Step 1: Protect Vehicle Interior:
Start by covering the exposed vehicle seats, dash, and steering with clean towels or blankets. This helps prevent any falling glass shards from damaging your vehicle's interior.
Step 2: Pop the Trim:
Around the windshield, there will be a black trim piece that needs to be removed. Carefully use a flat tool like a putty knife or scraper to gently release and pop out this trim. Be cautious not to damage the paint in the process.
Step 3: Remove Windshield Cowl:
Now, you need to remove the windshield cowl, a plastic piece located right below the windshield. Use the same flat tool to pop the cowl free, working carefully to avoid bending the plastic piece.
Step 4: Disconnect Cowl Seal:
Beneath the cowl, you'll find a seal made of foam and rubber. Using the flat tool, carefully pull and detach this seal from the vehicle body.
Step 5: Loosen Windshield Fasteners:
Inside the vehicle, locate and loosen the fasteners that hold the windshield in place. These are usually located around the edges of the windshield. Loosen but do not remove these fasteners completely.
Step 6: Apply Paint Protection:
As a precautionary measure, you can use painter's tape or similar materials to protect the vehicle paint around the windshield. This will minimize the risk of damage when cutting the adhesive.
Step 7: Cut Windshield Adhesive:
Using a windshield removal knife or wire, cut through the adhesive that holds the windshield in place. Be careful not to slip and damage your vehicle's paint.
Step 8: Remove Windshield:
Once you've cut the adhesive all around the windshield, carefully pry the windshield out from the inside using the flat tool as leverage. Be gentle while doing this to prevent breaking the glass further.
Step 9: Clean Windshield Frame:
With the old windshield removed, take the time to clean the windshield frame of any residual adhesive, dirt, or debris. This will ensure a good seal for the new windshield.
Installation Process:
Step 1: Prepare New Windshield:
If your new windshield doesn't have a weatherstripping, purchase and install one. Position it evenly around the perimeter of the glass.
Step 2: Apply Windshield Adhesive:
Use a windshield adhesive applicator or a clean glue gun to apply a bead of adhesive around the windshield frame, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 3: Seat Windshield:
Gently lower the new windshield into place, making sure it aligns with the frame. Check the weatherstripping for proper positioning.
Step 4: Install Cowl Seal:
Reattach the foam and rubber seal beneath the cowl. This seal will help prevent water from entering the vehicle.
Step 5: Reinstall Cowl:
Position the windshield cowl back into place and snap the clips in to secure it.
Step 6: Insert Trim:
Carefully reattach the black trim around the windshield by pressing and snapping the clips into place.
Step 7: Tighten Fasteners:
From inside the vehicle, access and tighten the fasteners you loosened earlier. Make sure they are secured appropriately.
Step 8: Allow Adhesive to Set:
Give the adhesive sufficient time to cure according to the manufacturer's recommendations. This could be anywhere from 1 to 24 hours, depending on the adhesive used.
Step 9: Clean Excess Adhesive:
Once the adhesive has set, remove the painter's tape or protection you used earlier and clean any excess adhesive from the vehicle.
Remember that replacing a windshield, especially on an older vehicle, can be a complex task that requires precision and attention to detail. If you're not comfortable performing this replacement yourself, it's advisable to seek the help of an experienced professional.
