We often ignore the condition of the windshield, especially when driving. Although it rarely causes problems, the windshield of a car should be kept in good condition. If it needs to be replaced, it needs to be exchanged properly to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Removing the Old Windshield
Step 1. Remove the plastic molding around the windshield
Carefully remove all clips securing the windshield molding. These clips can be removed in a number of ways (pulling straight, releasing the center first, pushing from the reverse side, etc.), but need to be replaced if damaged. The price of these clips varies, from very cheap to very expensive and some are difficult to obtain.
Step 2. Analyze the best angle to separate the windshield from the pinch-weld
The pinch-weld is the area at the front of the car where metal components are welded together. This section provides the structure and shape of the frame for the windshield. To be able to remove the windshield, you must remove it from the pinch-weld. The trick, work from inside or outside the vehicle with a cold knife or razor.
Step 3. Cut the urethane
Urethane is a very strong and flexible adhesive because it is polymer based.
- If you choose to cut from the outside of the vehicle, you may experience difficulties when the windshield is attached too close to the pinch-weld. If the existing urethane is less than 0.5 cm, the knife does not have enough room to make a good cut.
- You can also cut the windshield from inside the car. Use a long-handled razor blade and cut with repeated swiping motions. Many mechanics also use power cutter machines which work faster even though they can damage metal pinch-welds.
Step 4. Remove the windshield from the car
This step needs to be done by two people. Open both front doors of the vehicle and use one hand to gently push the glass off the pinch-weld. Hold the glass from the outside of the car firmly and lift it straight up from the pinch-weld.
Part 2 of 4: Preparing the Pinch-Weld
Step 1. Remove any visible dirt with a brush and clean water
Any contaminants on the pinch-weld will reduce the adhesion of the urethane and windshield.
Step 2. Scrape off any remaining urethane with a razor blade
Usually the residual urethane remains on the pinch-weld to a thickness of 1 cm or more and needs to be shortened to about 3 mm.
Step 3. Remove any rust from the pinch-weld
Any rusted or loose/damaged areas need to be sanded back to the original metal to remove any rust.
Step 4. Cover the area around the rust spot
It's a good idea to cover all areas that aren't sanded and protect the inside of the car using masking tape and a sheet of paper or plastic. This step is done so that the primer does not touch the exposed non-metallic parts.
Step 5. Spray primer on all exposed metal
This step is important because it helps the urethane bond and prevents the metal from rusting again. Primer is applied by spraying three thin, even coats on the metal. Do not let the coating on the metal is too thick.
Part 3 of 4: Installing a New Windshield
Step 1. Apply primer to the frit band (the black rubber around the windshield)
The purpose of the primer is to open the frit band molecule so that it accepts the urethane molecule.
Step 2. Apply the urethane with an electric firing putty
If you don't have electric firing putty, buy it at a hardware store. The price ranges from IDR 4,200,000-IDR 7,000,000
- The best way to apply new urethane is to glue it to the old urethane. This urethane must be clean and free of dirt, oil, and other contaminants.
- One of the problems encountered is the dust that blows onto the pinch-weld before the urethane adhesive has finished setting.
- This job can be done without firing putty, but it will be more difficult and can cause leaks.
Step 3. Install the windshield
Carefully align the top, bottom, and both sides of the glass. Attach the windshield to the top of the pinch-weld.
- Some vehicles have a ride beam on which the bottom of the windshield can rest. However, some do not have it.
- Try not to touch the frit band as oil and dirt from the skin will contaminate the activated glass and reduce the adhesion of the urethane.
- Some people glue tape to hold the windshield. This tape holds the windshield together until the urethane dries.
Step 4. Allow the urethane to harden
Cars should not be driven until the urethane has completely hardened. Depending on the type used, urethane usually dries within 1-24 hours. Follow the manufacturer's user manual to find out when the vehicle can be safely reused.
Part 4 of 4: Replacing the Windshield Gasket
Step 1. Remove all windshield clips
You will need a special tool that can be slipped under the windshield trim to carefully loosen the windshield clips.
Step 2. Pull out the window gasket
It's a good idea to cut the gasket so that it straightens out when pulled. If any gasket remains on the windshield, clean it with a glass scraper or razor blade. Make sure you don't damage the windshield while working.
Step 3. Push one end of the gasket into place
Once you've tucked this end into the groove where the old gasket was, start slowly wrapping around the windshield.
Step 4. Fit all gaskets into the grooves
Work around the windshield to get all the gaskets into the grooves and be careful not to miss anything. All gaskets must fit snugly into the groove.
Step 5. Tighten the windshield clip
It is recommended that you screw in and screw the clip back into place so that it holds the gasket and windshield securely.
Step 6. Replace the trim around the windshield
This trim will cover the windshield gaskets and clips.
