Windshield replacement is an unfortunate aspect of owning an automobile. Small dings and cracks can quickly spread, disrupting your vision and weakening the integrity of the auto glass. Full coverage car insurance will often pay anything over your standard deductible, but those who do not have this type of coverage often face an expensive repair bill. One way around this is to simply to do the repair oneself. The procedure to change a windshield is relatively straightforward and can usually be accomplished by anyone who has an assistant and a basic tool set.
Prepare for Windshield Removal
It is important to prepare the automobile for windshield removal as a means of preventing damage from happening when the old windshield is taken out of the car. The most important step is to completely seal all defroster vents with masking tape. Small dust-like particles of glass are sometimes present when auto glass is removed. It is important to keep the glass out of the defroster, which would blow it around the car when turned on.
Also remove the windshield wiper arms from the car. If your new windshield does not include the rear-view mirror, you may wish to remove the one from your old windshield to reuse. Use a flat screwdriver to gently pry the mirror off of the surface of the glass.
Old Windshield Removal
Inspect the rubber gasket that runs along the border of the windshield. If the rubber is in good condition and can be peeled away in a single strip, the gasket may be able to be used again. If the rubber is cracked or damaged, the gasket will need to be replaced when you install the new windshield.
Peel back the gasket to free its grip on the auto glass. If you will be replacing the rubber, you may find it easier to just cut through the rubber with a utility knife. If you choose to do this, remember to go back over the area after the glass is removed to trim away any remaining pieces.
Attach suction handles to the outside of the windshield. If no suction handles are available, wear thick gloves that are resistant to cutting. Have one person push the old windshield free from the inside of the car, while another lifts it away from the outside.
Install the New Windshield
Use a shop vac or a brush and dust pan to clean the area where the old windshield was removed. It is important to clean away any dust or glass as well as to trim away any rubber that may still be attached to the metal of the car. If any rust is spotted, sand it away and paint over the metal with paint primer.
Clean the edges of the glass and allow the windshield to dry. Once dry, rub a generous amount of windshield primer around the edges of the glass. When primed, use adhesive to secure a rubber gasket to the border of the windshield. Have a friend help you carefully lower the glass into place and secure its position with windshield adhesive.
