windshield removal

[plumgtx]

What is the best way to remove the front and rear windshields? Its my first time and I have removed the trim and some of the old crap in the middle. It has turned pretty hard now and is still hold in the glass in place. I have heard the idea of a trying to fit a guitar string in there and I guess trying to slice through the caulk. Anything else? Thanks guys

 

[hunt2elk]

That's about it. Dig out as much butyl as you can and get a wire through somewhere. There are some kits made for this that aren't too expensive.

 

[conv67bdere]

Since my 1967 gasket was also pretty "hard", and I knew that I would be replacing it, I worked my way around the windshield and cut the outside part of the gasket off the sides and the top. After I got that off, I was able to work my way across the top and get it free from the bottom part, and then down the sides . . . eventually I was able to tilt it out and get the bottom part out. Then I just pulled the whole thing out . . . it was a bit hard cutting that hard gasket, but it really didn't take that long.

Good luck with your removal process . . .

Got only one pic in my thread - 233 on page 13 showing the windshield removal . . .

 

[idrivemopar]

Using a piano wire or guitar wire is the recommended method to slice through the old mastic sealer, and its easier to do when the weather is hot, even the old stuff will soften up a bit on a good hot day. Be careful on the rear glass as one false move or too much stress on the window and it will be toast since its tempered safety glass. I used a utility knife on the inside to cut through and used this tool on the outside to cut through. And as conv67bdere says, the windshield, work around it to get one edge loose. For the back glass, you can do the same approach, however, be careful once again as too much stress and it will shatter.

 

[PGRIFFIN440]

You can use the wire method but it takes a long time sawing back and forth with a helper. If you go too fast the wire heats up and breaks.

It is best to remove as much of the gasket or sealant with a utility knife, then use the tool pictured above. it's only like $15 at amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Aid-87900-Windshield-Removal/dp/B0002SRDR8/ref=pd_sim_auto_2
I have also had good results using a craftsman ossilating cutter to slice sealant the windshield tool couldn't reach

 

[plumgtx]

That sounds good. I can take the car and put it outside next week it will be in the 90s. I noticed removing the stuff off the back part of the trim pieces was a lot easier after the aluminium sat in the sun for 3-4 hours.

 

[moperformance]

Using a piano wire or guitar wire is the recommended method to slice through the old mastic sealer, and its easier to do when the weather is hot, even the old stuff will soften up a bit on a good hot day. Be careful on the rear glass as one false move or too much stress on the window and it will be toast since its tempered safety glass. I used a utility knife on the inside to cut through and used this tool on the outside to cut through. And as conv67bdere says, the windshield, work around it to get one edge loose. For the back glass, you can do the same approach, however, be careful once again as too much stress and it will shatter.
View attachment 200093

IMO, If this is your first time "please don't use the tool shown"!
These things have been the cause of more broken/cracked windshields (front and back)than any one thing on the planet. Especially if your inexperienced.

 

[nm9stheham]

Go to an older auto parts store and ask for 'windshield wire'; it used to be pretty common. It is a thin wire, but unlike a guitar string it will be stranded. The stranding makes it work more like a saw than a wire. This works well, and you do it with one person inside and one person outside, sawing back and forth like 2 lumberjacks on a whip saw. Pull in a manner that keeps the wire off of the glass as mentioned.

We use a pair of vice grips on either side or a c-clamp on the wire for a handle, one on each side.

 

[idrivemopar]

IMO, If this is your first time "please don't use the tool shown"!
These things have been the cause of more broken/cracked windshields (front and back)than any one thing on the planet. Especially if your inexperienced.

I cant disagree with you there, so I experimented with it on my windshield first, as it was already cracked, it is a bit tricky, and actually works better with the t-handle removed, and you can then slowly work it along the window without putting any pressure on the glass. After seeing how it worked it was great to use on my back glass which was successfully removed.

 

[moparmarks]

Auto body supply should have some wire that cuts the butyl faster than piano wire.

 

[HT413]

Go to an older auto parts store and ask for 'windshield wire'; it used to be pretty common. It is a thin wire, but unlike a guitar string it will be stranded. The stranding makes it work more like a saw than a wire. This works well, and you do it with one person inside and one person outside, sawing back and forth like 2 lumberjacks on a whip saw. Pull in a manner that keeps the wire off of the glass as mentioned.

We use a pair of vice grips on either side or a c-clamp on the wire for a handle, one on each side.

Here ya go. 72 feet of it for $14. Now you can go around the neighborhood removing windshields for all...


http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...i_sku=117361&gclid=CJa3hevV0r8CFeXm7AodlGoARg

 

[moparmarks]

Here ya go. 72 feet of it for $14. Now you can go around the neighborhood removing windshields for all...


http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...i_sku=117361&gclid=CJa3hevV0r8CFeXm7AodlGoARg

That's the stuff. Been using it for years. Wear your gloves.

 

[flypaper]

use a heat gun to soften up the seal ahead of the wire cutting
and the wire will go thru it like a hot knife on butter
can get one out in minutes
never damaged one yet,
i have taken out dozens of them out over the years that way

 

[pturner]

call the man Aunt Bee

call the glass guy, Aunt Bee. a local guy removed both of mine for $50.
just my 2 cents
pt in tennessee

 

[moperformance]

I cant disagree with you there, so I experimented with it on my windshield first, as it was already cracked, it is a bit tricky, and actually works better with the t-handle removed, and you can then slowly work it along the window without putting any pressure on the glass. After seeing how it worked it was great to use on my back glass which was successfully removed.

Excellent!

 

[nm9stheham]

Here ya go. 72 feet of it for $14. Now you can go around the neighborhood removing windshields for all...


http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...i_sku=117361&gclid=CJa3hevV0r8CFeXm7AodlGoARg

That's the stuff! My son was amazed the first time he removed one with me using this wire. We actually DID joke about removing windshields at night belonging to people that we did not like....LOL