Windshield removal -- ?

[phi22b@ck]

How do I _SAFELY_ remove the windshield? I need it out to access some of my roll cage, and the FSM is not very detailed as to how to do this.

I will also need to reinstall it -- what do I need to get that done?

Thanks!

phi22b@ck

[hmsports]

If you are using this as an IT car you can do what I do...

Take a sharp razor knife and carefully cut the outer half of the weather stripping around the windshield. Be careful not to cut too far in so you don't go through the back. See diagram:

Make sure things are clear all the way around and then carefully, with the help of someone else, push the glass out.

When you are ready to reinstall, simply use a caulking gun and some black silicone. You can make a nice bead around the outside. I always use 2"x1/4" aluminum tabs -- three across the top and one on each lower corner -- to help hold it in:

[phi22b@ck]

Thats cool HM!

Would you mind posting a higher res image of your windshield? It looks rather easy to do -- so I really wont need the black rubber, or the aluminum trim that is currently on there?

How did fab up your clips?

Thanks!

[hmsports]

You need to keep most of the rubber. I've updated the picture to show the only part to discard -- the grey portion. The remaining 3/4 of the rubber is used to glue the windshield back in -- using the black silicone (shown in red). Once that has cured, create a fillet on the front as noted in blue (or purple -- I'm color blind so I don't know which it is). That's why I mentioned to be careful and not cut too deep. The yellow portion needs to be kept or there will be nothing for the windshield to hold on to.

You can get rid of the silver trim -- it's the first thing I pull off my race cars.

You can look at my photo album for some other photos of the car. The car was trashed in August of 2001 and I don't have one built yet to get another close shot -- sorry.

Rick

[phi22b@ck]

That will be my plan of attack!

Where did you get the aluminum clips? If you fabbed them -- any recomendations on how to fab them up?

I am also curious what you advise using for the glue, as well as the sealant.

I would imagine that plain old black silicone sealant from the 'depot would be ample for the top fillet, but the lower layer of glue seems to be a bit more important...

Thanks again!

p

[hmsports]

The aluminum straps can be found at any hardware store. They usually come in 3' strips. I simply cut them to about 4" long (maybe 5 -- I can't remember) drilled three holes in each in a triangle and used self tap sheet metal screws. You could also use wide shoulder pop rivets. You will need to place the straps in a vice half way and hammer them to get the correct angle. Also, when you are ready to final mount them, blob the back of them (where it meets the windshield only) with the black silicone so it oozes out when you bolt/rivet them on. When the silicone is cured, simply take a razor blade and cut it flush along the outside edge -- and scrape the extra off the windshield. Gives a little cushion and extra support. You don't want the straps riding directly on the windshield. Mine are usually between 1/8" and 1/4" away.

I use the same black silicone caulk to glue the windshield in as well as make the fillets.

This has worked well on both my IT cars.

[2ManyZs]

Or if you prefer you could always get a new windshield gasket and put it back the way the original was mounted. It's sometimes a two-person job to put a windshield in with a new gasket, but it's not that difficult if you have the right tools to do the job.

In fact, I think if you do a search you might find a thread all about it, seems like we gave kmack some ideas on how to put his back in after he painted his car...

[hmsports]

Just like 2Many to want to do something the right way

[phi22b@ck]

So in the GCR it says that these clips are recommended...

[phi22b@ck]

I tried a search before posting but came up empty. ??? Mike?

[2ManyZs]

Uh well, I put a new gasket on mine since it had to be stored outside. Didn't want any chance of having a floor full of water.........:cross-eye

[phi22b@ck]

Your right -- that is the right way to do it... I probably would do it if the gaskets were not so expensive.

Thanks for the help!!!

p