'92 YJ Windshield Frame Replacement Install

JeepsOLot · 12-20-2008, 10:18 AM

Finally got my windshield frame down from VA, and just ordered all the seals. Got several questions. I couldn't find the wiper gaskets specifically for a YJ, just for the CJ. At least they were $2 a piece, so, I decided to take the gamble, since the frames are the same, can't be too much different. Would that work?

As for the windshield swap, how much of a pain in the butt is it to swap it? I've heard of the rope method, which, by the looks of the current gasket, is how the last glass place did it. The gasket that's on it now looks to be one piece, unlike the original that had the small "decorative" gasket on the outside, which is what was on it when I got the Jeep. I got the original gaskets, including the "decorative" outside gasket with clip. I guess the removal won't be as bad, since, the glass isn't held in the with sealant, am I guessing right? what would be the best method to installing the glass? Since, I'm getting the two-piece gasket with sealant, I don't thing it would be too hard, right? Another question, how do you guys know how long to cut that outside gasket? I messed up when I was replacing the quarter side windows on the hardtop by cutting it to size. After about a week of being out in the weather, it shrunk about 1"-2", and doesn't go all the way around the window. What would be the best guesstament? Thanks!!

In this pic, you can see the bottom part of the outside gasket, it me, it looks like a one piece gasket just by the way it looks, thicker the the "decorative" original outside gasket.

Jerry

JeepsOLot · 12-20-2008, 05:51 PM

Anyone, Beuler, anyone...........?

Jerry

JeepsOLot · 12-21-2008, 09:00 PM

Now, I can't believe that NOONE has replaced the windshield frame and reused the glass! I need some help here, please!

Jerry

bryris · 12-21-2008, 10:19 PM

OK, I'll bite.

I really recommend you get new glass. It is virtually impossible to get that thing out of there without cracking it. Have you actually managed to remove it yet?

A glass shop can install a new scratch free pane for a reasonable fee. I've been down this road. I think you'll save yourself considerable hassle, just cough up the bucks and rest easy.

BTW, the glass is held in with a polyurethane seal around the perimeter of the frame. It is held in place and provides the water seal. The seals that you see are merely decorative, esp the inside one. Breaking this poly seal is only possible with an exacto knife or similar. Like I said the chances of doing it with no damage to the glass are nearly nill.

Old4X · 12-21-2008, 10:26 PM

If you have the right tool, removing the glass undamaged is a piece of cake. Easily done in under 5 minutes.

SummitRacing sells the tool for under 30 bucks. It is a heavy knife with 2 handles, made just for removing glued in windshields.

**Grape Ape** · 12-21-2008, 10:29 PM

The glass is held in with adhesive. When a repair shop replaces the frame they will usually just put new glass in to save them the hassle of fighting to remove the old, breaking it and having to use a new one anyway.

One way to get it out is to shove a piece of thin wire from the outside to the inside and dragging it around to cut the adhesive. The problem with that is if you mess up the ceramic coating on the glass. The black section of the glass is a coating that blocks the sunlight from reaching the adhesive. If the sun gets to the adhesive it will eventually go bad and the window can fall out.

If it were me I would give it a shot and clean the adhesive off of the old glass real good before gluing it into the new frame. The worst that could happen is you break the window or mess it up. Then buy a new one. If it works though it saves you the cost of a new window.

I would pay an installer to install it. They will have a guarantee and fix it if it leaks. You do the install and it leaks you are stuck trying to do it again or letting it leak.

JeepsOLot · 12-22-2008, 08:53 PM

Thanks, guys. I've been thinking, I might just drop off the painted frame to a shop, then, pick it up already installed, and swap out the new for the old. The bad thing is, I just bought the new gaskets from Q-tec, and they have already shipped them,

. Oh, well, I guess I can give the shop the new windshield glass gaskets, and, they MIGHT give me a little break on the install, basically, all I would hope to pay is labor. We'll see. Thanks, guys!!

Jerry

Dirtcheap70 · 10-16-2010, 07:43 AM

Here's what I gatherd with reading and a bit of trial and error. If your going to install yourself you need to make sure you get the urethane adhesive that doesn't need primer(activator) because typically you can't get the primer in single applications! The main key is something I would have never thought of most of the adhesives come in a tub for a caulking gun,the tip needs to be cut in a "V" on one side about a 3/4" deep but only about a 1/2" wide at the base so when you put the bead around the windshield molding it stands up higher than the molding. But I did have a Pro do it and let let me a watch. I know for next time...!

**DDove** · 10-16-2010, 08:31 AM

I have done 4 of these now. It is very simple. Thin wire like a guitar string or use a thin razor knife with a carpet blade. Use a heat gun or blow dryer to heat up the "caulk" and work the wire or bade and take your time going all around the frame. Once the glass is out clean the frame. When installing the glass you have to have the urethane caulk, I usually use to full tubes. Wear gloves this stuff does not come off. Put the caulk in warm water for about 15 minutes it will be much easier to work with. Put a pretty thick bead on the frame and set the glass in and work the gasket. If it is sunny put the gasket in the sun to make it a little softer. Once thats in put some light weight all over the glass to help push down glass and set the caulk, I just use like quart size paint cans and some tools. Keep checking the gasket and maybe do some adjusting if needed. Good luck and it is a very easy job, just takes a little time.

TSEJEEPERS · 10-16-2010, 08:54 AM

This is what I used to take the old and new to me one out.
Professional Windshield Removal Kit
It is easier with two people.
Pull the seals out first and use the tool to thread the wire through to the other side.
Use a sawing action all the way around. It works slick!
Clean all the adhesive off of the window and windshield frame.
Put the inside seal on first then put the adhesive around the seal. Make it thicker than the seal.
Place the windsheild in the frame and then put the outside seal in around it.
I let mine sit overnight with some weight on it. (The frame was out of the Jeep)
Really not that hard.

JeepsOLot · 10-16-2010, 08:56 AM

Thank for the help, guys. I STILL haven't got around to it yet,

. More things have come up and distracted me. I do need to do this pretty soon so I don't ruin my new dash and gauges.

Jerry

jimbos76cj · 11-14-2010, 03:04 PM

I did mine today. Decided what the hell and went for it. the most nerve wrecking 5 minutes of this whole entire jeep project. It was alot easier then every one has made it sound. Knocked it out on the first try. As far as removing it goes if your not reusing the seal just use a razor knife to cut the old one out.I cut the whole front lip off and it poped out pretty easy. I bought a reel of 5/32 nylon rope from Lowes, some maksing tape and 2 plastic putty knives. I soaked the rope in soapy water and kept the seal really wet with soapy water. Alot of write up say use windex but I have a 3 day old paint job and didnt want the chemicals on it. I taped up around the frame to keep it from getting scratched from being face down on the table or from the rope rubbing it while pulling it out. Good luck with it.

pasinbuy · 11-14-2010, 07:56 PM

If you are replacing the windshield frame buy a tube of automotive seam sealer and seal the edge of the new frame. Then paint it. They are just primer when you buy a new frame. If you do not paint the new frame it will rust pretty quick.

Since you are a Florida resident and you have collision coverage. Florida law states that all windshields are covered by your insurance company. They will not only replace your glass but also the seal around your glass. It does not go against your insurance and they will come to your home or work to replace your windshield, no charge. If you have so much as a little scratch it is covered free. In Florida you can get a ticket for having scratched windshield glass. Just call your insurance company.

jimbos76cj · 11-14-2010, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasinbuy

If you are replacing the windshield frame buy a tube of automotive seam sealer and seal the edge of the new frame. Then paint it. They are just primer when you buy a new frame. If you do not paint the new frame it will rust pretty quick.

Since you are a Florida resident and you have collision coverage. Florida law states that all windshields are covered by your insurance company. They will not only replace your glass but also the seal around your glass. It does not go against your insurance and they will come to your home or work to replace your windshield, no charge. If you have so much as a little scratch it is covered free. In Florida you can get a ticket for having scratched windshield glass. Just call your insurance company.

Luckily I painted mine frame myself and the whole thing got covered. It actually got a rust preventative, sealer, 2 coats of primer and 3 coats of paint. And as for the insurance company trick that works great but this is a woods truck and may not get coverage for a while if at all.. good idea though.

jim911 · 12-29-2010, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbos76cj

I did mine today. Decided what the hell and went for it. the most nerve wrecking 5 minutes of this whole entire jeep project. It was alot easier then every one has made it sound. Knocked it out on the first try. As far as removing it goes if your not reusing the seal just use a razor knife to cut the old one out.I cut the whole front lip off and it poped out pretty easy. I bought a reel of 5/32 nylon rope from Lowes, some maksing tape and 2 plastic putty knives. I soaked the rope in soapy water and kept the seal really wet with soapy water. Alot of write up say use windex but I have a 3 day old paint job and didnt want the chemicals on it. I taped up around the frame to keep it from getting scratched from being face down on the table or from the rope rubbing it while pulling it out. Good luck with it.

Nice job! I wish it was pictures of a YJ windshield.