installing windshield

[mlheppl]

Never cut the rubber to get the windshield out, sit on the seat and push the windshield out with your feet. "Not kick"!, Push. If you got a fresh paint job then put a furniture blanket over your hood.

Is this the preferred method to remove a windshield? I've tried this on a couple of cars that I was converting to stock cars and have never gotten one out without breaking it. No big deal as I didn't need the glass, but will be doing this when I swap cabs and would like to save the glass.

Sorry if I hijacked the thread

Mike

[flyboy71]

To remove mine I pulled the rubber back on the inside and slid drawer dividers in one at a time in front of the flange. This basically puts the rubber toward the outside of the flange as you go along. When I had them lined up along a side the remainder of the top and bottom just rolled out as I pushed carefully on the windshield.

[JMcTurnan]

That is right, you cant save it, but Id rather have it not broken and not leaking =P. But if it starts leaking, thats probably about time for a new gasket.

[JMcTurnan]

Never cut the rubber to get the windshield out, sit on the seat and push the windshield out with your feet. "Not kick"!, Push. If you got a fresh paint job then put a furniture blanket over your hood.

Is this the preferred method to remove a windshield? I've tried this on a couple of cars that I was converting to stock cars and have never gotten one out without breaking it. No big deal as I didn't need the glass, but will be doing this when I swap cabs and would like to save the glass.

Sorry if I hijacked the thread

Mike

To save the glass don't kick it out. No No No, just if you need to change the windshield. If your trying to save the windshield just cut the rubber.

[fordman]

the first windshield i tried to pull failed with rolling the rubber back. we almost had it out and then it went crack.

[JMcTurnan]

Well I've never been that good with removing rope in windshields without breaking them. Thats why at my job there's no guarantee. They are made tight in there.

[basketcase0302]

Well I've never been that good with removing rope in windshields without breaking them. Thats why at my job there's no guarantee. They are made tight in there.

JMcTurnan, Man that's nor very re-assuring! Gonna' try to get mine in tomorrow, or break it in the process. Any more "last minute advice" would be duly appreciated! It'll be my first time...

[JMcTurnan]

To get it out, cut out the rubber. If its old and super frail you will be fine. But if anyone has any questions about installing windshields, come to me.

[basketcase0302]

Very explicit and detailed instructions always help, thanks I've had the old glass out for a few weeks now. Ive got a nice clean (2nd coat of fresh paint has cured for 3 days now) edge all the way around the windshield frame area. I've had the new gasket for a few years now (no trim).
And I might have a "scape goat"! I found a bump windshield 15 miles from me for $50.00 that i could maybe go get if I break the one from the 79'.

Wish me luck!

[JMcTurnan]

Going in is actually not that bad, and unless your an "Idiot" or the glass is too big it may break. The 78-79 dodges oem windshields are made bigger than the actual hole. They are also rope in, i spent one time like 12hrs trying to get it in. Never would go, so I had to grind down the edges.

[72sportc]

I too am in the process of ordering a new windshield, and would like to know if anyone has had any problems with the newer aftermarket windshield rubbers with the groove for the stainless trim. Several years ago, I was told that the grooves were not accepting the stainless properly, but suspect the installer I spoke to was not the installer he thought he was. Which supplier is recommended? Do not mean to steal your thread, just thought others may benefit also. Suggestions welcome.

[JMcTurnan]

I'm not sure, but definetly put the chrome on before you install the windshield. But I've never done chrome trim before so I dont know.

[FreakysFords]

72sportc,

My suspicion is that they had the beadlock gasket and tried to put the stainless trim in the beadlock groove. Was exactly what they tried to do with mine and I've seen it a few times. Even know one guy who's installer told him it would be fine, it just needed glued in

Wherever you get your gasket, if you're using beadlock (Ford uses "chrome corners"), then specify beadlock, if using stainless trim, then specify that it IS stainless trim and NOT beadlock.

[basketcase0302]

FreakyFords,
Got the windshield in without a hitch yesterday, (took maybe 45 minutes with two of us and non-working suction cups). Your above instructions worked perfectly for this rookie! I could only add one other thing, that applied to my install. Once I got to the top edge, I had to work the gasket onto the windshield frame area first. Then the windshield just kind of slid right into place.

My summary for all you guys (and gals) that would like to try your own glass install for the first time
*You should have the 2nd set of hands, or you'll be like a circus clown juggling...
* If it seems like your gasket is binding, it is!
Stop and try to bump the glass to get the extra space needed.
*Use the soapy water solution, it works excellent!

[FreakysFords]

Glad to read it Jeff! You have got to be getting close to the driver's lane with your truck. Now ya just need an excuse to drive it to Bama