How to Replace a Windshield Myself
Windshields only need to be replaced when there is significant damage to the glass. Since a crack can quickly spread, the decision to change a windshield can change from year to year or from season to season. Modern windshields are held in place by a flexible, powerful, urethane molding. Once the molding cures, it will flex, but not allow the windshield to crack under normal driving conditions. Regardless of this strength, the urethane will not protect the glass from stone chips or stress fractures caused by extreme temperature changes. When your windshield has a crack spanning more than 1 inch, you need to replace it.
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Things You'll Need
- Replacement windshield
- Flat tip screwdriver
- Automotive cutting knife
- Cleaning brush
- Bucket of water
- Clean rags
- Razor blade
- Urethane primer
- Urethane
- Electric caulking gun
- Nitrile gloves
Instructions
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1
Wedge the flat tip screwdriver under the plastic trim and pry up on it. Depending on the vehicle, this may or may not require a lot of time. If you don't have experience replacing windshields, this could take an hour or more.
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2
Cut the urethane molding with a razor blade or automotive cutting tool.
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3
Pull the windshield off and set it aside.
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4
Scrape residual urethane left on the vehicle down to 3mm using a razor blade.
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5
Clean the area where the new windshield will go with soap and water. Use a brush to remove dirt or debris that may have built up on the frame. Be careful not to scratch the paint.
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6
Apply urethane primer to the black band on the perimeter of the new windshield. This black band is called a frit band. This band will adhere to the urethane you will put on the frame of the vehicle.
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7
Apply the urethane to the pinchweld area where the windshield will be placed with a caulk gun. Use the 3mm band of old urethane a guide for the bead of new urethane.
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8
Align the top, bottom and sides of the windshield by sight. Make sure the frit band makes contact with the urethane and press the windshield into place.
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9
Press the windshield molding and trim back into place.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You should wear nitrile gloves to prevent the oils from your hands from interfering with the activating agent in the urethane primer. Never touch the frit band when installing the windshield---it may interfere with the activation process of the band.
