I need a new windsheild for my newly aquired 68 and have found one in the local junkyard and would like to know the best way to go about removing it. After the moldings are removed would you just take a knife and cut the adheasive and try pushing from the inside and pop it out? Whats the best method on removing the windsheild from a 68 Chevelle?

I just went thru this with both my Chevelles...
Honestly, I'd go buy a new windshield...check around. They're not too expensive, really.
Chances of removing the junkyard one if you haven't done this before, without breaking it, are slim.
Plus, you'll have new, clear unscratched glass. :cool:

I would not recommend attemping to remove a windshield without using the proper tools. There are special knives made for removing windshields only one of which could probably be used in a junkyard without electricity or air available.

To attempt to use anything other than one of those tools, there is almost a 100% chance you will break the glass. Some people successfully use a thin wire such as a guitar string as the "knife", but I've seen a high number of broken glasses with those too.

Ditto what Bill said above. He posted a couple of minutes before I did.

I paid $160 for a new windshield for my convertible, installed at my house. That's cheap.

Theo.

Yea,probabaly easier to just get a new one and be done with it.Not that expensive even here in Canada.Nice new clear glass too.

Brandon,

Try a brick :D

I once heard of using a wire. Working it under the windshield and then pulling it around while applying heat from a heat gun. But I have to agree with the crowd. New windshields are not too expensive.

Let me know if your thinking about going to the next meeting on April 3rd.

Over

I believe there's an article by Wes Van in the Tech Archives on this very subject. (if I remember right) Read it. There's a tool with a handle and blade(Wes shows a picture of it) that's available at your local paint supply store. Works as slick as silk. You'll also need a "jiggler" tool to get the molding off. Not a hard job at all IMO.

using a wire for removal is easy, It's been at least 30 windshield since I've broke one. I use piano wire. Cut about a 4-5 ft length, get inside the car and push one end up through the top and one out the bottom-you'll need needlenose pliers to grab the exposed ends from the outside. Then from the outside of the car grab the top wire with one hand and the bottom wire with the other and saw your way from the center of the glass to the outside, then repeat the proceedure for the other side. Use gloves to avoid having the wire cut your hands, or use vise grips as handles, or buy the premade handles available at most good body supply places. The trick to this is to cut along the top and bottom at the same time, it's a one person job. Most of the older windshield can be removed in about 20 minutes this way.

Thanks for all the responses guys. I think I will go with a new windsheild, I think it will be easier in the long run. As usual it seemed like an easier process in my mind, and it would be the first time I have ever removed a windsheild from a car.

Charlie: I am still deciding on wheather to go or not, the meeting is the same day as the first cruise-in at the Jimmie cone. Decisions decisions decisions ;)

use wd40 spray all around the edges then with thin plastic putty knife start working the wd into the seal the wd breaks down the seal (and is messy) but after about 20 to 30 minutes of work the windshield will come out so easy you will never use piono wire again
been doing it this way for years have not broke one since

Originally posted by DN:
I believe there's an article by Wes Van in the Tech Archives on this very subject. (if I remember right) Read it. There's a tool with a handle and blade(Wes shows a picture of it) that's available at your local paint supply store. Works as slick as silk. You'll also need a "jiggler" tool to get the molding off. Not a hard job at all IMO. DN, what you are refering to is a cut out knife and really designed for tempered glass. Don't get me wrong, I have done a few safety plate windshields with them too. But it is VERY, VERY easy to break the windshield with one.

I'm glad I didn't know that! Removed both front & rear so easily & fast that I wondered why anyone was afraid of removing them! smile.gif