Windshield repair
Moderators: Helpinators, Moderators
Windshield repair
I need to get my windwhield fixed sometime soon, so I'm wondering if it's one of those things one could do himself, or would it be better to have it professionally done? The main reason is I've never done a windshield nor do I have any idea what should be done. Is there something you have to use to seal it up? I don't really like going to a mechanic to have him do some easy crap that I could've done but is it an easy thing to do?
Rio Red 90 Legacy LS AWD 174k
Liquid Silver 92 SVX LS-L 88k
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I'm on First and First. How can the same street intersect with itself? I must be at the nexus of the universe.
Liquid Silver 92 SVX LS-L 88k
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I'm on First and First. How can the same street intersect with itself? I must be at the nexus of the universe.
Well, from what I can recall . . . You'll need:
Scraping tool for the seal (specialized I think)
New sealant
Handled suction cups are not a necessity, but make the job 1000% easier to fit glass
I'm willing to do many things to a car. Installing a windshield is NOT among them.
If it were me, I'd leave it to the pros. Too much of a chance of leaking for my taste.
Scraping tool for the seal (specialized I think)
New sealant
Handled suction cups are not a necessity, but make the job 1000% easier to fit glass
I'm willing to do many things to a car. Installing a windshield is NOT among them.

If it were me, I'd leave it to the pros. Too much of a chance of leaking for my taste.
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- Vikash
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I don't know exactly how you get the old windshield out, but I think it's held in with some clips and some adhesive. Most places probably break the glass to get it out, I'd guess. I think you're supposed to replace the clips and maybe the moulding around it. The new one would probably install fairly easily if you could line it up just right and press it in firmly and evenly.
I wouldn't change a windshield myself on my car; I'd have a professional (an auto glass professional, not just a mechanic) do it. The reason is that the windshield is an important part of the safety of the car. It's a structural part of the chassis on most cars these days, and I would think that includes ours.
Both times I've had to have a windshield replaced, my insurance company covered it under comprehensive coverage. They even sent the guys to fix it out to my garage. One of the times I had just left my garage door open and came out a couple hours later to find that they had arrived, replaced my windshield, and left!
So you may consider filing an insurance claim.
I wouldn't change a windshield myself on my car; I'd have a professional (an auto glass professional, not just a mechanic) do it. The reason is that the windshield is an important part of the safety of the car. It's a structural part of the chassis on most cars these days, and I would think that includes ours.
Both times I've had to have a windshield replaced, my insurance company covered it under comprehensive coverage. They even sent the guys to fix it out to my garage. One of the times I had just left my garage door open and came out a couple hours later to find that they had arrived, replaced my windshield, and left!
So you may consider filing an insurance claim.
"Just reading vrg3's convoluted, information-packed posts made me feel better all over again." -- subyluvr2212
Yeah i don't have the windshield covered with my insurance. 18 + male + 51% at fault for a previous accident = way too expensive At anyrate I'm starting to think it would be better to just get it done professionally.
Rio Red 90 Legacy LS AWD 174k
Liquid Silver 92 SVX LS-L 88k
[url=http://folding.amdmbpond.com/FoldingForOurFuture.html]Do you fold?[/url]
I'm on First and First. How can the same street intersect with itself? I must be at the nexus of the universe.
Liquid Silver 92 SVX LS-L 88k
[url=http://folding.amdmbpond.com/FoldingForOurFuture.html]Do you fold?[/url]
I'm on First and First. How can the same street intersect with itself? I must be at the nexus of the universe.
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- quasi-mod-o
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It's great living in Florida... Any car, no matter how bottom-basement your insurance is (no comprehensive needed), if your windshield is cracked, you get a free replacement, that simple 
That said, I've had scratches in my windshield since I owned it, where the previous owner was dumb enough to let the metal in the wiper drag on the windshield. I'm thinking of chucking a rock at it and breaking it so I can get it replaced for free

That said, I've had scratches in my windshield since I owned it, where the previous owner was dumb enough to let the metal in the wiper drag on the windshield. I'm thinking of chucking a rock at it and breaking it so I can get it replaced for free

I had mine done almost a year ago and I can honestly say leave it to the professionals. It didn't look hard but then again, the guy had everything he needed to do the job. They even came out to my house (35+ miles) and he did it in about 30-45 minutes tops with a guarantee. 

James
1991 Legacy LSi sold!!!
2003 Infiniti G35
1991 Legacy LSi sold!!!
2003 Infiniti G35
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- Knowledgeable
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Yup, good ol' MA. I'm on my 3rd free windshield in 5 yrs. Of course we get taxed to hell, pay among the highest insurance, and worst of all can't buy alcohol on Sundays unless you're within 10 miles of New Hampshire...
The guy who replaced my last windshield said he was happy they don't make our cars anymore because dealing with the surrounding molding is a real PITA.
Steve
The guy who replaced my last windshield said he was happy they don't make our cars anymore because dealing with the surrounding molding is a real PITA.
Steve
Midnight in a Perfect World on Amazon or order anywhere. The first book in a quartet chronicling the rise of a man from angry criminal to philanthropist. Midnight... is a distopic noirish novel featuring 'Duchess', a modified 1990 Subaru Legacy wagon.
definitely recommend you let a profesional do it.
Josh
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
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
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- Spelling Nazi
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WOW, I never knew about that. That must be a female only thing...LaureltheQueen wrote:For a $5 deductible, I get new glass. Farmers charges me an extra $4 per month for the plan because females in my age bracket often have boyfriends that go postal and break in their windows.
[color=red][b]1993 Subaru BC Turbo Legacy (193k miles)
1971 VW Super Beetle
1989 Honda Elite 50
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1971 VW Super Beetle
1989 Honda Elite 50
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