Replace windshield 99 Taurus SE sedan

[dlfrancis]

Caught a rock in the windscreen. In Southern California that's easy to do. Got an ugly bullet hole, did the cheap fix, got uglier.

I've found a windshield at a wrecking outfit up by Sacramento. Thinking about doing this myself. I've seen the how-to once before and it didn't look too awful hard.

Anyone done this before? Got any advice. Good idea, bad idea. What's the scoop?

[KimMG]

Its not hard if you have the right tools and a friend. Remove trim, cut out winshield, clean, install adhesive, center windshield, press in place. I have done this twice, but only out of desperation. I have a $100 deductible for comprehensive damage, I called the pros to come out and fix the windshield the last time. It was replaced in the parking lot where I work and the job comes with a warranty.

[dlfrancis]

Originally Posted by KimMG

I have done this twice, but only out of desperation.

I think desperation is the key word here. I believe my deductable with USAA is $250. Maybe if I can locate a windscreen at a salvage yard that doesn't have any bullet holes I can pay a local vendor to just put it in... It doesn't matter how detailed my car is, as long as I've got that bullet hole in the window I just can't feel good about it.

[KimMG]

Tools needed:
24" piece of thin cable (can get at a hardware store)
cutters
two pieces of heavy broom stick (6 to 8 inches and drill a (the hole should be the same size as the cable) hole through the middle to make a garrot using the cable
roll of black tape (after tying a knot in the cable use the tape to wrap aroundthe stick covering the raw ends of the cable and to help secure the cable to the sticks)
two cheap thin plastic puddy knives (can get from a hardware store)
assortment of flat blade screwdrivers
work gloves
utility knife

find a pick your part junkyard in your area (this is your hands-on classroom)
using puddy knives, screwdrivers gentley pry up the trim around windshield. Some windshields use a two part trim, the center piece has to be removed first.
after removing the trim note the location of any clips that may hold the trim in place (take some spares from the donor car)
now feed one end of the cable between the windshield and the body (won't be easy with the sealer in place)
now assemble your garrot - should be about 12"
long
using the garrot as a saw , cut through the seal around the windshield
have a friend apply gentle pressure with his feet to gently push out the windshield
on your car you would use the plastic puddy knives to scrape away the goo
before removing the windshield on your car , remove the rear view mirror

to install:
you can get the windshield sealer from an automotive paint supply store
apply the sealing strip to your car
center and press in replacement windshield
install trim
install any other parts you had to remove
clean glass
For best results install in a heated garage or sunshine. If the sealer is a little warm it will be easier to compress

This is the procedure I used on cars made in the '70s, some newer cars may use a differnt adhesive, before going to the wrecking yard ask the guy at the automotive paint store for any advice.

[KimMG]

Just bringing this post to the front to see if it will help someone else.

dlfrancis - If you have any input, it would be appreciated.

[dlfrancis]

Originally Posted by KimMG

Just bringing this post to the front to see if it will help someone else.

dlfrancis - If you have any input, it would be appreciated.

I don't really have any input at this time. The proceedure certainly sounds do-able, however, time is of the essence and I think I'll likely try to locate a suitable replacement windscreen from a local salvage yard and pay to have it installed locally.