I need to take the windshield out of my '65 electra and have it re-sealed due to some massive leaks. However, I talked to 2 auto glass shops in the area, and both said that it is likely that the window will break when they remove it. There is some minor delamination of the glass on the driver's side of the window. I looked in my 1965 service manual, and it shows breaking the adhesive with a piece of piano wire with a handle on each end. If I used this method, I can't imagine how the window would break. I mentioned this to the guy at the one auto glass place, and he said they never use the piano wire method to take the glass out. Does anyone have experience doing this? The car still has the original windshield, and I would like to not have to spend $250 on a new one. Also, how do those little covers at the base of the windshield wipers come off? ( the thing that covers the bolt that holds the wiper arm on the shaft) I tried lightly prying on it and it didn't move. Thanks for your input, guys! :TU:
this thread might help, towards the bottom of the page are some helpful tips: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12808
Windshield leaks Scotty - You may find some minor corrosion and rust or even big 'ol holes when you get the glass out - the seal usually fails due to major rust. You'll find the sealing goo still sticky but with nothing to stick to. Put new metal in and POR 15 the rust before you replace the glass. You might be surprised at how little a new windshield would cost. I think the one on my GS was about $125 including the internal radio antenna. You can do this job at home, you'll need help putting it back in and you only get one shot at setting the glass in place correctly.
I've only done it twice in the last 8 years, and both times I used a very thin flexible putty knife and went all the way around the window from the inside "stabbing" straight through the "sticky goo". Each stab, you move about 1/2" around the window until you make it all the way around. I go around twice just to make sure the seal is broke good. Then you can push the window out with very slight pressure. I don't know if this is the "proper" way to do it, but it worked for me twice. Allthough, I have to say my arm was VERY tired from all the akward pushing. :gt: I've heard of the piano/guitar string method, but it seems like that would be pulling on the edge of the window dangerously hard, and it would definately take two people. oNo: For what it's worth....I got a brand new windshield for my first 67 Skylark about 8 years ago and I think it was about $120, and it was the kind with top 6" or so tinted a little bit.
I've done it several times in the last 5 years. The piano wire/guitar string method is awesome. Either way you'll need 2 people to be sure it doesn't brake. I've never lost a windshield when pulling it. Just don't lay it down flat witout a LOT of support under it. I use pillows and towels to give support over the whole thing. Store it vertical if you can - and again, don't let the edge lay on anything hard.
The piece at the bottom of the windshield is held on my screws at the base of it. I think there are about 6 or so of them. Small phillips heads screws.
I bought a windshield removal tool from Napa for about 15 bucks. It has a handle with an "L" shaped cutter on the end that you cut the seal out.You have to remove the trim then put the L shaped cutter in the channel and twist the cutter sideways.Then you pull it along the channel thus cutting the seal.Works very well. I removed the rear window and it worked great. Alot better than the windshield idea I had. But that is a different story.A new windshield from Safelite was 158 bucks a couple months ago but,the price has gone up since,This was for the installation inluded. Pat
