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any windshield removal tips?


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Hello! I need to remove the windshield from my 84 wagon. Is there any tips or tricks involved with this? I tried to take out a windshield from an El Camino once, but that didnt turn out so great. Frustation + impatience = hammer time. But I dont want to go down that road this time. Any help is greatly appreciated! Kurt

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About the only way to get the thing out in one peice is to cut all around it with a utility knife. Take your time, and don't force it or you WILL break it - they are pretty fragile. For installation, you'll have to either get a new gasket ($55 from jc whitney last time I looked), or have it installed by a glass place that can do the "liquid" type. Personally - I like the real gasket myself. Don't even try to get it out without destroying the gasket - it's impossible as far as I can tell.

 

GD

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From what I've heard this is a job for professionals only. I understand it's about impossible to get one out without cracking it.

I think someone was talking about using piano wire tied to a couple of pieces of broom handles to saw through the old gasket.

I take it you intend to remove and re-install it with a new gasket?

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I've had good luck with GD's technique. I carefully cut around the windshield to remove the rubber over the top of the glass. These windshields are not glued in so once the rubber is gone fron the top it will simply lift out. A utility knife with a new blade works great for this. You will want a new seal anyway.

Good Luck.

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Kurt, if it is original, factory installation, it should have been urethaned to the rubber, and if it was replaced at a reputable shop, it should also be glued to the rubber. If not, just cut the gasket next to the lip of the glass and you're good to go. It it is glued in, you'll also have to cut along the inside of the glass (parallel to the glass) to release the shield from the gasket. The other option is to cut the inside lip of the gasket away from the pinchweld and then go outside and cut the remaining gasket and urethane away from the frame. Then you can remove the remaining rubber gasket on the bench at your leisure. But you'll be putting in about 3 - 4 hours of labor to save ? (whatever a new shield costs in your area). If it were me, I'd go buy a half rack and talk with the guys in the glass shop and see what they'd do for you.

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Your getting 2 different answers, which are both correct. All glass in the EA81's are gasket type, EA82's are all glued in. I have removed both types. The EA81 glass will come out by taking a utility knife and going all the way through the gasket and then around the window. It may take a little muscle to pull the knife around, just take your time. Use 2 people to remove it when done. Now, the glued in type is a RPIA. I watched a pro do my last window removal which needed to go in another car. Piece of wire and gloves of course. Start at the top and work down the side, using quick back and forth sawing motion. This heats up the wire and helps it cut thru the glue. You need a long length to go thru the top and bottom at the same time cause you need to work it back and forth together. Takes about 45min. It helps to have most the trim removed from the inside, and in my case the dash was removed also. A couple of weeks ago I did a removal from a EA82 parts car I have. Used the utility knife on the sides and top (very carefully)and I used a propane torch to heat up a fillet knife for the bottom. Its about 2in top to bottom of glue. It was slow work, took me about 1.5hrs to get the glass out, but I didnt break it.

Rob

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  • 1 month later...

the ea82 cars are glued in, the ea81 cars are just a gasket.. going to change my ea81 hatch windshield this weekend.. already got the gasket off ebay for like $35

 

i also had the windshield replaced in my RX (ea82) the guy from teh glass shop broke that all to hell and back.. it was quite funny.. but personally i wouldn't do one myself on an ea82 car.. the glue makes it a PITA..

 

ohh and btw the glass shop wanted $170 to put a windshield in my ea81 hatchback and that was with me supplying the windshield.. thats why i'm doing it myself..

 

 

the RX cost $198 and they supplied the windshield..

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