TR4/4A Removing Glass Windshield

[KVH]

I just not recalling. You push out forward, but do you cut the rubber gasket first anywhere? Just push like a gorilla? Prying at a particular location? I did this 12 years ago, and hard part was reinstalling but I don't remember how I got the glass out. Any, by the way, is it easier or harder if the entire windshield assembly is first removed from the car?

 

[Geo Hahn]

I assume either the seal or the glass is going to be replaced, else possibly no need to remove.

I suppose it depends on whether you hope to reuse the seal. I removed mine with a carton knife - easy.

In addition to reusing the seal, your technique may vary if you hope to reuse the windscreen as I have seen it done with someone seated in the car with both feet against the glass.

I would think anything you do 9esp if working solo) will be easier with the frame is still attached to the car. I had the frame and glass out and took it to National Auto Glass with a new seal and they installed it for me -- but it wasn't easy with everything loose.

 

[trrdster2000]

KVH, like Geo, carpet knife and run around the edge on the outside. I just felt for the glass and went straight in and slowly cut it all the way round, then go under the rubber and cut the thin part that remains, after you get the first couple of inches up it may just pull off, then the windshield should come right out, with hardly any effort. Then the seal will pull out and your are ready to sand and refinish the frame. Don't forget the 7/16 bolts on the sleeve on the side, they need to be loose also, besides the 9/16 ones on the studs.

Wayne

 

[Andrew Mace]

When I was young and brash (circa 1970) and nearby yards were full of $25 windshields, I would do everything "on the cheap" and somehow get the glass out without cutting the gasket. Not so much these days.

 

[Popeye]

Cut the gasket, as folks have said. The gasket has an "H" cross-section. I cut the gasket off on the outside of the windshield, leaving the inside in place, and the glass did not drop inside the car.

While it should be possible to remove without cutting the gasket, the gasket is now 12 years old and more brittle than when new.

Be careful of the paint underneath - while any scratches would be invisible (i.e. covered by the gasket), you don't want any bare metal to give rust a starting point!