Front Windshield Removal
- Thread starter calphi27
- Start date
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Invest in a new windshield seal.
For the amount of grief one might come across trying to save the seal upon removing their windshield, I'd opt for a new seal, just slice the old one and it'll make the job of removing the glass a more focused venture.
...and if one is going to go... the seal is cheaper to replace.
Play safe.
For the amount of grief one might come across trying to save the seal upon removing their windshield, I'd opt for a new seal, just slice the old one and it'll make the job of removing the glass a more focused venture.
...and if one is going to go... the seal is cheaper to replace.
Play safe.
Try getting the seal up in one corner and get a ton of very soapy water behind it. Work the seal all the way around the windshield, getting the soapy water in really good. Get in the cab and push the glass out, starting at the corner.
If you are replacing the glass anyway, just soap it up and give it a kick from the inside.
Getting it back in is easier, just soap it up, put a rope around the seal, set in the corner, and pull out the rope.
Hodag
If you are replacing the glass anyway, just soap it up and give it a kick from the inside.
Getting it back in is easier, just soap it up, put a rope around the seal, set in the corner, and pull out the rope.
Hodag
Wondering where are you guys finding replacement glass for a reasonable price? Been quoted 400 for glass and seal. Sucks too cause I have 2 cruiser with 2 busted windshields 
Beware Chinese glass - they've never made a windshield under contract to Toyota. Stand less of a chance of being right than a $20 Hong Kong Rolex.
You really need a "bone stick" - nylon pry tool - to get the glass out without killing the gasket. Rig is right, but let me provide more detail on how to cut the windshield out and save it.
First, take the wipers off by prying back the plastic caps & removing the nuts. If the wipers won't wiggle off, smack 'em with the palm of your hand about 6" from the joint. Lay a blanket on the hood, at least doubled over, right in front of the windshield. Then take the fake chrome lock strip out of the gasket with a dull flat screwdriver, prying the edge of the gasket away from the lock strip & pulling up on the strip. They get brittle with age, so don't be too hard on yourself if you break it. Next, using an utility knife with a new blade, find the outside edge of the windshield by "stabbing" in about halfway between the inner & outer edge of the gasket from the outside (keep the blade perpendicular to the glass), then cut along the length of the gasket, easing towards the center of the windshield until you contact the edge of the glass. Then continue around the windshield using its edge as a guide.
When you've cut around the whole windshield, use the utility knife to free the glass from the lip of the gasket on the inside of the vehicle, holding the blade as flat to the glass as you can. Once you've been completely around the windshield, apply even pressure on the inside of the glass using both hands with your fingers spread, starting in an upper corner. Be careful - haste now definitely makes waste. Windshield glass has very little structural rigidity when removed from its mountings. Once you get it started it should come easily. Cut any remaining stuck areas with the utility knife.
Have your able assistant grab the glass when you finally succeed at pushing it out at the top. Get out and help free the bottom, but be sure both of you are lifting up with the palms of your hands under the bottom edge of the windshield.
Lay the windshield outside down on a couple of pillows or big cushions to support it evenly & use a new single-edged razor blade & glass cleaner to remove any pieces of the gasket. Do not turn the razor blade over once you start using it. Turn the windshield over & repeat.
Now you can use the utility knife to cut the old gasket away from the body. Be careful not to scrape the paint. Now you're ready to re-install with old or new glass & a new gasket.
PM me if you find rust in the pinch weld (area where the gasket goes). DO NOT IGNORE RUST!
You really need a "bone stick" - nylon pry tool - to get the glass out without killing the gasket. Rig is right, but let me provide more detail on how to cut the windshield out and save it.
First, take the wipers off by prying back the plastic caps & removing the nuts. If the wipers won't wiggle off, smack 'em with the palm of your hand about 6" from the joint. Lay a blanket on the hood, at least doubled over, right in front of the windshield. Then take the fake chrome lock strip out of the gasket with a dull flat screwdriver, prying the edge of the gasket away from the lock strip & pulling up on the strip. They get brittle with age, so don't be too hard on yourself if you break it. Next, using an utility knife with a new blade, find the outside edge of the windshield by "stabbing" in about halfway between the inner & outer edge of the gasket from the outside (keep the blade perpendicular to the glass), then cut along the length of the gasket, easing towards the center of the windshield until you contact the edge of the glass. Then continue around the windshield using its edge as a guide.
When you've cut around the whole windshield, use the utility knife to free the glass from the lip of the gasket on the inside of the vehicle, holding the blade as flat to the glass as you can. Once you've been completely around the windshield, apply even pressure on the inside of the glass using both hands with your fingers spread, starting in an upper corner. Be careful - haste now definitely makes waste. Windshield glass has very little structural rigidity when removed from its mountings. Once you get it started it should come easily. Cut any remaining stuck areas with the utility knife.
Have your able assistant grab the glass when you finally succeed at pushing it out at the top. Get out and help free the bottom, but be sure both of you are lifting up with the palms of your hands under the bottom edge of the windshield.
Lay the windshield outside down on a couple of pillows or big cushions to support it evenly & use a new single-edged razor blade & glass cleaner to remove any pieces of the gasket. Do not turn the razor blade over once you start using it. Turn the windshield over & repeat.
Now you can use the utility knife to cut the old gasket away from the body. Be careful not to scrape the paint. Now you're ready to re-install with old or new glass & a new gasket.
PM me if you find rust in the pinch weld (area where the gasket goes). DO NOT IGNORE RUST!
Shop around for the glass. My buddy got a sheet of PPG glass last weekend for $120 Canadian which is pretty close to the price of the rubber. We put it in with the factory rubber, no problem.
I've seen instructions on passing a length of fishing line under the glass all the way 'round as a clean method of separating the glass from the seal. Takes two like on a bucksaw, of course.