windshield removal

[harry yarnell]

I may have asked this before, but can't find it.
What's the best way to remove a good windshield?
I think the 'piano wire' method isn't the way to go.

[steveskyhawk]

Harry and all,

The piano wire method does damage to the edge of the glass. This damage is technically called a stress riser. The glass is much more likely to crack once a stress riser has meen made.

The pros remove a windshield with an electric tool that looks like a saws all with a flat flexible blade. They use this tool from the inside only. It seperates the adhesive from the window frame without doing any damage to the edge of the glass or its encapsulation.

[Machiner 55]

Hello Harry,

I recently had this done on my 88. I had a local glass guy come to my home and remove both front and rear glass. He used a high RPM oscillating tool as described by Steve except that the tool he used was air powered. He supplied the tool and the expertise, I supplied the compressed air and a garage to work in. During two trips, one trip for the front and another for the rear as he needed to get a specially formed blade to attack the rear glass which he didn't bring initially, he took all of 20-30 minutes per glass to get them removed.
I didn't watch the guy as he worked because I don't particularly like being watched while I work so I afforded him the same courtesy
I would like bestowed upon me. Anyway, after helping him lift the glass out of the frame and seeing how the glass with the accompanying encapsulation sits in the step or lip of the frame, I can't see using a wire to cut through the adhesive holding the glass in place without possibly damaging the encapsulation or the edge of the glass.
It's been reported on this forum that the wire method has been used and that it works. Perhaps those who have actually performed this task will post the exact steps, techniques and procedures for doing so. Pictures would be a nice accompaniment. Video specific to the Reatta would be better. Before hiring this out I searched for instructions on how to do it on this site, but was unable to find any detailed info. on it.
As for the cost of the job, he charged $80.00 for the front as well as $80.00 for the rear for a grand total of $160.00. If I remember correctly, I think he charges $120.00 labor to remove and install a regular windshield.

John F.