Removing windshield?

[davew833]

Has anyone removed an SVX windshield successfully and how hard is it? Is it something I should attempt or get a glass shop to do it?

[benebob]

Originally Posted by davew833

Has anyone removed an SVX windshield successfully and how hard is it? Is it something I should attempt or get a glass shop to do it?

Yes I've removed a windshield successfully, no I wouldn't attempt it. Took a good 2-3 hours of constant work for two of us. Windshied removal is easy but removing the windshield and the needed gasket (can't buy one) isn't so easy. If you're removing it from a non junk car you'll want to take the dash out and the front cowl out or your piano wire will cut it to shreds. A shop will charge a decent amount with no promises they won't break the glass or ruin the gasket.

[ensteele]

Originally Posted by benebob

... but removing the windshield and the needed gasket (can't buy one) isn't so easy.

Glass is available, but the gaskets are not?

[benebob]

Originally Posted by ensteele

Glass is available, but the gaskets are not?

It is a one piece system (techinally no gasket is needed as its already fused to the windshield like a fair number of cars sold today, hence there is no part number. A good windshield guy can "make" a gasket but it won't look 100% and will eventually have leaking issues since it isn't a one piece design.

[Hocrest]

Originally Posted by benebob

...or your piano wire will cut it to shreds...

Yeah, it was a pain, if I had to do it again, I would try not to...

Use shifter cable from a bicycle shop, it is fairly strong and easier to find, probably cheaper too.

[svxcuseme]

Does the dash really have to come out? Looks as though you could just remove the pillar molding on the inside.

[Hocrest]

It can stay in, but what Ben was referencing is that we ripped up the top of it with the back and forth of the cable.

[svxcuseme]

Right, so maybe we could tape something in place to protect the dash to avoid damaging / removing it? Maybe I'll try when I get around to it. I'll definately advise if it works.

[benebob]

Remember piano wire is sharp as sharp can be. It'll cut through anything you'd put there. You need the friction to move as you actually cut and melt the glue as you move. It doesn't need to come out but if its your parts car that you're saving the dash from it should.

[Earthworm]

You must be extra careful with the windshield as it's more fragile than the rest of the windows in the car. Just getting the initial hole through the adhesive is difficult and caused us to lose a windshield we were trying to save.

[Budfreak]

I have a local glass shop remove all mine for me and it takes him about a half hour and costs me $40 bucks. You might want to call around a little before attempting it yourself.

[ensteele]

Originally Posted by Budfreak

I have a local glass shop remove all mine for me and it takes him about a half hour and costs me $40 bucks. You might want to call around a little before attempting it yourself.

That sounds like a good tip. Especially if they would put it in another one that you need the glass in.