How do I Replace a Windshield on a 1978 Ford

Cracked windshields are not only illegal in most states, but are not safe on the road. Damaged windshields also let in moisture which, according to Auto Media, causes corrosive rust to form on steel surfaces and to compromise the adhesive bond of the windshield glass. To replace a windshield on a 1978 Ford vehicle, you will need a few tools, a powerful bonding agent and an assistant to help guide you. Contact your local Ford manufacturer to order replacement glass that fits your 78 model.

Instructions

1

Wear safety glasses and utility gloves to protect yourself against hazardous glass.

2

Dismount the rearview mirror. With a small Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws that secure it to the glass. Slide a small flathead screwdriver underneath the mirrors base and begin to pry upwards. If the adhesive is too strong, slide a thin razor blade underneath the base so that it will cut at the adhesive. Set the mirror aside once you have removed it.

3

Use a trim removal tool to remove the cars top trim piece that lines the outside of the windshield. Insert the hook of the tool inside the gap between the base of the windshield and its weatherstripping. The hook must reach all the way inside the trim until it stops at the trim clip. Once the hook reaches inside the clip, pull upwards on the clip so that it will loosen the trim. Once the trim is loosened, you can remove it manually.

4

Use a carpet knife to cut the windows inside molding from the outside of the Ford. Make the cut smooth, slicing around the perimeter at a steady pace.

5

From inside the vehicle, push on the glass with both hands to dislodge the windshield from its frame. Have an assistant catch the glass from the outside of the car so that it will not fall and break.

6

Use mild soap and a rag to clean away the sticky adhesive buildup from inside of the frame before replacing the windshield.

7

Apply a bead of urethane caulk on the inside of the window frame. With your assistant, set the glass in the bottom of the frame first, and then lift the upper portion of the glass up and inside the frame. Press your body weight on the glass so that it creates an airtight seal.

8

Allow the urethane caulk to set for 24 to 48 hours. Remount the rearview mirror with a mirror adhesive, which you can buy from an auto parts store. Follow the remounting process as directed on the product label.

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FC on RON95 is not good as RON97 for Peugeot308 turbo

It seemed that AHW308 consumed 5~10% more RON95 fuel per 100km during previous 1500km Raya Trip than it took out of RON97 on earlier 2000km trip across Malayan Peninsular, but I forgot the traffic flows and the way I tekaned the accelerator pedal between the two trips were entirely different in fashion. So, I was WRONG to conclude that Peugeot 308Turbo consumes more fuel on RON95 than it does on RON97 .

Over the last weekend however, I had an opportunity to test similar car running on RON95 on similar route [as earlier trip on RON97] under almost similar controlled environment. They were daylight trips from BBBangi to JB and back covering a total distance of approximately 600km. In both situations the car ran on AUTOcruise most of the time within legal speed limits. The aircond was set to 21degC throughout the trip.

Surprisingly I found that the average fuel consumption for both trips which run on RON97 and RON95 were almost identical. The trip computer displays below was taken at the end of the trip run on RON95.

The average RON95 fuel consumption for the 586km trip was:
6.2lit./100km i.e 11.16sen per km [@RM1.80/liter] or, 16.1km/liter or 45.8mpg!

For the 586km trip the car consumed RM 65.40 or 36.33liter of RON95 i.e slightly over 5/8 but less than 3/4 tank of fuel. The remaining fuel is more than enough for another trip to JB!!!

Now it is proven TRUE that in term of energy content there is no different between RON95 and RON97! [Click HERE to see fuel consumption for similar car running on RON97]

Next test is to compare high-rev performance [0~100km/hr acceleration and sustainable top speed] between RON95 and RON97.

The best average fuel consumption by my308 on RON95 was 6.0liter/100km [16.7 km/liter or 10.8sen/km] when the car was running constantly at 92km/hr read by the speedo [or exactly 90km/hr on the GPS] on a trip along PLUS covering 291km on October 4th. 2009.

Frequently Visited Pages:
| Home | Fuel Consumption | Performance | uncles DIY |
Car Size Comparison | Motoring Myths | RON95 |

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How to Remove the ABS on a 2000 GMC 2500

The ABS system in a 2000 GMC 2500 is regulated by a control unit thats mounted on the frame. This control unit uses the signal from the wheel speed sensor to determine whether the vehicle is in an emergency braking situation. If it is, then the ABS is activated. If your vehicles ABS system is in any way malfunctioning, then youll need to remove it from the truck in order to fix the issue.

Instructions

1

Look underneath the truck, on the inside of the drivers side frame rail (directly underneath the drivers side door), to locate the ABS electro-hydraulic control unit. Place the drain pan underneath the control unit.

2

Remove the brake lines leading into and out of the control unit, using a line wrench -- do this by first cracking open the line to allow the pressure to bleed off, then opening up the line all the way.

3

Unplug the wiring to the control unit, using your hands. Unbolt the control unit from the frame, using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then pull the control unit off the frame and out from under the truck.

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How to Get Rid of Scratches on Auto Windshields

Most of us know the frustration of driving with a scratched windshield. The scratches do not have to be large to seriously hinder your ability to see. It is very easy for small scratches to cause reflections and haziness that make it difficult to see the road. Many people think the only remedy is to replace to windshield, which can be costly. However, there are inexpensive windshield polishing kits that reduce and eliminate windshield scratches that are available through local auto supply stores.

Instructions

1

Clean the windshield. Use a glass cleaner designed for auto glass that cuts through the grease and road debris. If you dont clean your windshield, surface dirt can cause even more scratching on your windshield as you work through the glass polishing process.

2

Create a polishing guide. On the inside of the windshield, place masking tape on either side of the scratch. Make the guide wide enough to accommodate the width of the polishing bob that comes with the polishing kit.

3

Prepare the polishing compound. Soak the felt polishing bob that comes with the kit in warm water while you mix the polishing compound with warm water. Make sure you follow the instructions that come with your kit. The mixing measurements and instructions will vary according to what brand of kit you purchase.

4

Prepare the windshields surface. Apply warm water to the scratched area. Tape off any painted or trim areas, as the compound may damage them.

5

Polish the scratched area. The felt bob is meant to attach to a drill and should be used at around 400 RPMs. Use the tape guides as you work in a side-to-side motion across the scratches.

6

Clean up the compound. Use a wet sponge to remove all of the compound, then follow up with a glass cleaner. Check the windshield for signs of scratches. You may repeat the polishing treatment again if the scratches are not gone.

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How to Remove Replace a Passenger Window on a 2001 Ford Focus

There are multiple reasons why the passenger-side window on the Ford Focus might need work. If the glass has been broken or cracked, it needs replacing for safety reasons. If the regulator containing the glass is not working properly, it can break the window and possibly damage other components in the door. You need to remove the doors inner trim panel in order to remove and replace the window glass and/or the regulator.

Instructions

Removing the Door Panel

1

Disconnect the cars negative battery cable.

2

Remove the cover trim on the doors grab handle and the small plastic screw cover in the door handle cavity using a screwdriver. Remove the screws inside the pull handle and the cavity, then slide the bezel off the door handle.

3

Disconnect the electrical connector from the windows control switch.

4

Unscrew all of the securing screws along the outer edge of the trim panel, then pull the panel away from the door and rotate it upward at the back to remove it.

Accessing the Window

5

Take out the oddly shaped impact bolster by rotating it counterclockwise to release it from its retaining clips. Remove the retaining clips afterward.

6

Disconnect the speaker from the door by removing the four mounting screws with a screwdriver and disconnecting its wiring.

7

Unclip the door release handle from the doors front end and slide it out forward to remove it. Leave the cable connected to the handle.

8

Cut the butyl strip on the plastic weather shield with a knife, and peel the plastic from the door. Dont touch the adhesive on the plastic.

Replacing the Window

9

Reconnect the window controls to the electrical connector, and lower the window until you can see the windows support bracket bolts through the access holes in the door. Then disconnect the connector again.

10

Loosen the bolts on the support bracket with a wrench without removing them, and then lift the glass out the door through the top opening while tilting it upward at the rear.

11

Remove the mounting bolts for the window regulator and motor, disconnect the multi-plug from the regulator, unclip the regulators cables and remove the regulator through the bottom hole in the door.

12

Slide the replacement regulator into the door through the bottom hole, bolt it in place and connect the multi-plug and cables.

13

Insert the glass down into the door, making sure it is correctly located in the support brackets, and tighten the bolts.

14

Reconnect the water shield, the door release, the speaker and the impact bolster.

15

Reinstall the doors inner trim panel.

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How to Change the Brake Rotors on a 1990 Honda Accord

The anti-lock braking system on the 1990 Honda Accord uses three main components, in conjunction, to work effectively. The brake pads and calipers are responsible for squeezing against the brake rotor when the brake pedal is depressed. A rotor that is severely scored or warped will not perform as the driver expects. While it is possible to have scratched rotors resurfaced, any deep gouging of the rotor surface or warping will require immediate replacement.

Instructions

1

Jack up the Honda and support the vehicle on jack stands.

2

Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and pull the wheel of the corresponding rotor(s) to be replaced from the wheel bolts.

3

Remove the caliper bolts with a 13-mm wrench and pull the caliper from its mount around the rotor. Place the caliper on top of the steering arm or on an idle jack stand to prevent the weight of the caliper from damaging the attached brake line.

4

Remove the two screws on the top hat surface of the rotor with a Phillips-head screwdriver. The top hat section of the rotor is the raised center surface on the outside of the rotor.

5

Pull the rotor straight from the wheel bolts (outward). Spray the rotor with chain lubricant if it is stuck to the wheel bolts or steering knuckle (the component directly behind the rotor when installed).

6

Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner and wipe excess cleaner packing oil from the rotor with a towel.

7

Place the new rotor onto the wheel bolts, with the top hat section facing outward. Replace the two screws on the outer surface with the Phillips-head screwdriver.

8

Return the caliper onto the rotor and replace the caliper bolts with the wrench.

9

Place the wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts. Remove the jack stands from beneath the Honda and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

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How to Take off the Rotor on a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT

The front brake rotors on a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT are a part of the braking system. As the brake pads wear down, so do the brake rotors, and they replacement or resurfacing. Doing so is not a complicated process, and it should take about one hour. It does not require any special tools or equipment.

Instructions

1

Park the Explorer on a level surface and turn off its ignition. Loosen the lug nuts, using a tire iron. Raise the Ford Explorer with the jack and raise jack stands to the frame to support the vehicle. Remove the lug nuts and the wheels. Move them away from your workspace.

2

Remove the anchor plate-to-steering knuckle bolts that hold the brake caliper to the steering knuckle, using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Hang the caliper from the underside of the vehicle with the mechanics wire, ensuring the brake line does not twist or kink up.

3

Pull the wheel hub off the front of the rotor. Remove the rotors center bolt with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Remove the rotor from the vehicle.

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How to Repair a Power Window on a Windstar 2002

The primary components of a power window are the glass, the regulator that holds the glass, the control switches and the wiring connecting the switch to the regulator. Cracked or broken window glass needs to be replaced, but the regulator, the switches and the wiring can also cause problems. What you need to do for repairs depends on where the malfunction is. This can be tricky on a Ford Windstar 2002 van, as the window glass and regulator are installed with rivets instead of bolts.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the vans negative battery cable with the window down.

2

Pry out the trim cover for the inside handle with a small flat screwdriver, then pull out the switch control plate, disconnecting its electrical connector. Replace the control plate and skip to Step 8 if thats all you need.

3

Pull out the side mirror cover, then remove all the screws on the door panel along the edges and behind the switch plate. Pull the panel off its clips and off the door, then peel away the watershield.

4

Disconnect the electrical connector for the window regulator. If the wiring is damaged and this is the only issue, install a new wiring harness and skip to Step 7.

5

Drill out the rivets holding the window glass to the regulator and lift the glass out of the door. Drill out the regulators rivets, then pull the arm bracket and regulator out through the service hole.

6

Install the new regulator within the door and fasten it with a rivet gun. Slide and lower the door glass into the door and regulator and apply rivets to it, then connect the electrical connector.

7

Paste the watershield back onto the door and reinstall the door panel with its clips and screws.

8

Plug in the electrical connector and install the switch plate followed by all other small trim panels you removed.

9

Reconnect the battery cable.

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How to Change a Rotor on a Ford F 150

Rotors are often overlooked during the replacement of the brakes on a vehicle. The Ford F150 uses front rotors and rear drum brakes on most models. This article will address the front rotors only, as this is the configuration found on most trucks.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the truck with a floor jack and support it on a set of jack stands. Be sure the stands are under the frame and are not going to slide or move.

2

Remove the front tires from the truck, using a socket and breaker bar to remove the lug nuts. Set the lug nuts aside for use later when you replace the tires.

3

Locate the two bolts on the back of the brake caliper. Remove both bolts with an Allen wrench and lift off the caliper. Support the caliper with a piece of string or wire so that it does not hang on the rubber brake hose.

4

Locate and remove the two bolts on the back side of the steering knuckle that hold the mounting bracket for the caliper onto the knuckle. Use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts. Remove the bracket and set it aside.

5

Slide the rotor off the wheel studs. Once it is free from the studs you can set it aside and slide the new rotor onto the wheel studs.

6

Reinstall the brake pad mounting bracket and tighten the two bolts, with a socket and torque wrench. The torque specification is different from year to year, so you will need to check with the dealer to get the right specification for your truck.

7

Insert the brake caliper back into the mounting bracket and install the two bolts that hold it. Tighten the bolts with an Allen wrench until snug. Do not over-tighten these bolts or you may strip the heads on them, making them very hard to remove later.

8

Install the wheel and tire back on the truck and thread the lug nuts onto the wheel studs. Tighten with a lug wrench or socket and breaker bar. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturers specification.

9

Remove the jack stands from under the frame and slowly lower the truck back to the ground, using your jack. Test the brakes before driving the truck on the road.

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How do I Remove the Rear Rotor on a 300ZX

The rotors on your 300ZX are an essential part of the brake system. As you depress the brake pedal, the brake pads grasp onto the rotors to effectively stop the car. Badly worn rotors will produce a hard grinding sound every time the brakes are applied. Defective rotors will also increase the cars overall stopping distance. You can remove the passenger or drivers side rear rotor with a few tools right at home. If it requires replacement, you should always replace the corresponding rotor as well.

Instructions

1

Place a wheel block in the front of both driver and passengers side front tires.

2

Loosen the lug nuts on the rear drivers side tire a half turn counterclockwise with a lug wrench. Raise the 300ZX just in front of the tire with a hydraulic jack. Place a jack stand on the left of the hydraulic jack to help support the weight of the car. The bottom of the tire should be no more than 8 inches from the ground.

3

Remove the lug nuts and slide the tire off the wheel studs. Roll the tire to the side of your work area and place the lug nuts with the tire so you dont lose them.

4

Remove the two bolts at the rear of the brake caliper that hold it in place on the mounting bracket with your socket wrench. If you look at the caliper, you should see four other bolts. Do not remove them because they hold the brake caliper together.

5

Place a 5-gallon bucket right next to the brake caliper within the wheel well. Lift the brake caliper--only--off the mounting bracket and set it down on the bucket. Do not remove the brake pads from the bracket.

6

Rotate the caliper piston clockwise with a pair of 12-inch adjustable pliers. It has to completely retract back down into the bore hole on the brake caliper. Once it has been fully retracted remount the caliper back over the brake pads.

7

Return both of the brake calipers mounting bolts by hand to assure proper threading. Set your 3/8-inch drive torque wrench to 35 foot-lbs. and secure both of the bolts in place.

8

Remove the two inner upper and lower mounting bracket bolts with your socket wrench. Lift the entire assembly with the caliper attached, off the rotor and set it down on the bucket. The mounting bracket connects to the steering knuckle and is what the brake pads were sitting in when you had the caliper removed.

9

Remove the rotor by pulling it toward you evenly off the wheel studs.

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How to Replace Brakes on a 2005 Lexus ES330

The brakes on the 2005 Lexus ES330 are a wear item that should be checked during every inspection. If the brakes are not changed in time, the semi-metallic material can completely wear away, leaving bare metal. This metal surface can damage the rotor by etching grooves into the rotors surface. Replacing the brakes is a relatively straightforward task you can complete in under an hour, in most cases.

Instructions

1

Park your Lexus ES330 on a flat, level spot. Open the hood and locate the brake master cylinder reservoir near the firewall on the drivers side. Use a turkey baster to siphon one-third of the brake fluid in the reservoir. Place the fluid in a sealable container and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner.

2

Use a lug wrench to loosen the wheel lugs on all wheels. Use a floor jack to raise the vehicle. Set the vehicle on jack stands placed underneath the vehicles jack support areas. Finish removing the wheel lugs and pull the front wheels off the vehicle.

3

Remove the two retaining bolts holding the caliper to the rotor with a socket wrench. Pull the caliper off the rotor and suspend it from the frame with mechanics wire. Detach the old brake pads from the caliper.

4

Place an old brake pad over the caliper piston and attach a C-clamp between the piston and the back of the brake caliper. Tighten the C-clamp to push the piston back inside of the caliper.

5

Remove the metal shims from the old brake pads and clip them onto the new brake pads. Place the new brake pads into the caliper and place the caliper back over the rotor. Reattach the two retaining bolts to the caliper and tighten them with a socket wrench. Repeat the procedure on the other front tire, and on the rear brakes, if necessary.

6

Mount the wheels onto the vehicle and hand-tighten the wheel lugs. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the wheel lugs to 76 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

7

Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir with DOT 3 brake fluid until the fluid level reaches the "MAX" fill line. Close the cap on the reservoir and close the hood.

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Upgrading Head Lights on Peugeot 308

If you have questions to ask on how to upgrade head lights on your Peugeot 308 to HID Projector but shy to do so, please take a peep HERE. Nobody is watching ya...

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How to Remove a Brake Caliper on a 2005 Ford Escape

A brake caliper on a 2005 Ford Escape houses the brake pads. Mounted inside a caliper bracket, over the top of the brake rotor, the caliper contracts on the rotor when you apply the brakes. This action clamps the brake pads onto the rotor in order to stop the small SUV. Ford Motor Company recommends inspecting the brake pads at every other oil-change interval and replacing them when they fall below 3 mm in thickness. Anyone with a solid grasp on automotive repair can remove a 2005 Ford Escape brake caliper.

Instructions

1

Position the wheel chocks against one of the Escapes rear wheels. Turn each individual front lug nut counterclockwise with the lug wrench to loosen them.

2

Jack the front end of the Escape off the ground. Set the two jack stands under the front frame and lower the Escape onto the jack stands.

3

Take off the Escapes front lug nuts and wheels by hand to expose the brake calipers. Put the drain pan below the caliper and use the brake cleaner to wash away the accumulated brake dust.

4

Remove the Escapes caliper bolts with the socket set. Grab the caliper body with both hands and remove it from the caliper bracket.

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How to Repair a Window Channel on a Car

The window channel on a car is where the water runs down and away from the glass. Window channels also help keep water out of the inside of the car. However, the seams in window channels may eventually separate due to the sheet metal flexing. When this happens, reseal the seams in the window channel.

Instructions

1

Clean the window channel with soap and water.

2

Dry the channel with a lint-free towel.

3

Apply a bead of seam sealer to the seams on the window channel. Make sure that you get good coverage on any seams that are showing visible cracks.

4

Smooth the sealer across the seams with your fingers.

5

Allow the seam sealer to dry for at least 24 hours before exposing it to water.

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How to Replace the Drivers Side Window on a Volvo XC70

A damaged drivers side window on your Volvo XC70 can put your vehicle at serious risk of being broken in to or even stolen. As a result, if you notice any cracks or breaks in your window, you should probably replace it immediately. You can pick up a replacement drivers side window from your local auto store and perform the repair right at home.

Instructions

1

Enter the drivers seat of your vehicle. Pry open the casing for the electrical window control. Remove the casing and unhook the electrical connector.

2

Use a phillips-head screwdriver to remove the mounting screws on the rubber trim around the edge of the window. Pull the trim away from the window. Remove the mounting bolts black door plate with a wrench. Pull the plate away from the door.

3

Unscrew the mounting bolts that connect the window pane to the window regulator. This will free the window from the frame and allow you to remove it.

4

Lift the window pane out of the frame of the drivers door. Take care not to cut your hand when removing any broken pieces or shards.

5

Insert a new window pane in to the door frame. Fix the window in place by connecting the bolts to the window itself and the window regulator. Reattach the door assembly by following the removal steps in reverse.

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How to Remove the Windshield on a 66 Beetle

Perhaps you are painting your classic Volkswagen Beetle and you want to remove the windshield so you can paint under the trim. Or maybe the rubber seal around the windshield has started to rot and crumble. Removing the windshield on a 1966 Beetle is not a difficult job, because the windshield is flat, small, and fairly sturdy. Still, be careful not to push the glass too hard or warp it, lest it break.

Instructions

1

Sit in the passenger seat of the Beetle. Starting at the top right corner, slip the blade of a utility knife between the rubber seal and the windshield, holding the handle of the knife as closely as possible to the windshield. Press the blade until it slices through the rubber, touching the metal frame beneath the rubber.

2

Cut the rubber seal horizontally along the entire top side of the windshield. Similarly cut the rubber seal on the left and right sides of the windshield, cutting from top to bottom.

3

Place your hands on the inside left and right sides of the windshield. Gently push the windshield out, applying pressure equally to both hands. Pivot the glass on the bottom edge where the rubber seal has not been cut. Push until the glass will stand by itself an inch or two outside the top edge, but do not push so far that it will fall out.

4

Step outside the car and carefully lift the glass away from the car and rubber seal. Pull out the old rubber seal from around the window.

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