Winshield replacement

[wed4life]

Newbe here so go easy.

My daughter hit a mailbox and smashed the windshield.

So....... can I get one at the yard and replace it or is this something that has to be done by a glass shop?

What I am asking is how much trouble will it be?

I have changed windshields in cars about 20 years ago.

Thanks, David

[MagicRat]

These days, changing windshields is a bitch.
In the old days, they were installed using a sticky roll of butyl rubber gasket. That stuff is fairly easy to cut with a knife or cable cutter.
However, about 20 years ago the factories started to use urethane adhesive. It looks a bit like the butyl rubber but is MUCH tougher and stronger.
It is extremely difficult to cut. The glass shops use either a cable cutter and lots of cursing or an electric heated knife.
Either way its tough and dangerous (broken glass shards and all)

I usually buy a new windshield for $100 direct from a glass shop.
(Check on a price for new glass, often its only a few dollars more than a dirty and scratched-up used one)
Then I call a moble windshield replacement guy to do the install for about $80-100.
This is cheaper than the $275 to 350 that a glass shop wants for a replacement at their shop.

[wed4life]

Thanks ! That is the info I needed to make a decision.
David

[DannMann99]

If you have AAA with glass coverage they replace it for free. AAA is where its at.