I'll be pulling out the windshield Sat. I would really appricate any tips/tricks/warnings about the process. Lessons learned from others are always perffered.

I was also going to use a modern windshield urethane sealant when I get around to putting in back in. I'm I going down the wrong road with that or should i use the OEM stuff. :smash:

 

First off, that not a job I would do myself. I hired a glass guy and he made it look way too easy for him. He was reasonable and did a great job.

I do remember him mentioning that back then they used butyle or something to seal windshields. He said it did a terrible job and attracted moisture. He used a urethane seal kit going back in, I am very pleased.

 

:withstupid: I tried to pull a windshield of once and it easily cracked under a little pressure. I suggest you have one of those mobile glass services come out and do it for you. It shouldnt cost that much. Just my .02

 

Reading your post, you assume that you will not break it coming out. :lol:
I shouldn't laugh, as it is possible. Do not try to pry it out - AT ALL.
The preferred method to remove these is with a piece of piano wire and two
wooden handles. I've never done it - but I assume any stiff but flexible steel
wire may work. The idea is to push the wire through the adhesive - between
the glass and frame. Wrap each end of the wire onto a wooden handle (piece
of thick dowel). Now, using the two handles, pull back and forth in a sawing motion as you also force the wire to cut through the old adhesive. After
cutting around the entire perimeter - the glass should push out easily.
If not, go back to where it seems to be sticking and get the adhesive loose.

It helps to have a helper for this one - not only to pick the glass up - but
also to use the wire around the bottom. DO NOT PRY ON EDGE OF GLASS !!!
Prying on it will guarantee a cracked windshield.

Good Luck. :seeya


[Modified by NHvette, 4:11 PM 3/26/2003]

 

I have tried on 4 different occasions to pull the windshield from 3rd Gen Camaros. I even had a special tool. Always ended up cracking them or just smashing them with a hammer and cleanning the gunk off with a putty knife. Of course, these were race cars and I was going to toss the windshield anyway.

Hire someone. It will be the best $40 you spent.

 

I pulled the windshield out of my 69 back in the Fall. It was the first time I did that job but it wasn't too bad. I had more trouble removing the ss trim then the windshield. I also have the car apart so we were able to stand in the engine bay and work. I used some gold windshield wire I got from NAPA. Use a sawing action around it and it helps to have another person working the other end of the wire. Put a piece of cardboard between the wire and the dash or you'll nick it- I know! :banghead: Use a couple of the those cheap suction cups you get at swap meets or from Harbor Freight to remove it and wear gloves. I can'r hepl with install because I didn't get to that part yet. I forced one spot and cracked it a little, I didn't care because the windshield was pitted anyway, but if I took my time I would have been able to re-use it if that was the objective. A glass guy is probably your best bet, I didn't find one that really knew C3's well enough for me to trust them.
Gary

 

The original windshield in my '81 was replaced last summer, so that's.... fingers.... toes... umm.... 21 years :) that the sealant had to get really, really hard. It was so completely inflexible that the glass technician had to break the windshield to get it loose. It made a big mess, lots of little glass pieces in the interior and in the wiper compartment. I wasn't happy with the guy, but to be fair, they don't often replace glass that's been in place that long.

One suggestion, if you're going to do it yourself: get something fairly heavy duty, but flexible, to cover your dash. As you use a long knife or hacksaw blade or something similarly long and flexible to cut the sealant along the bottom of the windshield from inside the car, you need to protect the top of the dash.

Also, the new glass presents the ideal opportunity to change out the A-pillar weather stripping, as it will be removed to release the windshield trim.

[edit] Oh, yeah, about the cost: The whole deal was covered under the comprehensive part of my auto policy, with the $50 deductible being waived. So there was ZERO incentive for me to do it myself.

Good luck with it! :seeya


[Modified by Gator81, 3:07 PM 3/26/2003]