Although I know most of you probably wont want/need to install glass yourself (I recommend going to a professional service location), you may be interested in what goes on when your vehicle’s glass is replaced. The points below highlight the basic steps that take place during a Windshield removal and installation.
Step One:
– Carefully prepare the car before we begin work.
– Cover all areas that we will have tools, to ensure the safety of the vehicle (using a blanket or padded paint protecting cover).
Step Two:
– Remove any cowels or trims to ensure their safety and to expose the sealant of the damaged glass (you may need a screw driver set and a pry tool).
Step Three:
– Using a variety of specialized tools, the former seal is carefully removed. Some of the tools used include; Air-powered knife, extractor, cold knife, Olfa knife and of course, good old fashion muscles. For a more detailed description of what these tools look like and how they are used, stay tuned for my future articles that will highlight some of their strengths and weaknesses.
Step Four:
– Removal tools are selected based on how safe and effective they are for each vehicle.
Step Five:
– The damaged windshield is carefully removed.
– Any remaining urethane is cut away using a single edge razor blade.
Step Six:
– We then apply a glass activator to the first 0.5-1 inch of the interior edges of the new windshield that is waiting to be installed. This is done to increase the grip that the new urethane sealant will have on the new glass.
Step Seven:
– A primer is applied on the freshly cleaned metal to prevent rust and other deterioration.
– A “bead” of the heated urethane adhesive is applied on the dried primer.
Step Eight:
– The new windshield is carefully set in.
– The windshield is gently pressed against the urethane seal. Then we use a cloth with special cleaner to remove any adhesive that may have squeezed out onto undesired areas of the vehicle.
Step Nine:
– Urethane is given the required amount of time to safely dry.
– The windshield wipers and the rear view mirror are returned to their original positions (it is a good idea to replace the wipers because often damaged wiper blades can scratch your new glass).
– Any precautions based upon the type of vehicle should be explained to the customer prior to leaving the location.
