Windshield Disassembly Question

elmariachi · #1 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 10:01 AM

Can someone who has replaced a windshield or disassembled a windshield frame comment on whether or not I can easily remove just the side frames from the assembly? My side frames appear to be reversed and before I tear into it I'd like to know if it can be done without having a glass guy involved.

Thanks,

Jim

jhv48 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 10:29 AM

On my car, you remove the four brass screws on each side rail and the windshield frame slides out with a little prying.

Then comes the fun part of separating it from the frame. Be very careful when tightening the brass screws (not sure if your car uses these soft metals or not). They can strip out the threads very easily. Tighten with only two fingers on the screwdriver if you are working with brass. Also, make sure no screw head (frame or side rail) even touches the glass. Cracks will occur eventually if they touch (wind wings and sun visors also).

dont · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 10:53 AM

I have replaced my windshield. The post that go thru the body do not have to be removed. Just remove the screws on the side of the frame and the top section will lift up as long as there is not a lot of adhisive used when it was installed. Be sure and replace the screws in the exact location because they may be a little different in length.

Don

elmariachi · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 11:56 AM

After looking at it some more I don't think this problem can be solved by swapping out the side frames. The lower set of holes that go through the side frames and hold the windshield in place are not centered on the side frame, they are drilled slightly towards the front of the car. If I swap the side frames out to cure the pic below, the windshield will not be at the leading edge of the sideframes, it will be back at the rear, which is no bueno.

jhv48 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 03:04 PM

Mine is slightly offset like yours. After long thought, I left it alone.

rooster · #6 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 03:28 PM

mine was like that and I was able to gently twist it in a protected vise. Turned out great. Russ

elmariachi · #7 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rooster

mine was like that and I was able to gently twist it in a protected vise. Turned out great. Russ

Excellent, thanks Russ.

Jim

Tim Brewer · #8 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 08:44 PM

To fix it right, you'll need to completly remove the windshield/frame assembly out of the car and lay it out on a blanket or something. The side frames will unscrew and then they will pull off fairly easily so you can swap em. Reversing the side windshield frames is a common and easy mistake to do, I've seen it a lot. If you decide to do the bending thing, they do bend easy because they're made out of brass. Just be careful because the chrome can crack.