Windshield Removal
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
Windshield Removal
THought I might as well show my windshield removal. Two choices were #1- Have it done by local glass company, cost: $50.00
#2- Round up piano wire, make up handles for wire, enlist help to hold handle on opposite side of glass to effect a sawing action, which will cut through adhesive.
I opted for option #1 and called Tiny and Sons, a local glass company and supporter of the hot rod community in my area.
First thing was to lubricate the windshield adhesive holding glass in with a cleaner lubricant and let it set for a couple minutes. I also opted to heat up the surface above adhesive a bit with a 1500 watt blow dryer.
Next step is to take the small sawzall type adhesive saw, and carefully insert blade into adhesive. Keeping saw flat and against the windshield frame, slowly follow along frame.
Once complete pass is made around entire windshield, carefully apply pressure to top of glass and windshield should be free.
No matter which method you choose to try, the key is patience. Don't try to rush and don't force anything. Slow and steady wins the race!
#2- Round up piano wire, make up handles for wire, enlist help to hold handle on opposite side of glass to effect a sawing action, which will cut through adhesive.
I opted for option #1 and called Tiny and Sons, a local glass company and supporter of the hot rod community in my area.
First thing was to lubricate the windshield adhesive holding glass in with a cleaner lubricant and let it set for a couple minutes. I also opted to heat up the surface above adhesive a bit with a 1500 watt blow dryer.
Next step is to take the small sawzall type adhesive saw, and carefully insert blade into adhesive. Keeping saw flat and against the windshield frame, slowly follow along frame.
Once complete pass is made around entire windshield, carefully apply pressure to top of glass and windshield should be free.
No matter which method you choose to try, the key is patience. Don't try to rush and don't force anything. Slow and steady wins the race!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Savannah GA
Thanks for the info! What are you cutting with the sawzall when you run it around the edge? Are you cutting the rubber gasket or what? It's funny because I was looking at the windshield today and what will be involved to pull it in my 77. Nothing is wrong with the glass but I want to repaint the car later in the year and I want to pull everything when I do it.
Warren
Warren
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
Windshield Sealant
Hi Warren,
I am going by what the Tech from the glass company told me about my windshield. I believe he called the sealant he was cutting through "butyl". It is a jet black color and very similar in texture and appearence to a silicone type sealant. He also told me that it has not been in use since the early 90's. I thought he said the newer product was a "urethane" type sealant. The little sawzall type tool he had was the cats azz, made the job very easy. A key point to remember is using the lubricant/cleaner pictured in the post or one similar. It not only keeps the saw blade or wire you are using cleaner and cooler, but once the glass has been cut through, it helps to keep it from resealing itself.
Good Luck!
I am going by what the Tech from the glass company told me about my windshield. I believe he called the sealant he was cutting through "butyl". It is a jet black color and very similar in texture and appearence to a silicone type sealant. He also told me that it has not been in use since the early 90's. I thought he said the newer product was a "urethane" type sealant. The little sawzall type tool he had was the cats azz, made the job very easy. A key point to remember is using the lubricant/cleaner pictured in the post or one similar. It not only keeps the saw blade or wire you are using cleaner and cooler, but once the glass has been cut through, it helps to keep it from resealing itself.
Good Luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 6
From: Baltimore MD
You dont have any pics of taking off the molding do ya?I want to do what you did but dont know how to go about getting the molding off.I want to check out my windsheild frame and rust proof it.What a minute what year vette do you have?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
Trim Removal
Hey Billysvette,
I just did a post that outlined the trim removal process on my 1971 roadster, and it included pictures. Do an advanced search of this forum with the key words "trim removal", and it should come right up!
I just did a post that outlined the trim removal process on my 1971 roadster, and it included pictures. Do an advanced search of this forum with the key words "trim removal", and it should come right up!
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 136
From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
A new windshield is on my "to do" list. Think I'll leave it to the pro's though. Mine's the original and when I'm facing the sun, it's like the windshield is sandblasted from the years of use.
