Windshield Removal
#1
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Windshield Removal
Anybody removed a windshield from a Miata? Just curious how tough it was to get it out and if any appendages were lost in the process?
My windshield cracked and I scheduled an appointment to have it replaced. The price started just north of $200 and right at the end they nickel-and-dime you up close to $300, which included a "windshield removal fee". I figured if I could pop mine out relatively easy it'll save a few bucks.
Saw a video on youtube and it seemed pretty straightforward (especially given that I'm not concerned with cracking it), but I'm sure a few of you guys have pulled them and wanted to get your opinions.
My windshield cracked and I scheduled an appointment to have it replaced. The price started just north of $200 and right at the end they nickel-and-dime you up close to $300, which included a "windshield removal fee". I figured if I could pop mine out relatively easy it'll save a few bucks.
Saw a video on youtube and it seemed pretty straightforward (especially given that I'm not concerned with cracking it), but I'm sure a few of you guys have pulled them and wanted to get your opinions.
#3
you can buy all those tools... or use a hammer.
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#6
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I did it once. Never again. Took forever and I still ended up with glass everywhere. I can usually find a glass place that will drive out and remove it for under $50, and that's what I do whenever I need one taken out.
#9
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You don't have windshield glass coverage on your insurance? Mine costs next to nothing, and they send a mobile guy out to do it in an hour or so.
Does not cover side windows, at least on my policy. Only windshields.
Does not cover side windows, at least on my policy. Only windshields.
#11
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Yeah, I know you can get them for free with comprehensive coverage. The car is an ugly, rusty, high mileage, beat to crap car I bought for $800. I never even considered comprehensive coverage before it broke and I'm not willing to commit felony insurance fraud to save a little money on a windshield.
#12
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There might be some pics in eds build thread (turbofan) but we got out out pretty easily with razor blades. I was able to get it pushed through, and then push it from the inside and out.
#15
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I used to cut windshields out at a local salvage yard. It's an art form. I used 2 small handles that "piano wire" secures to. I have a tool that inserts the wire through the seal.
The thing with working at a salvage yard is, I didn't have to be careful removing anything like plastic trim, or outer glass seals, cause all I was saving was the windshield itself. But, yeah, it's a shame you don't live near me cause I'd gladly do it. Probably take me like 15 minutes.
The thing with working at a salvage yard is, I didn't have to be careful removing anything like plastic trim, or outer glass seals, cause all I was saving was the windshield itself. But, yeah, it's a shame you don't live near me cause I'd gladly do it. Probably take me like 15 minutes.
#16
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Very similar to how I do it, but I don't have some special pulley system, just the wire and patience. Pretty much, you cut out all of the sealant you can with a knife, then from inside of the car you thread the wire through the seal under the glass at the top and at the bottom. Then you attach a handle to either end of the wire and start pulling back and forth like a cable saw. It's pretty much that simple, you just need to develop a technique of how you train the cable, cause you can damage the glass or actually break the cable. When the cable breaks, nine times out of 10 it flies back and stabs you in the hand.
I actually miss doing it. In fact, if I ever hit the lottery I would quit my job that I have right now and I would go back to the junkyard just to cut windshields out part time.
#17
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