I've replaced a few windshields solo, and it's not much fun. It's also nerve wracking, but I've never broken a windshield. There are fewer and fewer glass people/shops that will do these old types of windows. I've also done some side windows, which is all about the same process. A few tricks I've learned are as follows:
1. Set the gasket in the sun for a good while to warm up, if possible
2. Lots and lots of soapy water in a spray bottle
3. I use a long piece of heavy gauge weed whacker line instead of string/rope. It doesn't hang on to the rubber seal or the pinch weld, which is good and bad, mostly good. The bad is you have to hang on to both ends or you can pull it out one end because it slips through easily.
4. Use the meaty part of your palm to whack along the edge of the window to get the seal over and around the pinch weld
5. Before you get started make sure the pinch weld is nice and smooth
6. On windshields I have used 5 gallon buckets hanging from the rafters to put pressure against one side of the windshield while I work on the other side. Having a second person is better, but solo is possible if you do something like this. I used a bucket because the plastic won't damage the glass.
7. If you are doing a windshield very carefully inspect the entire perimeter for any tiny chips that have small striation cracks. It's possible to have a small chip with very tiny runners which, when you start to put pressure on the edges, will turn into long runners. If you are stuck with that piece of glass then you can kill the runner with a very shallow hole you can drill with a dremel and a pointed grinding bit. You just need to get through the glass to the safety layer. There is a video by sixty five ford on youtube that shows how to do it.
I use 3M 08509 Auto Bedding and Glazing Compound in the grooves of the seal, inside and out, to make a super solid seal. It can be a little messy, but cleans up very easily with mineral spirits and never dries hard.
1. Set the gasket in the sun for a good while to warm up, if possible
2. Lots and lots of soapy water in a spray bottle
3. I use a long piece of heavy gauge weed whacker line instead of string/rope. It doesn't hang on to the rubber seal or the pinch weld, which is good and bad, mostly good. The bad is you have to hang on to both ends or you can pull it out one end because it slips through easily.
4. Use the meaty part of your palm to whack along the edge of the window to get the seal over and around the pinch weld
5. Before you get started make sure the pinch weld is nice and smooth
6. On windshields I have used 5 gallon buckets hanging from the rafters to put pressure against one side of the windshield while I work on the other side. Having a second person is better, but solo is possible if you do something like this. I used a bucket because the plastic won't damage the glass.
7. If you are doing a windshield very carefully inspect the entire perimeter for any tiny chips that have small striation cracks. It's possible to have a small chip with very tiny runners which, when you start to put pressure on the edges, will turn into long runners. If you are stuck with that piece of glass then you can kill the runner with a very shallow hole you can drill with a dremel and a pointed grinding bit. You just need to get through the glass to the safety layer. There is a video by sixty five ford on youtube that shows how to do it.
I use 3M 08509 Auto Bedding and Glazing Compound in the grooves of the seal, inside and out, to make a super solid seal. It can be a little messy, but cleans up very easily with mineral spirits and never dries hard.
