DIY: replacing corner windows
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DIY: replacing corner windows
has anyone ever replaced a rear quarter window? My car dun got busted in to last night and someone jacked my cheapo cd player. I'd rather diy this if i can, what's involved?
Last edited by scottzg on Mon Dec 26, 2005 10:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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I've got Plexi' glued in on mine. PO did it 'cuase he couldn't find a replacement. Looks pretty good except a little sloppy with the glue. 

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So i went ahead and fixed this myself, figured i'd write the job up, since i learned a few tricks.
I went down to the junk yard and pulled a corner window ($20). A knife or boxcutter will chip up the edge of the surprisingly brittle glass, and so the way to go is to use a 3' fine braided wire, like a bike brake line (2.00). Start at the top and use it like a saw to cut the glue, i tied it around 2 spark plug wires so it didnt cut my hands. Don't go full speed or you will burn up your wire. This should only take about 3 minutes. To would-be criminals; removing the window this way saves the owner a lot of pain and doesnt cost any time, you asshole!
My rear corner window, as it turned out, had been broken before, and the last person to replace it had used a hard sealing glue. I needed a chisel to take out the remains of the old window. Be sure to get a flat, even surface on the removed stuff, as this will be the source of air leaks.
The window is stuck in with RTV. I used silicone window glue, since i already had it lying around from a previous project. I hope it works, i think it should. Put down a good thick line on both the car and the new window and stick it on. Apply as much pressure as you safely can, and weight the window in place. I did this by pushing a 2x4 between the window and the wall i was parked next to. In 24 hours it should be cured.
Total cost- 22$
Time invested- 4.5 hours (should take 2 if you have all the tools)
I hope this isn't needed by anyone.
I went down to the junk yard and pulled a corner window ($20). A knife or boxcutter will chip up the edge of the surprisingly brittle glass, and so the way to go is to use a 3' fine braided wire, like a bike brake line (2.00). Start at the top and use it like a saw to cut the glue, i tied it around 2 spark plug wires so it didnt cut my hands. Don't go full speed or you will burn up your wire. This should only take about 3 minutes. To would-be criminals; removing the window this way saves the owner a lot of pain and doesnt cost any time, you asshole!
My rear corner window, as it turned out, had been broken before, and the last person to replace it had used a hard sealing glue. I needed a chisel to take out the remains of the old window. Be sure to get a flat, even surface on the removed stuff, as this will be the source of air leaks.
The window is stuck in with RTV. I used silicone window glue, since i already had it lying around from a previous project. I hope it works, i think it should. Put down a good thick line on both the car and the new window and stick it on. Apply as much pressure as you safely can, and weight the window in place. I did this by pushing a 2x4 between the window and the wall i was parked next to. In 24 hours it should be cured.
Total cost- 22$
Time invested- 4.5 hours (should take 2 if you have all the tools)
I hope this isn't needed by anyone.

[url=http://www.thawa.net/gallery/albums/album108/DSCF0330.jpg]90 legacy of awesomeness[/url]
Nice write-up Scott!!
The rear driver's corner window was broken in my car before I got it. It's got different glass, and I found some glass pieces when I was installing my stereo way back when i got it.
The rear driver's corner window was broken in my car before I got it. It's got different glass, and I found some glass pieces when I was installing my stereo way back when i got it.
Josh
surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
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If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT
If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
Re: DIY: replacing corner windows
when you guys replaced the rear quarter windows, did you use rubber seals? Or just glue the glass straight in?
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Re: DIY: replacing corner windows
i am having the same issue with mine. Its broked, and I have the window, the trim, and the "glue". what exactly did you do to get your trim on there? I CANT get one off of a junkyard car without those damn clips breaking, and really dont feel like paying dealership prices for the trim/clips. How did you go about getting it on there and keeping it clean?
Re: DIY: replacing corner windows
No one could help me here, but someone did on an Australian forum already. It was hard for me to find the answer so I will post what I was told to do:
they are glued in as such, take the black stuff off both the car and the glass, hed down to superchump and buy a tube of Sika flex 552 in black, bloody dear stuff but thats what is used to hold windscreens in!! dont used silicone, the window will prob fall out in 12 months time.
Thanks 89RSturbo
they are glued in as such, take the black stuff off both the car and the glass, hed down to superchump and buy a tube of Sika flex 552 in black, bloody dear stuff but thats what is used to hold windscreens in!! dont used silicone, the window will prob fall out in 12 months time.
Thanks 89RSturbo
