Has anyone done their own windshield replacement?

kite · 05-08-2008, 10:23 PM

I'm trying to save some money on a windshield replacement by doing it myself. I've read about a half dozen general how-to's online but was wondering if anyone has done this themself and might be able to give me some advice on making the job easier.

I plan on pulling used glass from a wrecker.

Thanks.

AZ Jeff · 05-08-2008, 10:28 PM

Unless you have the right tools to cut the urethane adhesive that bonds the windshield into the donor vehicle, there is REAL GOOD chance you will crack the windshield getting it out.

Then, when installing it into your vehicle (assuming you don't break it getting it out), you must use a urethane adhesive with a catalyst primer to attach it to your body opening. Anything less than the right agent may result in breaking of the windshield or, worse yet, ejection of the windshield in an accident.

Given these issues, is preferable for most everyone except someone who works in an an auto glass shop to have the pros do it. They have the tools and the adhesive.......

XJRidinHigh · 05-08-2008, 10:42 PM

I have a similar question. What if I need to reseal the windshield, what is the best way to go about doing that? Im not looking to spend $100 to have it resealed.

**webdog** · 05-08-2008, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XJRidinHigh

I have a similar question. What if I need to reseal the windshield, what is the best way to go about doing that? Im not looking to spend $100 to have it resealed.

Pop off the trim around the glass (be careful to not break the clips) and you will see that there is a lot of space in there, you can then put a nice bead of sealant.

aceshighxxx · 05-08-2008, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webdog

Pop off the trim around the glass (be careful to not break the clips) and you will see that there is a lot of space in there, you can then put a nice bead of sealant.

Heh, yea I just used weatherproof silicone to seal the edges, so it probly will pop out in an accident.

As far as getting it out at the junkyard, just use a stripped piece of wire poked through it to carefully cut all around the edges. I know none of this is the right way to do it, but it is definitely cheap.

XJNUTTIER · 05-09-2008, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XJRidinHigh

I have a similar question. What if I need to reseal the windshield, what is the best way to go about doing that? Im not looking to spend $100 to have it resealed.

I had a 90 XJ that had a replacment windshield put in, and it started to leak within a few months, they had tried to put more sealant on and no luck, they eventually had to pull the windshield and reinstall, I tried one time to put a windshield in, adn oh what a mistake that was, lets put it this way i bought 2 windshields and spent way more money than i should have, really some jobs you have to leave to the pros. I mean think about it, it is a very specialized part of cars, you have glass shops, you dont get it done at a dealer jiffy lube, wal mart (and god knows if they could make a buck they would, LOL) but seriously save yourself the frustraiona dn money and have some one do it for you.

HeepToJeep · 05-09-2008, 10:00 AM

The good old days of glass held in with rubber gaskets are over, trying to work with glued-in glass SUCKS! Pulling a windshield from a junker only seems cheep, after factoring in having to remove your windshield, then the donor windshield, scrapping off ALL of the old glue, cleaning everything and installing the donor glass it's hardly worth it. You could save some money if your local glass shop would give a price break if you remove your old glass and maybe supply them with donor glass....I would definately get them to at least glue in the replacement, leaks will kill the interior, electronics and cause floor rot QUICK!

Wm

TheNerd · 05-09-2008, 12:03 PM

My first attempt at windshield removal (with the "right" tools) took me about 6" of cutting before I broke the windshield. It is worth the $150 to have it professionally replaced.

kite · 05-09-2008, 02:37 PM

Hmm, interesting. Well, the cheapest quote I've gotten was $480 which is about $225 for glass, $162 2.5 hrs of labor, $50 for adhesive, then tax.

Ive found a yard that will remove the glass and sell it for $100 so I think i'll just purchase that, remove my glass, and get a shop to install it. Still not 100% though as this is a temporary vehicle which ill be getting rid of in sept.

Because of this and one other problem, I may just consider selling it and driving my civic for the summer which I really rather not do.

Thanks for your help.

**webdog** · 05-09-2008, 03:16 PM

I guess they charge more where you are, i just got mine replaced last week for $160 + tax...

kite · 05-09-2008, 04:18 PM

Damn Canadian market.

Walter Crovo · 05-09-2008, 06:37 PM

i paid an idiot to do mine, after 4 times and new glass I got my money back and researched who did the best job, 158 small ones later i had new glass and rubber trim, no leaks and job done right. Man i know your dollar is gained some strength lately but over 400 for windsheild...WOW...they must be super glueing your hands to your ankles to help deal with the pain! Come to the US, and spend the diff on a weekend vacation.

**ChewyXJ** · 05-10-2008, 08:15 AM

I also paid $150 for my windshield replacement. I imagine you could find a shop in nw Washington for around the same price. With the current exchange rate it would be even cheaper for you. The money you save would more than pay for the trip.

I'm not a fan of the used windshield. Looking through brand new glass and knowing its installed and sealed correctly is a sweet thing.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

itasor · 05-10-2008, 10:38 AM

It's not worth messing around with yourself. My windshield started to leak around the edges, so instead of spending $160 to get it removed and resealed (more if it broke during removal and a new one was installed), I decided I would get some Permatex window and glass sealer. 3 hours of sealing every spot possible under the trim and it still leaked.

I brought it to a glass shop and when they pushed on the inside of the windshield it fell out. That's definitely unsafe. I think it cost $150 to have it resealed and it only took about an hour including removing a little rust and using protective primer on the edge.

kite · 05-16-2008, 11:25 AM

I made my way south to WA and got it replaced for $200 including tax. A few hours saved me $280 for a new windshield.

Canada can be a ripoff sometimes.

05-09-2008, 06:37 PM	#12
Walter Crovo Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Hurricane, Utah Posts: 156 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	i paid an idiot to do mine, after 4 times and new glass I got my money back and researched who did the best job, 158 small ones later i had new glass and rubber trim, no leaks and job done right. Man i know your dollar is gained some strength lately but over 400 for windsheild...WOW...they must be super glueing your hands to your ankles to help deal with the pain! Come to the US, and spend the diff on a weekend vacation. __________________ 93 5 speed over 160k 99 5 speed over 85K 01 auto over 70k 99 auto over 90k

05-10-2008, 08:15 AM	#13
ChewyXJ nom nom nom Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Whitefish, Montana Posts: 2,755 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I also paid $150 for my windshield replacement. I imagine you could find a shop in nw Washington for around the same price. With the current exchange rate it would be even cheaper for you. The money you save would more than pay for the trip. I'm not a fan of the used windshield. Looking through brand new glass and knowing its installed and sealed correctly is a sweet thing. Good luck with whatever you decide. __________________ '93 Cherokee Sport 4.0 man. 4.5" Black Diamond/ O.M.E., JKS control arms, discos, track bar, rear D44/detroit, 35x12.5 BFGmt's,33x13.5 LTBs,AlloyUSA shafts, oba, Warn M8000 multi-mount '97 Cherokee Sport 5spd,231, white, stock '90 Cherokee Pioneer 4.0 auto, 6" homebrew long arm lift, 33x10.5 BFG MT's, etc. '87 XJ 2" lift '96 XJ stock "Personally, I've learned so much from my mistakes, I'm thinking of making some more." "Don't believe everything you think..."