Windshield replacement
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1
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Windshield replacement
Anyone replaced the windshield yourself. I am and looking for a less pricey alternative to CRL foam tape to support the windshield while the urethane adhesive dries. If I have to put out that much for the CRL I will but again looking for less pricey alternatives.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,694
Likes: 833
From: WI
Yes, I've replaced several windshields. Not difficult.
Get a tube of 3M urethane sealer. It's not that expensive, like $10 I think. Sealer/adhesive in a caulk tube is really better, it holds more securely than butyl tape (Ever see windshields fall out of 80's cars in a crash?). Because it's t-top, the windshield is actually part of the structure in a way ...and helps reduce flexing.
Then get yourself some urethane rubber windshield blocks from like a glass place, or maybe you can buy on ebay or amazon. You can cut as per needed and put under the corners of the windshield to dry-fit to ensure it's the right height (for the trim) before you lay your urethane bead and final-install the glass. Make the blocks somewhat small and be sure the bead is on the inside of the block. The blocks can stay. Make sure the car is sitting on all 4 of it's wheels (not on jackstands) and don't disturb it or close the door with the window up (it'll create a pressure-blast that'll pinhole through non-cured urethane). Just let it sit and cure. Although one person can do it, better to have a helper.
Note: You might want to install the trim clips before installing the windshield bc the urethane might get into that area and make it hard to install them once cured.
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Get a tube of 3M urethane sealer. It's not that expensive, like $10 I think. Sealer/adhesive in a caulk tube is really better, it holds more securely than butyl tape (Ever see windshields fall out of 80's cars in a crash?). Because it's t-top, the windshield is actually part of the structure in a way ...and helps reduce flexing.
Then get yourself some urethane rubber windshield blocks from like a glass place, or maybe you can buy on ebay or amazon. You can cut as per needed and put under the corners of the windshield to dry-fit to ensure it's the right height (for the trim) before you lay your urethane bead and final-install the glass. Make the blocks somewhat small and be sure the bead is on the inside of the block. The blocks can stay. Make sure the car is sitting on all 4 of it's wheels (not on jackstands) and don't disturb it or close the door with the window up (it'll create a pressure-blast that'll pinhole through non-cured urethane). Just let it sit and cure. Although one person can do it, better to have a helper.
Note: You might want to install the trim clips before installing the windshield bc the urethane might get into that area and make it hard to install them once cured.
_
Last edited by Mark G; Aug 12, 2021 at 10:24 PM.
