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Step 1
Remove the rear view mirror inside the car. Unscrew one of the mirror base's two screws. You can then slide the retaining block and mirror out.
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Step 2
Remove the windshield wipers. Lift them into the "cleaning position" so they will be easy to reinstall. Pry them up with a large flat screwdriver between the large nut and the arm while rocking the arm with your other hand.
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Step 3
Seal the interior heater vents with masking tape. This will prevent any flakes of broken glass from falling into the vents, which could blow into the car.
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Step 1
Check if the gasket is still good. If the rubber is no longer soft or has any cracks, you should replace it. This means you can cut it away and make the glass removal much easier.
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Step 2
Push a strong knife into the center of the rubber, making sure you don't hit the glass. Cut all the way around to remove the rubber. You can now push the glass out from the inside.
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Step 3
Remove the window more forcibly if the gasket can still be used. First, break the glass sealant applied by the manufacturer. Run a wooden stick along where the gasket and frame meet.
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Step 4
Gently push the glass out with your foot from the passenger seat. Don't kick the glass. Push it under the inside lip at the top with the wood stick to get the rubber started through the frame.
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Step 5
Have someone else on top of the car in front of the windshield. This person should catch the glass when it comes out.
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Step 1
Prepare the frame for reinstallation. Wipe away all rust from the frame, clean the dashboard and remove all sealant from the new gasket. Leave the gasket in the sun to make it warmer and more flexible.
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Step 2
Fit the gasket on the windshield. Run a small bit of sealant along the gasket's bottom half channel. The heavy side goes to the inside and the side with the slit goes to the outside.
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Step 3
Rub petroleum jelly into the outer rubber groove, with a little extra at the top and bottom center. Run a heavy nylon cord around the outer groove starting at the bottom center, leaving two 2-foot-long ends out in the center.
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Step 4
Lay the windshield in place from the car's outside. Make sure the loose cords are in the car's inside.
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Step 5
Pull one cord out slowly across the frame, to pull the rubber lip in place. Someone else should press the rubber against the car to prevent the lip from slipping off.
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Step 6
Clean up any extra petroleum jelly from the frame. Reinstall the wipers and mirror.
Comments
robin369 said
on 1/16/2009 thank u glass doctor and wisefly because i was considering doing it myself to save money
WiseflyNet said
on 1/9/2009 haha, I couldn't wait to say what GlassDoctor said...and this is curious, with the author of this article stating the dangers and importance of windshield replacements...who would publish this article to begin with for the do it yourselfer...The windshield is definitely not the project for anyone less than a properly trained professional...and seriously, depending on what market one lives in...that is not even the case. Most "shops" aren't properly trained. In fact, there is no certifications in this industry. We can't get our hair done by an unlicensed hair dresser however, anyone, can legally install a windshield, that can KILL people if not done properly. Doesn't make sense to me.
GlassDoctor said
on 8/27/2008 This procedure covers pre-1970's cars that used a rubber gasket to hold the windshield. Modern cars do not use this system due to a complete lack of protection in a crash. Windshields should always be replaced by a trained autoglass technician. For more information on the importance of safe windshields, go to www.safewindshields.com and view the 20/20 video.