Except that the hook tool in the hand of most novice users = torn and ripped weatherstrip.

Use the Rope in the channel "trick" and you won't have the same problem. That's the way that I've replaced a couple and also the way the FSM recommends.

FWIW

E

No promises yet, but I may have a line on a few non-shaded windshields. Aftermarket, not Nissan. But non-shaded. Details as I get them...

Except that the hook tool in the hand of most novice users = torn and ripped weatherstrip.

Use the Rope in the channel "trick" and you won't have the same problem. That's the way that I've replaced a couple and also the way the FSM recommends.

FWIW

E

I love the rope "trick" my dad and I used it all the time for replacing old VW windows. Works like a charm. it's getting the glass OUT without hurting them (or the gasket) that's the hard part.

I have a new non-shaded windshield sitting at the glass shop waiting for the paint work to be complete. My advice is that if your glass guy says he can't find a non-shaded, tell him to try harder, or try a different glass shop. My installer said that while they take a little legwork to find, they do still exist. He found several scattered throughout the country, mine came from Spokane. He said there were also some in Phoenix, Baltimore and other cities as well.

You might also try these two sites. They found me a winshiedl for my 810 coupe last year. The 810 coupe winshield is unique to the coupe and the wagon and 4 dr sedan glass won't fit. They went the 'extra mile' to find it. Not only did they find one, they found 6! Three tinted and three non tinted. They're basically the same company.

http://www.syossetglass.com/

http://glass-seekers.com/

OK...I'll bite...what's the "rope trick"? I suppose I should have searched before asking though...

However, it's not getting the old one out that is the issue as it looks like Charlotte's Web, just would like to find a non-tinted one.

I'm going to follow upon some of the leads you've shared.

thanks again to everyone chiming in.

Steve

OK...I'll bite...what's the "rope trick"?

Steve

A rope about the size of a clothsline is placed in the bead between the inner and outer flanges of the windshield weatherstrip. You then place the window in place with the weatherstrip on it and pull the rope from inside the car. The rope pulls the inner flange over the car body. Theoretically when you have pulled it all the way around you are good to go.

...Theoretically when you have pulled it all the way around you are good to go.

No theory about it. It works.

E

It works, but sometimes, the glass still doesn't sit right. I've had to push on the glass a bit to get it to sit properly. Then again, I'm just a backyard mechanic.