Windshield FAIL

[Ryan_M]

Well here's what not to do when installing a windshield -



Don't push too hard!!!

Compete failure aside, this was the last and best of three separate attempts at this today (with 2 hour breaks in between to let the utter frustration of the entire process burn itself off...). I made it further using this approach than any of the others.

Windshield frame face down on the table, gasket installed in the frame, glass pressed down from above using a screwdriver and a couple plastic body-filler spreaders to work it into the gasket. No silly rope or messy soap solution.

Regardless, I'm 0-for-2 on Willys windshield installations and will be bringing this one to the glass shop so they can swear at it instead.

[corpsman]

don't feel too bad...  I've did that once on the rear glass of a '50 Chevrolet pickup.  I was using a bone tool to push the inner rubber piece in, and with about 6 inches to go, I cracked it.  oops!

[1955CJ-5]

The dreaded windshield install.....I feel your pain.....no other jeep related task has a greater level of frustration or a greater probability of failure....

[RICKG]

Insight from yours truly-a retired professional glazer.

NEVER use ANYTHING steel-screwdriver, putty knife, etc.� Do so and you're DOOMED

Use multiple "bones"-they're the right tools for the job. Have 3 or 4 on hand to "spread" the load.� Pull the bone toward you, don't push-pushing increases the pressure on the glass.
Use the slippery, messy soap solution tho it's a PITA to work with and clean up. Regular old Windex in the spray bottle works well and leaves less mess and hey you'll want to polish your new glass when done anyway, right??

Handy tip..try to do the work in a heated environment (I know, it's easy to say this time of year) making sure your rubber gasket is warm, soft, pliable. Cold, hard rubber greatly increases your chance of failure.

Hope this helps.. Rick

[athawk11]

Setting the windshield was one of the more challenging tasks.  Did the whole thing...on carpet...in the middle of the living room.  I certainly earned some strange looks from my wife. 

I was drenched in sweat, throwing F-bombs, and generally having the SH%&* kicked out of me for a solid 2 hours.  Ultimately, it ended in success.

Would I do it again?  Probably...but I'm also a glutton for punishment.    I hate being beaten by inanimate objects.

Tim

[Ryan_M]

I brought the whole mess to the glass shop today. They were highly amused at the dried blood splattered all over the busted windshield. 

The guy took one look at the gasket and told me it was too small. This gasket was purchased from a reputable vendor as absolutely "correct".

When I tried to install the windshield on my 3A a few years ago I finally gave up on that too and brought it to the same shop. They wrestled with the new gasket (from a different reputable vendor) for the better part of 20 minutes before they threw in the towel and reused the original one which was still in pretty good shape.

So now I'm wondering if the glass shop doesn't know what they are doing or if I've really received two bum gaskets in a row. I would certainly feel better if I could blame some of my failure on the gaskets.

Regardless, the glass shop will cut a new windshield, install with a new gasket, and I should have it back later this week. Hopefully there is no blood on the new one....

[corpsman]

man, you guys are making me really dread the day when I have to do that!

[1955CJ-5]

Use multiple "bones"

OK..I've googled it in several different ways....no luck...

What are these "bones"??

[RICKG]

Use multiple "bones"

OK..I've googled it in several different ways....no luck...

What are these "bones"??

The term "bone" could easily be applied to the top foto due to it's off white color.
Made of nylon, plastic etc. Should post these in the "Handy Tools" section as well.

[JeepFever]

man, you guys are making me really dread the day when I have to do that!

I am thinking the same thing!� �:o

edit:  I put a couple windshields in CJ-7s in the past,  not fun,  but I don't remember being this hard.  . .  anybody know if CJ-3 is going to be harder than CJ-7?   

[Ryan_M]

Well here it is, good as new. Nothing $185 couldn't fix.....

[RICKG]

Well here it is, good as new. Nothing $185 couldn't fix.....

YIKES!! But if you figure about 14-15 bucks a sq ft (going rate retail) and extra shape charges for 4 radiused corners (typical) then your shop only charged ya 20 bucks to install the glass (and take the risk) not bad really..
My old shop buys 1/4 lami for about $6.50 sq ft . With a retail "guy off the street" markup you're right in that range.
Glass is an energy consuming product to make and extra processes reqd to laminate so, ya, you're not in bad shape with what your shop charged..

[Ryan_M]

YIKES!! But if you figure about 14-15 bucks a sq ft (going rate retail) and extra shape charges for 4 radiused corners (typical) then your shop only charged ya 20 bucks to install the glass (and take the risk) not bad really..
My old shop buys 1/4 lami for about $6.50 sq ft . With a retail "guy off the street" markup you're right in that range.
Glass is an energy consuming product to make and extra processes reqd to laminate so, ya, you're not in bad shape with what your shop charged..

The shop supplied the new seal as well for that price.

[Bob W]

If you are looking for "bones" try searching for "trim sticks".

[1955CJ-5]

If you are looking for "bones" try searching for "trim sticks".

"Glazing stick" works too..