Windshield — removal and installation

1. If your windshield needs to be removed and/or replaced for any reason, this is a job that is always best left to the professionals. They will do it in half the time and, most importantly, ensure that the glass is installed correctly and there are no leaks through the seal. However, if you are determined to do it yourself, proceed as follows.

2. If the windshield has been broken and needs to be replaced, close the air vents in the front panel before starting work. It is also useful to cover the inside surface of the glass with an adhesive film before removing it to remove the broken glass entirely.

3. If the entire windshield is removed, or if it is a laminated type, you will need the help of an assistant. First, release the rubber seal from the body using a small, blunt screwdriver, running it under the seal from the outside and inside. This operation will interrupt the action of the adhesive composition used previously. Be careful not to damage the paint on the body or puncture the seal. Remove the windshield wiper arms and outside rear view mirror and place a protective cover on the hood.

4. Disconnect the decorative strip from the rubber seal.

5. Have your assistant push the inner edge of the seal outward from the body opening flange. As soon as the seal begins to come off the flange, you can carefully pull the windshield out, helping with hand pressure. A second person must support the glass and remove it along with the seal.

6. Install the new seal on the glass and make sure that all traces of old putty are removed from the body flange. Scrape it off and then clean the flange surface with a cloth dampened with gasoline.


7. Apply a layer of putty to the body flange around the entire perimeter for the windshield.

8 Prepare a piece of durable cord, longer than the perimeter of the glass, and place it on the body flange, in the groove for the rubber seal (see Figure 11.46).





9. Place the glass in its place, and guide the ends of the cord, located in the center of the bottom, inside the car.

10. Press the glass into place, and at the same time, your assistant should pull the ends of the cord to ensure that the rubber seal adheres to the body flange.


11. Remove excess putty using a piece of cloth soaked in paraffin.

12. Install the molding onto the seal. A special tool may make this easier, but be careful not to damage the seal lip.

13. Install the wiper arms and outside mirror.