Anyone install their own windshield before?

[HSchroen]

I had one of those professional windshield shops out of the Yellow pages come by to install a different windshield in my '85 Crew Cab conversion project on Saturday. They spent 2. 5 hours, literally, trying to install it and could not get it! This is the windshield out of my '92 Club Cab CTD donor. It was in excellent condition, no chips or anything so I thought why not? the original in my '85 had some rock chips, etc. And the original windshield gasket on the '85 was dryrotted and looked bad. The one on the donor seemed to be in excellent condition.

I'm 99% sure the windshields and gaskets should be the same... . am I missing something here? Anyone ever tried installing a windshield? It seems like a tough bugger but I'm considering trying to do it myself. It came out real easy using soapy water.



Thanks.

 

[JFaughn]

1st talk to a dismantler to make sure that it interchanges ,if you had the pros out then there could be a problum- wrong part-its been in a wreck and doesn't fit or the the pros weren't!!!, then if it does get new gasget from them , next when using any tools to help try only wood or plastic with broad contact to windsheld , as they get older they get more britle. get someone to help , what ever you do do not get in a hurry . good luck.

 

[Paychk]

My parts list shows the windshield has the same P/N from 1980-1993. The gasket has a lock strip that fits in a grove in the gasket, could they have tried installing the windshield with the lock strip seated in the gasket? If so I highly doubt it would go in that way. Also were they using a heavy string to install the windshield... or describe how they were attempting to install it?

 

[HSchroen]

My parts list shows the windshield has the same P/N from 1980-1993. The gasket has a lock strip that fits in a grove in the gasket, could they have tried installing the windshield with the lock strip seated in the gasket? If so I highly doubt it would go in that way. Also were they using a heavy string to install the windshield... or describe how they were attempting to install it?

They definately did not have the lock strip in. They were using a cord string on the inside, but I wasnt watching that closely as I did not want to crowd them. I did read a little blurb on ramchargercentral.com on how to install... everyone says it can be a PITA but can be done by an amateur if care is used. I'll decide what to do this weekend because I'm actually getting really close to firing it for the first time since the conversion!

 

[MMiller]

My experiance has taught *me* to pay the glass man. It always goes better, quicker, and he pays for the window when he breaks it. I wrench for a living and will pay to watch a glass man install widows for me.



If you DIY, be patient, lots of lube, and the right tools.



Michael

 

[RailroadJim]

Get many friends to help

I helped a buddy install a windsheild on a 55' chevy, we did it but it sucked, with that wrap around window especially, you need the main dude inside pulling the string while simultaneously manipulating the little hook tool to pull over the gasket lip, the dudes outside gather round and push at the appropriate time. That's just a tiny bit of it. It wouldv'e been 500 times worse if the dash were in it at the time. If you don't want to shop around for a good pro then very good luck to you for you have way more guts than me.

 

[DieselBuzz]

I am not surprised. I doubt that they do that many windsheilds like ours anymore. I have a M-880 sheild on my 93 that I did myself. I actually used wd-40 and spent time cleaning when I was done. Start by putting the bottom in first and work your way around. Take your time on the first top corner and going over the top. Persistance without anger, always easier said than done. Good luck.

 

[HSchroen]

I am not surprised. I doubt that they do that many windsheilds like ours anymore. I have a M-880 sheild on my 93 that I did myself. I actually used wd-40 and spent time cleaning when I was done. Start by putting the bottom in first and work your way around. Take your time on the first top corner and going over the top. Persistance without anger, always easier said than done. Good luck.

I take it you installed the gasket first? What about using the cord string?

 

[PToombs]

I have done a fewgasket type windows in trucks and equipment. I usually put the gasket in first, lube w/ wd or something(wd-40 drys kinda fast, keep wet)

put the window in, bottom first. I use a plastic popsicle stick and work the glass into the gasket, up around the sides, one side just short of the corner, other around and across the top. Just lean gently on window to push in as you go. when its in, lube and lock it!