Windshield removal
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
Windshield removal
I need to remove the windshield in my 68 vert to gain access to the cross head screws that retain the clips for the top of the windshield outer molding. Does anyone have any good tips to pass along so hopefully I can get the windshield out without cracking or breaking it? I have the tools to cut the urethane that bonds the glass to the windshield opening.
I have done lots of the older windshields that are in a rubber channel where you push the glass out of the channel and use lamp cord and sopay solution to install it, but this will be my first try at removing a urethane mounted windshield.
I have heard the horror stories about you'll no doubt break it but I believe with the proper tools, patience and care this can be done, just need a few words of wisdom! Thanks
I have done lots of the older windshields that are in a rubber channel where you push the glass out of the channel and use lamp cord and sopay solution to install it, but this will be my first try at removing a urethane mounted windshield.
I have heard the horror stories about you'll no doubt break it but I believe with the proper tools, patience and care this can be done, just need a few words of wisdom! Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
Sounds like you have the right plan. I did basically the same thing and mine came out without breaking. Five minutes later, I looked at it and there was a crack from top to bottom. I would swear that it wasn't there when it came out, but maybe once out of the frame it de-stressed. I can't really say. Hopefully your luck will be better.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 856
Likes: 2
From: Tyler Texas
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
Thanks to both of you for the information especially the link to the 69 w/s installation. Now I'll cross my fingers that my windshield makes it out in one piece and doesn't become a multi-piece one while out or while re-installing it!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,170
Likes: 4,249
From: Westminster Maryland
Fordman,
If what I read is true I think the odds are about 1 in 3 of not breaking it. I believe that being really, really careful helps. But just how brittle the glass has become is what the real issue is. I don't think it was designed to still be around 40 years after it was produced.
Good Luck!!!! Good Luck!!!! Good Luck!!!! Good Luck!!!!
Regards,
Alan
If what I read is true I think the odds are about 1 in 3 of not breaking it. I believe that being really, really careful helps. But just how brittle the glass has become is what the real issue is. I don't think it was designed to still be around 40 years after it was produced.
Good Luck!!!! Good Luck!!!! Good Luck!!!! Good Luck!!!!
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,246
Likes: 114
From: Watkins Glen NY
I wonder if a mobile windshield company could do it for a small fee, with a reasonable expectation that it could be removed successfully by them?
I know that they are in business to INSTALL windshields and are probably better at that than removal...but maybe its worth a shot?
I know that they are in business to INSTALL windshields and are probably better at that than removal...but maybe its worth a shot?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 7
From: Ontario
Why try to save it? unless this is a NCR deal.
Having your local autoglass company supply and install and new windshield(AT YOUR HOME) will be in the $200 range. This was the best "bang for my buck' project that I ever did to my vette. Where else can you get work done to your vette at your home including parts so cheap.
I removed my glass carefully using the pianio wire trick(broke anyway)... repaired some rust and then had the local company drop in a new one ... all in MY garage for $215. They were real pro's...do this all day long. The modern adhesives are also much better than the original which dry and cracks with age(root cause of many birdcage rust issues)
It is so nice to have new flawless clear glass
PS.....I called them back to remove and reseal my rear window with modern products. I have a 78 and noticed a small leak. They told me that removing the windshield without breaking it is a real long shot...but the rear can be done due to the shape and type of glass used.
Having your local autoglass company supply and install and new windshield(AT YOUR HOME) will be in the $200 range. This was the best "bang for my buck' project that I ever did to my vette. Where else can you get work done to your vette at your home including parts so cheap.
I removed my glass carefully using the pianio wire trick(broke anyway)... repaired some rust and then had the local company drop in a new one ... all in MY garage for $215. They were real pro's...do this all day long. The modern adhesives are also much better than the original which dry and cracks with age(root cause of many birdcage rust issues)
It is so nice to have new flawless clear glass
PS.....I called them back to remove and reseal my rear window with modern products. I have a 78 and noticed a small leak. They told me that removing the windshield without breaking it is a real long shot...but the rear can be done due to the shape and type of glass used.
Last edited by Retro78; Jan 16, 2008 at 08:16 PM.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
The windshield has been in the car about a year. It's a PPG windshield so it's a good one. I took over the car as an unfinished project and the upper molding clips are shot and wont hold. The previous owner did some things in the wrong order, this being one of them. My plan is to get the glass out, fit and install the top corner pieces and replace the molding clips. I have already resigned myself to the fact I have a 50/50 chance of getting the glass out in one piece. If it breaks I'll just have to replace it. Now I wonder if I should break it, would my comprehensive (glass) coverage pay for replacement? For those of you that had the pros replace your windshields in your driveways was the glass you got good quality? I certainly don't mind paying 250-300 for a windshield if need be, what the heck it's only more money into the blue monster that resides in the garage and needs constant feeding!
Last edited by 1Fordman; Jan 16, 2008 at 09:48 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Windsheild removal !
I thought I could get mine out without breaking it.
Slow and carefull, last clip on the top molding released,
and sent a crack right down the middle of the glass,
so much for slow and carefull !
I would say ODDs are more like 1-20 at best.
Good Luck...69Vette
Slow and carefull, last clip on the top molding released,
and sent a crack right down the middle of the glass,
so much for slow and carefull !
I would say ODDs are more like 1-20 at best.
Good Luck...69Vette
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 733
Likes: 1
From: Coquitlam British Columbia
I've taken two out the first one came out intact second I got a bit careless and it cracked . Most important thing I can think to tell you is DO not touch the edge of the glass with any object such as a screwdriver etc or it is gone for sure.
ikwhite
ikwhite
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
After 15yrs in the Industrial & Comercial glass replacement industry...I can say from expierence that this is 100% true. Be ever so carefull with those edges. See if you can borrow pump style glass cups from somewhere. They are a glass installers best friend!!!Eddie
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
Well guys the Corvette gods were smiling on me tonight! The windshield made it out in one piece and it's safely put away where no one will come close to it. Of course it still has to go back in but I'll have a pro do the re-installation. It actually took longer to clean the urethane from the opening and the windshield than it did to remove it.
What really helped was a urethane cutting tool I bought made specifically for windshield removal. Thanks for all the tips and suggestions.
Who won the bet?!
What really helped was a urethane cutting tool I bought made specifically for windshield removal. Thanks for all the tips and suggestions.
Who won the bet?!
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge LA
CI 6 & 8 Veteran
Safelite auto glass here in Baton Rouge quoted me $25, yes $25 to come "cut one out". WAY worth it, IMHO. Also consider if you have to
get the windshield changed on another vehicle to have them come do it where you have the Vette and try to talk them into taking it out for gratis....
get the windshield changed on another vehicle to have them come do it where you have the Vette and try to talk them into taking it out for gratis....
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,363
Likes: 1,059
From: Virginia USA
Thats the trick, I was taking the screws out of the SS header where the convertible top seal sits, slipped and my screwdriver hit right on the edge of the glass. I sat there in horror as the crack propgated itself all the way down to the wiper blades.
It moved in slow motion too. Oh well, it had a small rock ding on the passenger side behind the rear view mirror. I couldn't see it from the driver seat but eveyone who went for a ride would point it out to me. I still have mine out because I got caught up in the "while I'm in there's" and am waiting for my speedo cable. Thought it would be easier to change with the dash out. Glad you got yours out without damage. Good job.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
I got the tool from our local auto supply. It's made by ATD and the part # is ATD-6516, also bought ADT-8562 but didn't need it. I used a regular old putty knife in the center section where the windshield dips down in the center. The putty knife went right between the dash pad and windshield.