Windshield Removal

[DanStokes]

Here's the deal. I need to pull the windshield on the Buzz Bomb so we can finish up a couple of welds on the 'cage. It's a long story. Besides, it leaks when I have to leave the car outside so it's time. Anyhow, what's the chance of getting the darn thing out in one piece? It seems to be the original and it really doesn't need replacing as long as it comes out in a chunk.

I know how to pop the trim and so on (have the tool), and I have a nearly inexhaustible supply of violin strings to use for a cutting device. Any suggestions for methods, equipment, etc. will be happily accepted.

Dan

[squirrel]

Re: Windshield Removal

At the junkyard, we used two screwdrivers, and two people, and a piece of music wire. Wrap the wire around the shank of one screwdriver. Remove the trim. Get one person inside the car, the other outside (get your tall friend to be the outside guy/gal). Poke the end of the wire thru the rubber seal, then about 12" from the first screwdriver, wrap the other end wire around the second screwdriver, so you have one screwdriver in the car and one outside, with the wire connecting them. Then just work together to pull the wire around the entire windshield, cutting the seal as you go. You need to be careful to try to keep the wire from snagging the cut edge of the glass, you kind of have to push it down into the crevice between the metal and glass, as you go.

Patience is your friend with this operation. See your signature if you don't believe me!

[IRONHEAD]

Re: Windshield Removal

guitar e sting works great, with vice grips

[BangShiftChad]

Re: Windshield Removal

I have done it this way too. Make sure you use a sawing motion with the wire. Also, tape the snot out of the painted surfaces around the windshield so you don't scratch the paint up.

BUT, the best deal is to call a glass guy. If you tell them that you want the windshield removed, and then put back in later, they will pull it free and then do the install again and charge you. It shouldn't cost more than $40 to have the glass pulled and put back in.

[squirrel]

Re: Windshield Removal

I was expecting to see Chad suggest a sawzall

[DanStokes]

Re: Windshield Removal

Thanks guys. Sounds like my thinking was about on track. If I can find that $40 glass guy I KNOW which way I'm going!

Dan

[SuperBuickGuy]

Re: Windshield Removal

most body shop supply houses have a one-man cutting tool that works pretty well. it's a hook/blade with two handles one attached with a cable.... it worked well for getting the windows out of the Buick

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: Windshield Removal

they always break on me , but I never have patience and end up kicking them out

[Barry Donovan]

Re: Windshield Removal

there is real wire for this. I go for it as one not knows what might be in the music string chaffing into the body.
instead of heat, more cut

[milner351]

Re: Windshield Removal

For reference - I paid $170 for a new Ford/carlite windshield for the truck, installed.

I'm guessing at least $100 of that was the new glass.

[69SS 350 5 Speed]

Re: Windshield Removal

I have used the wire method several times with great results. Twice in the last year. Once on the 71 Nova and on a 72 Monte Carlo both with the original butyl tape. No scratched paint or broken glass. Just don't use a wire gauge that is too big or so small that it can't take the strain.

[squirrel]

Re: Windshield Removal

I got to pull a windshield out of an 86 suburban a couple days ago, it was so easy...no glue...just pull out the lock strip, then push the glass out of the gasket.

Of course the fun part will be putting it in the 87 suburban. At least the glass was replaced in it not long ago, so it should not be too difficult.