change out a windshield

[WASHroad]

Anyone pop out a front windshield of an '88 GL. Is a new gasket easy to find.

Can you use a used windshield or do they have to be new? Someone told me that old ones break if you try to reinstall them, well that was on a Toyota 4x site, but seems the rules would be the same. Do they change out easy or better left to someone who makes a living from it>

[Scoobywagon]

These cars do not use gasket set windshields. They are urethaned in. There are a couple of reasons to not reuse a windshield. First, it takes a miracle of God mandated by an act of congress to get one out of a car without breaking it. Secondly, if you've managed that, there's no way to know what was used to install that windshield so you don't know how the glass was prepped and THAT means that you don't have a way to know that your new adhesive will actually stick to it. That's a safety hazard.

 

A windshield is pretty straightforward to change, but it does require some specialist tools. You will need a cold knife and a cut out bar to remove the windshield and a well-built caulking gun to apply the urethane. The urethane is thick enough to destroy a cheap gun. Wherever you buy the urethane, they should also have the proper tips for you.

[northguy]

Try heating the urethane before you use it, It flows a lot better. Also, microwave the butyl tape kit before you use it. About 40 seconds will do it.

[mdjdc]

The easiest way to remove a windshield without breaking it is to use 90lb fishing wire. It will cut through the urethane and not break as easily as other wires and it doesn't ruin the windshield. I have removed several using this method. Make sure you clean the windshield real well and you can buy the primer and urethane and replace it yourself. DO NOT use butyl tape. Use the urethane that comes prepped for a caulking gun and it won't ruin a cheap gun. My gun sost me 8 bucks and I am still using it. It will take you two tubes fo urethane. Don't be stingy as the urethane also holds in the trim. Don't be afraid to do this job.

[northguy]

Not to argue, but the method I am referring to is to use a butyl kit as a dam for the urethane, as well as to keep the shield from seating too far, to maintain the proper height. Additionally, the butyl kit will allow the vehicle to be moved after a few hours, before the sealant has hardened completely, and not risk a void in the seal. I do not advocate a "close cut" method of replacement.

[Scoobywagon]

THere actually is a product made specifically for damming the urethane. Its an open cell foam tape with adhesive on 2 sides. You apply it to the steel, then shoot the urethane, then set the windshield.

 

I'll say it again...don't re-use a windshield. It can be a real safety problem and new glass isn't all that expensive. Should be $100 or less in most places.

 

Urethane is usually around $25 per tube for the fast set stuff. The slower setting stuff is generally less. Sometimes as cheap as $10-12 per tube. You'll need about a tube and a half to do most windshields. The foam dam tape is generally about $4-5 per roll. 1 roll per car.

[idosubaru]

since you mentioned it this is one job best left to someone else if windshields aren't too expensive for your vehicle. my last windshield was like $130 or something. can't imagine saving much with materials and tools and my time is worth way more than that cost alone.

 

windshield installers i've talked too will install used windshields, but they won't warranty it.

[Steve W.]

Hi. guys, I've replaced several of these w/ used glass over the years, never had a lick of problems. Put a used one in my GL last summer, was a dandy till I took a big rock hit a few weeks ago , have another nice used one lined up. Think this is one of those- to each his own- kind of deals. Hang in there all, S.

[Gloyale]

Butyl tape in the roll is MADE for installing windshields. You don't need no damn Urathane, this isn't a GM structurally bond type.

 

Use butyl tape and a tube of black butyl acetane sealant (they do sell it in tubes.

 

I've done 3 fronts and a rear wagon hatch glass this way now.

[Gloyale]

FWIW

 

Quoted today for loyale wagon glass replacement.

 

new glass = $90

 

installation and adhesive = $125

 

 

Total of $215.

 

*trim not included

[Scoobywagon]

Butyl tape in the roll is MADE for installing windshields. You don't need no damn Urathane, this isn't a GM structurally bond type.

 

Use butyl tape and a tube of black butyl acetane sealant (they do sell it in tubes.

 

I've done 3 fronts and a rear wagon hatch glass this way now.

 

Not to be an rump roast, but...you're just plain wrong. You are correct that windshields have, in the past, been installed with butyl. However, that has not been the case since the 70's. It simply isn't legal to do anymore. It is a structural bond insofar as such strength is necessary in order to ensure the safety of the vehicle occupants in the event of an accident. There is a reason for things being done the way they are.

 

Back glass is a COMPLETELY different story. It still ought to be installed with urethane, as that is how the factory does it. However, it is not a safety function, so I see no reason why you couldn't install with butyl. I wouldn't, but.....

 

Do what you want, but also understand the risks.

[murph]

My 2 cents - I wouldn't suggest a used windshield , I currently have two that are cracked , from age and the florida sun . The way I see it , it's just not worth the cost to put in a used one and have it crack on you after a short while .... go new !

[Gloyale]

Not to be an rump roast, but...you're just plain wrong. You are correct that windshields have, in the past, been installed with butyl. However, that has not been the case since the 70's. It simply isn't legal to do anymore. It is a structural bond insofar as such strength is necessary in order to ensure the safety of the vehicle occupants in the event of an accident.

 

You are flat wrong here.

 

You can buy Buytyl rolls specifically today for windshields.

 

Buytyl is what is in there from the factory.

 

I went to school for Collision Repair and I know what I am talking about.

 

 

 

This is another case of "generalized" (as in General Motors) auto knowledge run amok.

 

Like the "you have to replace head bolts everytime" TTY bolts. It is something that is important for some cars, but not every car. Not Subaru's

 

Urathane bonding is very important in most GM cars and some others since the 80's. That is because they rely on the windshield to be the structure of the car. ANd also because there is not a "lip" for the windshield to sit into, so wind could actually get under and lift it up. This is all true.

 

Just not applicable to older (or really even newer) Subaru's

[northguy]

Maybe you two could just agree to disagree. I was an auto glass installer you years before my current career. There was a lot written in the industry. Perhaps if you want to "prove " who is correct, you could cite professional articles, provide documentation. (I believe I know the answer, but I'm not weighing in here.)

[Turbone]

I was taught to use this in school, I have 2 tubes of it atm.

 

 

Altho I havent replaced one myself yet, I have had 4 replaced in the last 5yrs.

A 86 T-Wagon.

My 89 RX.

A 88 XT.

And a 92 SVX, this one cost the most - about $230.

[Scoobywagon]

Maybe you two could just agree to disagree. I was an auto glass installer you years before my current career. There was a lot written in the industry. Perhaps if you want to "prove " who is correct, you could cite professional articles, provide documentation. (I believe I know the answer, but I'm not weighing in here.)

 

Thought about it. But nobody else is going to care, so it seems a bit non-useful. Either way...as I said before. Its your car. Do what you want. Install a windshield with duct tape if you want. Have fun with that.

[WASHroad]

since you mentioned it this is one job best left to someone else if windshields aren't too expensive for your vehicle. my last windshield was like $130 or something. can't imagine saving much with materials and tools and my time is worth way more than that cost alone.

 

windshield installers i've talked too will install used windshields, but they won't warranty it.

 

 

Well since the GL is running nice, and I think for me the best thing to do is just shop around for a cheap install. The Soobie has been a cheap project so far, and has pulled over 28 mpg as D/D, I will hold off until the funds can get a new windshield installed by a shop. The one in now is cracked and looks like it was sand blasted, makes is a *************** to see out of when the sun hits it. Thanks for all the input.

[Qman]

You are flat wrong here.

 

You can buy Buytyl rolls specifically today for windshields.

 

Buytyl is what is in there from the factory.

 

I went to school for Collision Repair and I know what I am talking about.

 

 

 

This is another case of "generalized" (as in General Motors) auto knowledge run amok.

 

Like the "you have to replace head bolts everytime" TTY bolts. It is something that is important for some cars, but not every car. Not Subaru's

 

Urathane bonding is very important in most GM cars and some others since the 80's. That is because they rely on the windshield to be the structure of the car. ANd also because there is not a "lip" for the windshield to sit into, so wind could actually get under and lift it up. This is all true.

 

Just not applicable to older (or really even newer) Subaru's

 

What shop do you work at?

[Gloyale]

What shop do you work at?

 

Dan's Independant Subaru repair

 

5260 Hwy 99W Corvallis, OR

 

 

Completed LBCC collision repair program in '98