Window replacement and trim

[jsdoyle]

I have a couple scratches and a rock impact in my windshield. It has a new rubber gasket and I want to replace it. I have a couple options and have some questions.

First, I have new insurance with Haggerty and my policy requires them to pay for a windshield replacement by law in Kentucky. I hate to hit them up for it though since I have only had the policy for a month.

Second, there's a 65 in the scrap yard that I've taken some parts off of and it has a good windshield in it. I can probably score it for about 25-30 bucks. I could remove it and then swap it out for my windshield using the existing gasket.

What would you guys recommend? Me hitting up the insurance company or doing it myself?

One last thing, my window has the chrome trim around it. How easy is that to remove and what would be the easiest method. Is it just pushed into the gasket and as simple as using a screwdriver to pry it out?

Thanks!

Scott

[jonzcustomshop]

the trim stays in the rubber, once the w/s is out you pull the rubber off the w/s and the trim will just pull right out.

since your existing rubber is new and you don't need to save the w/s you can just pull it.
if you can get a friend, have them put pressure out on the w/s (with feet, or leather gloves) ,then pry the rubber back from the pinch weld, usually start on the top corner inside.
as you peel the rubber back and they are keeping pressure on it it will slowly push out.
you will also probably see how easy it is to crack laminated glass by removing it this way...

on the parts truck, do not try to save the rubber.
get a couple good razor knives and cut the rubber away from the w/s on the outside until you can just push it out with no hanging up.
you can get away with cutting the rubber away from the sides and bottom, and then as you push it out it will slip out of the top groove.

when you reinstall, the trim has to go in the rubber first, then the rubber on the w/s and then that complete unit to the truck.
it might be easier to hire a glass shop to install the w/s.

[jsdoyle]

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

the trim stays in the rubber, once the w/s is out you pull the rubber off the w/s and the trim will just pull right out.

since your existing rubber is new and you don't need to save the w/s you can just pull it.
if you can get a friend, have them put pressure out on the w/s (with feet, or leather gloves) ,then pry the rubber back from the pinch weld, usually start on the top corner inside.
as you peel the rubber back and they are keeping pressure on it it will slowly push out.
you will also probably see how easy it is to crack laminated glass by removing it this way...

on the parts truck, do not try to save the rubber.
get a couple good razor knives and cut the rubber away from the w/s on the outside until you can just push it out with no hanging up.
you can get away with cutting the rubber away from the sides and bottom, and then as you push it out it will slip out of the top groove.

when you reinstall, the trim has to go in the rubber first, then the rubber on the w/s and then that complete unit to the truck.
it might be easier to hire a glass shop to install the w/s.

Thanks! I guess I'll try to pull the w/s from the scrap yard Saturday and if that goes well I'll give it a shot.

I've read on here that the re-install uses a rope to pull the gasket inside the cab. Sounds easy enough but I'm sure it's like anything else.

My stock answer to my wife when she asks how long it will take me to do something is "about 5 minutes". When I say that she can count on an hour.

[piratexpress1369a]

you need a second person when you put in your new windshield

[jsdoyle]

Originally Posted by piratexpress1369a

you need a second person when you put in your new windshield

Thanks. I'll have to load up the cooler to draw some friends over.

[1963c-10]

I would go to the yard and get the OEM glass myself. Maybe see if they'll pay for the install.

[ChuckW]

Rubber coated clothes line cord works great... Just lube it up for an 'easier" pull. Larger Dia. works better. To small and you risk cutting your seal!

[jsdoyle]

Originally Posted by ChuckW

Rubber coated clothes line cord works great... Just lube it up for an 'easier" pull. Larger Dia. works better. To small and you risk cutting your seal!

Nice tip!

Thanks!

[66clow]

Posted via Mobile Device

[66clow]

I work for a big ins Co generally a comp claim for a w/s does not effect your rates. Not sure how collector companies work. They may be pickier since the insurance is so cheap. To be safe I'd do it myself.
Posted via Mobile Device

[jsdoyle]

Originally Posted by 66clow

I work for a big ins Co generally a comp claim for a w/s does not effect your rates. Not sure how collector companies work. They may be pickier since the insurance is so cheap. To be safe I'd do it myself.
Posted via Mobile Device

Yeah, I'll give it a try myself first. I may live with the small defects for awhile if the glass in the salvage yard truck doesn't turn out to be any better.

[creep]

You could also have a company like Safelight come out and repair the chips in your windshield without having to remove it.

I have tried to get my windshield rubber replaced twice by 2 different companies using 2 different gaskets and still ended up having to settle for a 3rd gasket without the trim.

[jsdoyle]

Originally Posted by creep

You could also have a company like Safelight come out and repair the chips in your windshield without having to remove it.

I have tried to get my windshield rubber replaced twice by 2 different companies using 2 different gaskets and still ended up having to settle for a 3rd gasket without the trim.

Well I tried to fix the rock strike with one of those cheap do-it-yourself kits. It didn't work. The scratches are on the passenger side caused by the wiper. It was like this when I got the truck

The window is not cracking but just looks bad to me. Anyone else probably wouldnt notice.
Posted via Mobile Device

[creep]

If they aren't too deep, you may be able to polish the scratches out.

[jsdoyle]

Originally Posted by creep

If they aren't too deep, you may be able to polish the scratches out.

I tried that first. I don't have a buffer (probably should get one) and tried to do it by hand. No luck.
Posted via Mobile Device

[creep]

I think it would take forever by hand. The TV show TRUCKS! did it with a buffer and it still took a while but it came out nice.

[jsdoyle]

I looked it up online and some say you have to be real carefull to not overheat the glass. I'll go for the replacement option since I have the round impact damage on the drivers side.
Posted via Mobile Device

[markeb01]

The rule of thumb for wiper scratches has always been to drag a fingernail across the scratch. If you cannot feel the scratch, it can be polished out. If you do feel the scratch, it is too deep to save the windshield. It can in fact be smoothed out with enough time and effort, but the glass will no longer be optically clear. It will end up wavy because the glass will no longer be flat in that area.