have to do some shopping around. I'd be very happy with a price around $180.

In terms of the existing cracks, nothing that's affecting my vision. I have one that started right at the centre bottom, went directly up about 4 inches or so then branched out left and right. both have almost reached the edges of the windscreen. So it's very low and no in my view. It's been interesting watching that ones grow over the weeks. Scary infact. The other crack is on the passenger side and is heading up so no danger at the moment of it heading my way.

 

[john93rangerstx]

if you have a buddy help u it not that bad

 

[gijoecam]

Interesting (useless) fact: The cracks, once started, will follow the stress lines in the windshield. When the windshield is formed, there are internal stresses introduced in the glass as it cools. All cracks will follow those particular levels of stress as they propogate across the shield. The fact that they're straight is not a bad sign. (Former supervisor used to work at the Dearborn Glass Plant back in the day when Ford used to make their own glass).

Make sure they install a Carlite windshield. Don't let them use cheap, crappy Guardian glass or other inferior products.