change my own windshield?
 

Hi, how hard is it to change my own windshield glass (71 C10)? I have called Safelite but have a feeling its going to be pricey. I can get the glass in from summit or jeggs, both with great reviews. but not sure if its something I want to tackle. Gonna find videos on it at some point but thought i would ask here first.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

You can do it, although it would be much easier with a helper or two. A new gasket makes things much simpler - the Precision gaskets seem to be the best. If you have trim make sure you get the gasket for the right year - there's a difference in trim depth.

Put the gasket onto the windshield and wrap a piece of 1/4" braided nylon rope into the pinchweld slot all around the gasket - it should cross at the top. Next comes the trim - put it in and use some masking tape to hold it in place.

Now you're ready to put in the windshield. This is where the helpers come in, because you're going to start installing the windshield from the top. It's one of only two I know of that are best done this way - the other was the old Jeep Wagoneer. You want to make sure you get those top corners in, and just pull the rope gently while your helpers push the glass against the pinchweld. Glass cleaner works well as a lubricant, and it's much easier to clean up than soapy water.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

OK, so I found a fairly detailed LMC video on it, showed trim and all. But as always the internet sometimes isnt for real and I like hearing from real world experience. It sounds like its not rocket science, just like everything else... take your time and do it right?

Re: change my own windshield?
 

I did it by myself. Don't recommend it. Get at least 1 helper, 2 might be even better. Yes it is doable. Just watch a couple of videos and take your time.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

Precision has videos on doing your exact windshield.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

Let the rubber sit in the sun for a while makes it easier to work with . We used silicone spray as lube. Just wipes off with a hand cleaning wipe.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

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If you have never done it before I would recommend at least 3 people - 2 on the outside and one 1 on the inside.

LockDoc

Re: change my own windshield?
 

I second this

Re: change my own windshield?
 

So safelite is quoting me 437.65, installed.

Summit/Jeggs windshield and prec. gasket is 326.34 shipped. For 100.00 getting someone else to be responsible for it and get warranty on the work seems like a decent deal.... thoughts?

Re: change my own windshield?
 

Most installs of this I’ve seen start on bottom. Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

3 people for sure, especially if you have the trim! I had a local glass company in to do mine. One guy "knew it all" and the other was green with respect to our trucks. It took them 5 hours total to do the front and rear slider, all with the trim. And, they broke the first windshield and had to put in and take out the rear 4 times to get it close to right.

They started the rope pulls at the bottom, but I convinced them to start at the top for the rear glass as they were having trouble with the trim popping out at the top corners...that seemed to help, but the front glass was started at the bottom. The outside looks good, but the inside at the top corners has some gaps...starting at the top might of helped this...IDK.

They only charged me $216...they supplied the front glass and I supplied the rear slider, Precision gaskets, and OEM trim.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

Having a beer on a patio while two or three other guys sweat it out sounds just about right to me. Money well spent. Save your skills for something else. Have a good one eh.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

For only a $100 more, have someone else do it. Just make sure the warranty their work and are responsible for any damage, such as breaking the windshield. In writing!

Re: change my own windshield?
 

Are you in a larger area that seems like a high price to me

I picked up a new winsheild for my 72 from the glass wholesaler for 80 bucks

I got glass for a 08 van 92 c1500 00 Corolla and 72 k10 for 326 cad
Local glass shop quoted 500 for install new winsheild in corolla

Re: change my own windshield?
 

Not a larger area, but I am only looking at parts houses and safelite. I can look for glass wholesellers? havent talked to them before because I have never thought to replace them myself.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

My wife and I installed the back window and the windshield of my ‘68, with stainless trim. It was my first fixed glass installation. The back window went fine and the windshield took three tries to get it right. Haven’t followed up with sealer In the corners yet, as is recommended. I bought Precision gaskets and followed the Precision installation video. I found that using my fingers to work the gasket was better than using the ball-end tool.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

$5 Dollar set of nylon tools from harbor freight helps, if you have the short trim...keeping it in the groove is challenging...tape helps some.......Spray bottle with soapy water, walk away if you get frustrated, ...1 min, it's impossible the next min, it's done....usually my wife comes out and says what seems to be the problem....it magically drops in place.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

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I hired a professional outfit. They sent an older fellow who had 20 years experience including classics and the stainless trim.

He struggled BIG TIME with my '67 with the short trim ( 71-72 style stainless trim ). It took him all afternoon to get it installed and I ended up helping him hold pressure on the glass to get the job done.

The trim was the main problem as it kept popping out when the glass was nearly installed so he would have to start over.

Hth,

-klb

Re: change my own windshield?
 

I love this!

Re: change my own windshield?
 

I paid I think $230 installed for my 72 without trip and $250 installed for my dads 69 with trim - $400+ seems like a gouge I’d call around

Re: change my own windshield?
 

I pay $90- $100 for my tinted & shaded windshields and install them myself. I have done 6 or 7 of them, with and without trim. I need to put one in the Cheyenne Super cab in the next week or so and it has trim. I also need to put one in the '68 Chevy CST and it has trim also. Sometimes I use a new gasket or if I have a used one in good shape I will use it. I haven't broke one yet. (Knocks on wood.....)... :)

LockDoc

Re: change my own windshield?
 

Doing the top first puts the severe angles in first, then the rounded bottom corners are easy.

But if you can get it installed for $100 more, I'd go that route, because they assume the liability. Look for someone that has experience in classic vehicles - most Safelite installers don't.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

so 335 plus tax from another guy, He said it would be 235 + but since its got the steel trim he charges an extra hundo! :) I like him, hes honest

Re: change my own windshield?
 

I think it’s worth pointing out that there are quite a few posts on this board telling stories about professional windshield installers who just can’t seem to get it right no matter how hard they try. Several members have just walked away from the pros and found another installer or taken matters into their own hands. Even though you’ve transferred the obligation to a 3rd party by hiring a pro, this doesn’t ensure success.

Re: change my own windshield?
 

Yep I feel better with this guy, I asked a few folks on a local text and he is the guy who has been around and knows his stuff. When I called him back we laughed about how every 8th trim piece he puts in goes like butter so the 100.00 charge for all installs spreads out his time. I felt good about the convo. certainly better than using the big chain.

Thanks all!