Cracked windshield

[Terry Wilkerson]

I just windshield with antena and gasket from LMC. Haven't installed it yet. I think around 180.00 for all.

 

[SirRobyn0]

@Grit dog My thought is because the person on the other end of the phone is trained in the newer vehicles where it is near impossible to get a urethaned in windshield out. @scrap--metal If you don't wanna do it yourself try calling some of the smaller windshield shops in your area. I got lucky about 10 or more years ago and a friend referred me to an one man windshield company in our area that is really good at know his stuff. Anyhow I hate windshield work. It's just not something I desire to do anymore (I have done some in the past) so I'd find some alternative to pulling it on my own.

 

[scrap--metal]

I used a Precision seal. I re-used the old (maybe original) glass. But idk why they would require new glass if it's not cracked or dinged up. I had no issues where I felt I was going to break the glass, but could maybe see if it has star cracks/chips where it could likely crack. The videos that show pounding on and pulling on the glass are pretty accurate.
If you break it, you don't lose the cost of the gasket and lock strip. You will re-use it with new glass. And if you get the window in without cracking it, you're not going to crack it putting the lock strip in.

Install was a bit frustrating, but first time for me. I'd say it's not heavy on skill, mostly patience and the ability to think about it. Like I was struggling getting the last couple feet of gasket around the glass until I realized I could push it out from the inside easier and with less chance of damage than pulling it out from the outside. Only issue in the end, was i dinged up the chrome on the lock strip in several places with the lock strip tool. Not an issue if you use a black lock strip or have more patience than I did!

PS, IDK if it leaks yet, but the install seems fairly stupid proof. It's either in properly or it is totally wrong, not what ifs involved. Maybe should check before I get the dash back in though. Haven't washed the truck or had it in the rain yet since painting it.

FWIW, back window was much easier IMO. No helper needed and biggest challenge was getting the little covers on the bottom corners without tearing the gasket.

Thanks for the "Precision" answer, and the other words of wisdom. I'm not in a real rush for this, so I think I'll be able to tackle it in steps and shouldn't need to commit an entire weekend (e.g. remove windshield, clean up pinch weld, maybe slap some paint on it, install new gasket and window (with helper present), and then lock strip). When I work this way, I feel a lot less pressure and more confident/comfortable with my work. I do have the patience and a logical sort of mind.

My windshield does have one good star chip on the passenger side, but it's a good 10 to 12" from the edge. If it cracks that's where it will be. As I'm typing, I'm realizing that should probably be the side that I fit in first. And I do plan on using a black lock strip so the dinged chrome shouldn't be a concern.

Please let me know whether or not it leaks after you wash it for the first time.

I roped a rear slider into my K10 with a buddy several years ago. Did you rope your back window in, or do it with the gasket in first like the windshield? I'll be doing the same on my K20 at some point.

 

[Memaloose]

I had one replaced in my '81 Custom Deluxe in Fairbanks, AK in about 1997 with the antenna for $150 installed.
My '75 Scottsdale has a chip at just above eye level, river side, original glass, the glass guy said to leave it alone, it hasn't gotten any worse the last few years.

 

[Memaloose]

I meant driver side, not river side.

 

[scrap--metal]

@Grit dog My thought is because the person on the other end of the phone is trained in the newer vehicles where it is near impossible to get a urethaned in windshield out. @scrap--metal If you don't wanna do it yourself try calling some of the smaller windshield shops in your area. I got lucky about 10 or more years ago and a friend referred me to an one man windshield company in our area that is really good at know his stuff. Anyhow I hate windshield work. It's just not something I desire to do anymore (I have done some in the past) so I'd find some alternative to pulling it on my own.

I did call a couple smaller shops. One guy recommended by a drag racing friend was disappointing to say the least. I left my truck outside yesterday so he could take a look at it, but he never came by. When I talked to him again today, I pressured him for some $$$ estimates, and he wanted $400 if he had to do the glass with a new gasket. That's crazy talk for a windshield.

I got a hold of another guy who said he'd attempt to replace the gasket and reuse my glass for $200... or $225. If it broke he'd do a new windshield for $355, but that's the "cash buddy price". Give me a break. He said his earliest availability was next week Tuesday. I called him this morning thinking I'd bite the bullet and get on his schedule because I have next Tuesday off work. When he didn't answer, it went to a voicemail box that was full; couldn't even leave a message. When I tried him back an hour later, my call was ignored after one ring and I was sent an automated text stating the glass company name and that they'd call me back. They never called me back. Two red flags is enough to steer me away.

This is the s**t I'm up against. It's enough to make me say f*** it, I can at least make the attempt. I'm not going to tolerate the run around. I've done the front glass removal/install in my Monte Carlo for some rust repair. Granted that was a completely different install, at least I've handled big glass before.

A buddy across town has an extra windshield I can PROBABLY buy off him if things go south with my existing glass. Just another confidence booster.

 

[scrap--metal]

I had one replaced in my '81 Custom Deluxe in Fairbanks, AK in about 1997 with the antenna for $150 installed.

The good old days... Unfortunately that was well before I was able to drive. Lol

 

[SirRobyn0]

I did call a couple smaller shops. One guy recommended by a drag racing friend was disappointing to say the least. I left my truck outside yesterday so he could take a look at it, but he never came by. When I talked to him again today, I pressured him for some $$$ estimates, and he wanted $400 if he had to do the glass with a new gasket. That's crazy talk for a windshield.

I got a hold of another guy who said he'd attempt to replace the gasket and reuse my glass for $200... or $225. If it broke he'd do a new windshield for $355, but that's the "cash buddy price". Give me a break. He said his earliest availability was next week Tuesday. I called him this morning thinking I'd bite the bullet and get on his schedule because I have next Tuesday off work. When he didn't answer, it went to a voicemail box that was full; couldn't even leave a message. When I tried him back an hour later, my call was ignored after one ring and I was sent an automated text stating the glass company name and that they'd call me back. They never called me back. Two red flags is enough to steer me away.

This is the s**t I'm up against. It's enough to make me say f*** it, I can at least make the attempt. I'm not going to tolerate the run around. I've done the front glass removal/install in my Monte Carlo for some rust repair. Granted that was a completely different install, at least I've handled big glass before.

A buddy across town has an extra windshield I can PROBABLY buy off him if things go south with my existing glass. Just another confidence booster.

I get it. I'm just lucky to have found a good glass guy. When we need trannys rebuilt we now drive them over the pass to a shop in Yakima because there are no good tranny shops around here, and the not so great ones want about $1,000 more on average than the really awesome shop over there.

 

[scrap--metal]

So I worked up the courage and replaced my windshield gasket last weekend. It wasn't that bad, and I think most guys could do it if they have a helping hand and the proper tools for the job. The worst part was working on the center of the gasket/lock strip. It did take a couple hours, but it took a few more hours of messing around to do it right.

@SirRobyn0 I didn't want to post this in the tachometer thread, but wanted to build on your windshield experience.

I was also concerned about needing to rebuild the windshield channel and pinch weld on my truck, but luckily it didn't come to that. There was some surface rust in the lower corners, and one of the drain holes had been filled with RTV (well actually the entire perimeter of the cab had been covered in RTV), but I got it cleaned up and painted before doing the gasket the following day.

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As is evidenced by the picture above, there was water (dirty water in this case) running between the RTV covered pinch weld and the windshield gasket before it leaked into my cab. The leak was bad enough that it'd whistle on the highway. It seemed to coincide with a notched spot in the gasket rubber, but now I wonder if it wasn't entirely because of the RTV. I don't believe our trucks should have any sort of sealant used on the windshield or gasket.

I think the best part of doing the job myself was being able to take my time and get everything cleaned up. Having to wire wheel and paint (rattle can, but the good stuff) the entire windshield channel would've been more than I could expect from most glass technicians.

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[SirRobyn0]

So I worked up the courage and replaced my windshield gasket last weekend. It wasn't that bad, and I think most guys could do it if they have a helping hand and the proper tools for the job. The worst part was working on the center of the gasket/lock strip. It did take a couple hours, but it took a few more hours of messing around to do it right.

@SirRobyn0 I didn't want to post this in the tachometer thread, but wanted to build on your windshield experience.

I was also concerned about needing to rebuild the windshield channel and pinch weld on my truck, but luckily it didn't come to that. There was some surface rust in the lower corners, and one of the drain holes had been filled with RTV (well actually the entire perimeter of the cab had been covered in RTV), but I got it cleaned up and painted before doing the gasket the following day.

You must be registered for see images attach

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As is evidenced by the picture above, there was water (dirty water in this case) running between the RTV covered pinch weld and the windshield gasket before it leaked into my cab. The leak was bad enough that it'd whistle on the highway. It seemed to coincide with a notched spot in the gasket rubber, but now I wonder if it wasn't entirely because of the RTV. I don't believe our trucks should have any sort of sealant used on the windshield or gasket.

I think the best part of doing the job myself was being able to take my time and get everything cleaned up. Having to wire wheel and paint (rattle can, but the good stuff) the entire windshield channel would've been more than I could expect from most glass technicians.

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Thanks, I wish I had thought to take pictures when Mike changed my windshield, but I did not. Also it did not look much different than yours. My drains we both plugged with Urethane as well. I bet that's what was on yours too, windshield urethane, looks a lot like black RTV when cured.

 

[Camar068]

So I worked up the courage and replaced my windshield gasket last weekend. It wasn't that bad, and I think most guys could do it if they have a helping hand and the proper tools for the job. The worst part was working on the center of the gasket/lock strip. It did take a couple hours, but it took a few more hours of messing around to do it right.

@SirRobyn0 I didn't want to post this in the tachometer thread, but wanted to build on your windshield experience.

I was also concerned about needing to rebuild the windshield channel and pinch weld on my truck, but luckily it didn't come to that. There was some surface rust in the lower corners, and one of the drain holes had been filled with RTV (well actually the entire perimeter of the cab had been covered in RTV), but I got it cleaned up and painted before doing the gasket the following day.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

As is evidenced by the picture above, there was water (dirty water in this case) running between the RTV covered pinch weld and the windshield gasket before it leaked into my cab. The leak was bad enough that it'd whistle on the highway. It seemed to coincide with a notched spot in the gasket rubber, but now I wonder if it wasn't entirely because of the RTV. I don't believe our trucks should have any sort of sealant used on the windshield or gasket.

I think the best part of doing the job myself was being able to take my time and get everything cleaned up. Having to wire wheel and paint (rattle can, but the good stuff) the entire windshield channel would've been more than I could expect from most glass technicians.

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that lower corner looks awesome. Got a pic of the other side lower corner? Someone above posted a pic and their corner looked like mine on both sides. Mine is leaking and has caused rust in the floor pan. We'll see if I've got insurance to cover it as I have a crack or 2 and a chip.

Thanks

 

[Finkaire]

They broke mine getting it out for paint. I bought a gasket with the chrome trim from LMC. No problem with the antenna windshield but the LMC gasket didn’t fit.

 

[AuroraGirl]

GM lists the use of pinchweld primers, pvc primer, daubers, and glass urethane primer stuff in addition to Urethane adhesive as the "proper" ways to install a windshield, but they didnt list it as specifically for squares just that "all older models"

 

[Grit dog]

GM lists the use of pinchweld primers, pvc primer, daubers, and glass urethane primer stuff in addition to Urethane adhesive as the "proper" ways to install a windshield, but they didnt list it as specifically for squares just that "all older models"

One would have to be a pro to not make a complete mess with any sealers or fillers when installing these windshields.
And while my windshield had some black goo (cured) around the frame to gasket lip when I removed it, I didn’t use any sealer reinstalling it.
So far no leaks. Been sprayed down a few times, couple rain storms and washed once. No leaks yet!

if anything would be needed it would be between the frame and gasket.
Would be virtually impossible to leak between the glass and gasket.

 

[AuroraGirl]

One would have to be a pro to not make a complete mess with any sealers or fillers when installing these windshields.
And while my windshield had some black goo (cured) around the frame to gasket lip when I removed it, I didn’t use any sealer reinstalling it.
So far no leaks. Been sprayed down a few times, couple rain storms and washed once. No leaks yet!

if anything would be needed it would be between the frame and gasket.
Would be virtually impossible to leak between the glass and gasket.

thats good. it also helps gaskets have come a long way(seals as well) so that they arent as likely to dry up or migrate water between surfaces. How does the windshield retain , fastener blocks?