I have a 2013 60th Anniversary edition convertible 427 and the leather cover on my dash has let go (bubbled up around the defroster vent). i'm being told in order to repair it correctly the windshield has to be removed. I'm being told that once the windshield is removed that it will require a brand new one because there is a metal trim around it that is a part of or built into the glass. Is this correct and has anyone else experienced this or had their windshield replaced?

Thank you,
Harry

 

I would check with a local windshield glass place. they should know. Taking the windshield out without breaking it will be a very patient exercise for anyone. I have a windshield service manual section, so I'll check if that trim is mentioned on removal.
Tools needed
J 24402-A Glass Sealant Cold Knife Remover.
J 39032 Stationary Glass Removal Tool.
Urethane Adhesive Kit or Equivalent
Isopropyl Alcohol or Equivalent
Cartridge-type Caulking Gun
Commercial-type Utility Knife
Razor Blade Scraper
Suction Cups
Plastic Paddle

The manual states to remove the following for windshield removal.
For the coupe, remove the roof lift-off panel.
For the convertible, lower the folding top.
Remove the hood air inlet screen seal
Remove the air inlet screen panel.
Remove the lower windshield supports (1) from the cowl panel, if equipped.
Remove the rearview mirror
Cover the following parts to protect from broken glass:
1. The upper dash pad
2. The defroster outlets and the A/C outlets
3. The seats and the carpeting

Remove the windshield weatherstrip.
Remove the windshield side reveal moldings
Remove the windshield side garnish moldings and retainer clips from the windshield frame
Remove the 4 rearmost screws that attach the top of the fender to the wheelhouse, the reposition the top of the fender for tool access.
Leave a base of urethane on the pinchweld flange.
The only suitable lubrication is clear water.
Use J 24402-A , J 39032 or equivalent in order to remove the window.
Remove the bottom of the window from the urethane adhesive using a long utility knife or similar tool. Keep the cutting edge of the utility knife against the glass. Do this from inside the vehicle.
Remove the windshield (1) from the vehicle with the aid of an assistant (2).

Those are the steps. I do alot of DIY on my vehicles, but this is one that I personally would never attempt. Getting the windshield out without breaking it is a 50/50 proposition at best.
I would have a professional do this, and they can likely fix your dash cover while they are at it. Most windshield places also do upholstery and such as well.

Good Luck

 

I've replaced several broken shields, and have R&Rd with new about 5 with no ill effects. Some good advice above with the 2 most important ones being PATIENCE and having that second person there. I'm not sure just how different these newer cars are in the windshield mounting, but I never liked the utility knife method to loosen the glass. I always used the piano wire (or similar) method. This always requires 2 people but it cuts down on the hard metal (cutter) against glass.

 

Thank you for the detailed response. I will definitely have a professional do the removal and installation as Murphy has the tendency to be around

 

Thank you for the response I will have a professional do the removal as it's definitely out of my expertise

 

I would do the very same in your situation.
Good Luck with the repair to your dash pad. It's too bad that GM didn't offer a fix for these pads in the luxury dashes. The dash does look great in all leather.