How hard is it to change out the windshield? I have a nasty crack that is getting bigger and can't afford a new windshield, but a boneyard by the house has 3 of them for $40... I can swing that. I just don't want to buy it and then find out I can't change it out myself. Any help is appreach... welcomed (man, we need spell check )


Oh and how much would you guys pay for a complete LE interior in good shape?

Thanks in advance,
Michael

 

idk abut the winshield, but id like more info on the interior pieces!?

 

i need to change my 93 windshield out. i am going to cut the gasket on the good windshield in the donor pu and after removing the rubber lock strip will push busted windshield out with feet. clean up metal and gasket and replace gasket if it is cracked. then put good windshield and gasket in with sealer. thats the plan have not done one in a long time. let us know how it works out.

 

You're much better off paying a professional to change your windshield. They will put in one that you have, they just won't give you another one if they break it while putting it in - but they rarely break them.

 

I had one put in mine by a pro, he ended up cracking it. He said that sometimes the old trucks are either really tight or really loose. Got another one for free. Go with the pro, it looked like a pain

 

You need two guys. Take the seal and spray the outter groove with wd-40 or something similar that will dissapate quickly. Run some twine or tough string around the inside of the groove with the ends both at 12 o'clock. Have a guy outside push and hold the window in place while the guy inside grabs the string and starts pulling inward pulling the seal over the metal bead.( this is where the wd-40 comes in handy) it makes the string slide much easier and seems to condition the seal to bend easily.

 

Guess it looks like I need to save a few more clams and take it to a pro... Thank you all for the help, much appriciated.

Michael

 

The guys at the glass shop make it look so easy, I have been going to the same shop for all of my vehicles since the 70's.
Another advantage to getting one at the shop is if it leaks they will fix it. I hate puddles on my floorboard.

Don't know how the prices are on your part of the country but I have full coverage on my truck and my windshield is covered under comprehensive and it is free to replace.

I know there will be some arguments on this but I have State Farm and have absolutely NO complaints about them. Switched after 25 years with AAA.

Another possibility is out here there are people that will come to YOUR vehicle and replace the glass on the spot. Might call and ask if they would install YOUR glass. It would probably be at your own risk though. You might check in the throwaway papers at the market.

Michael, how is the little one?
Jim

 

They are not real easy to do I had mine done for a total of $180 that was window included and the guy came to me

 

Jim Lane,

Thanks for the advise. I am going to be doing some "price match +10%" shopping Hopefully I can get to a price I can pay. I can't swing full insurance right now

PM sent.

Michael

 

id say bring it to a pro theres a reson you guy sells 3 for 40$ no one wants them for 180$ dont even bother with it

 

come on where's the risk in that. your going to make me change mine ahead of time just to see if it can be done. windshield shop wanted 280 last week when i checked.

 

I did one by myself with no help on my 1st one. Used the rope trick putting the bottom in 1st using plenty of rubber lube. It was a fight to the end, but I got it in there without cracking it!

The last one I did recently, I just couldn't get it started. So I got a windshield guy come over and help me for $25. This was a good used glass that I already had.
He started putting it into the top 1st and worked from the top to the bottom with me helping him by holding pressure up from the bottom.
He used plenty of lube (soap) and a plastic prying tool. You got to use plastic tool or you will chip the glass if using a metal tool. If you chip the edge of the glass, you most likely will have a crack start from that chip later on in time.

Oh yes he did crack my glass by slapping on it trying to get the last corner in. The crack is down in the corner out of drivers line of sight.
I will do the next one myself!

If you ever get a traffic ticket for a cracked windshield, check your state statue for what is defined for a windshield violation.
The Kansas Statue basicly says that you must have a wind screen and be able to see through it. Go to court and put the officer on the witness stand and hold one or two pieces of strings in front his face and asked if he can see the door to the courtroom!
Also with a camera, sit in the drivers seat and take pics of what you see through the glass.

Tom

 

I forgot to mention in my post that the 1st one I did with the rope trick, I put the rubber on the glass and sat it in the bottom and work my way toward the top.
The windshield guy put the rubber into the opening and taped it to hold.
He started the glass into the top with me holding the glass while he worked from side to side.
Sorry about screwing up my 1st post. I wasn't thinking straight.


Tom

 

Thank you for your advise gozapper. I think I have been scared out of doing it myself. I will keep looking for a pro within budget.

Thanks to all,
Michael