Car Windshield Replacement Procedure
The car's windshield is is one of its key protective elements, so it needs to be replaced if it gets cracked or damaged in the slightest. It takes two people to remove the old windshield glass and install the new glass, working from both inside and outside the car. It needs to be held to the windshield frame with a good, flexible rubber gasket, so the gasket should be changed if it is dry, cracked or damaged. Follow these helpful tips.
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Things You'll Need
- Windshield glass Windshield gasket Knife Wood stick Petroleum jelly Nylon cord
Instructions
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1
Disconnect the wipers, rear view mirror and any other objects near the windshield glass. Remove the bolts or clips on the wipers and unscrew the mirror. Tape over the heating vents to shield them from glass shards.
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2
Check the rubber gasket sealing the glass to the frame. It must be changed if it is cracked or hard. Cut it off by pushing a knife into the rubber (don't hit the glass) and slicing all the way around the edge. If the gasket is good, run a wood stick across its outer edge to break the seal between the rubber and frame so you can save it.
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3
Remove the glass by pushing it out from inside the car. Push gently (don't kick) with your foot and the stick along the top of the glass. Have a second person on the outside to catch the glass.
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4
Remove the gasket (if reusable) from the old glass and place it on the new windshield, making sure the thicker, heavier end runs along the inner side of the glass. If the gasket is new, remove its sealant and let it warm in the sun before installing it.
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5
Clean all rust and dirt off the window frame and dashboard. Coat the windshield gasket's outer groove with petroleum jelly and run a nylon cord along it. Use enough cord and center it so that both ends of the cord stick out at least 2 feet from the gasket's lower center.
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6
Place the new glass onto the windshield frame from the outside the car, but tuck the cord's loose ends into the interior. Take one end of the cord from inside the car and slowly pull it out of the gasket to pull its inner lip in place. Have your assistant push on the rubber to keep it in place.
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7
Clean off any petroleum jelly still on the frame's outside. Re-install the rear view mirror and windshield wipers.
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