Editing Window removal and installation

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== Tools needed ==
For non-moving windows, and windshields that are sealed in with butyl tape, you will need:
*"Bat wing tool" K-D #2038 moulding removal tool
*Window wire, piano wire, or guitar strings (this is available as a kit with tools)
*A good set of needle nose pliers and side cutters
*Possibly a pneumatic window tool
*Suction cups
*Pipe knife(basically a pipe that is smashed at one end to hold a blades for utility knife)
*liquid glass cleaner
*Extractor(very expensive, but pretty much the one tool for any glass)

== Safety ==


== Basic removal techniques ==
On older cars and even some trucks it's really not hard removing a front or back windshield. Many people suggest using a knife and just cutting the old seal glass is held in with. This runs the risk of the user getting cut when the knife slips.
Say you want to remove the front windshield of your 1950s car. You get inside the vehicle and at the top, take a flat blade screw driver starting in the middle and working towards one side of the car push the old rubber seal over the pinchweld. Once you get to the side of the car, start again at the top in the middle working the rubber over the pinchweld to the opposite side of the car.
After you've worked to both sides of the car, the windshield can then be pushed free of the body. Just don't push TOO hard of you may find the glass laying on the ground in pieces? ''(not good)''
----

Now the windshield will be out of the car. You didn't cut your hand with a knife, and this method really doesn't take any longer then using a knife to cut the old seal.

PS. This removal method can also be used to remove a back (rear) windshield.
--[[User:71.74.207.85|71.74.207.85]] 15:06, 18 August 2006 (PDT)

== What to do after removal ==


== Installing the new window ==

== Installing flush mounted glass ==

 
You can install windshield glass in most any car that had a windshield frame or rubber molding using the S-10 filler strip and an adhesive as long as the pinch weld is behind the glass. I prefer to use urethane or silicone instead of butyl tape due to the irregularities in the flange or pinchweld that backs up the windshield. 

The basic procedure is to get your pinchweld all cleaned up and any voids filled. If there were slots or notches for hinges etc they need to be filled. Obviously rust and loose paint needs to be removed. A coat of epoxy primer is a good idea. 
Have your glass cut so that you have about 1/4 gap between the edge of the glass and the windshield opening. No more than 17/64" and no less than 15/64" gap all around. I always trial fit my filler strip before I do the install to make sure it isn't too tight or loose. Too tight and the glass may crack or pop out during installation and too loose and you will have gaps.

You can paint a uniform band around the edge of the glass with Dow betaprime 5500 pinchweld primer. This material will create a dark band around the edge of the glass similar to the baked on ceramic frit you see on most all of the newer cars. Mask off 1/2"to 3/4" uniformly around the edge so it will look good from the outside. I usually mask off inside of my frit line so as to have a nice line to cut my setting adhesive to. 

Position the glass so that it is flush with the body using at least 6 rubber setting blocks 1 in each corner and 2 in the middle.. You want the glass to sit evenly on these blocks .You can maintain your 1/4" gap with some scraps of filler strip or wooden spacers, removing them as you install the strip. 

Once the windshield is positioned Install the filler strip using super weather strip adhesive on at least one side of the strip. You can make a butt joint in the middle of the strip at the bottom of the window. I try to not mitre corners unless I absolutly have to because it is very hard to keep the edges down. I usually glue the ends with super glue. Once the filler strip is installed backfill the space behind the windshield with urethane adhesive, tool it so it looks nice and has no voids. Let it cure and you are done.

That is a fairly simple set of instructions, there may be other things that need to be considered such as what to do about your dash and header panel, etc. Is the windshield 2 pieces? this may require a center seam.
Most of the better glass shops will be able to get you the required supplies and may give you some better specific instructions for your particular application.

== Tips and tricks ==


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