Windshield removal

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Preferred way is to not break it. 😁 But to answer your question, I have removed numerous windshields over the years, and it depends on what model car and how they are installed that dictates what tools I use. A standard windshield removal kit for about $25 will have the common tools used. On our cars, besides removing the trim I also recommend removing the inside trim and dash. You can than approach the removal from the inside using a flat flexible blade to work from between the windshield and window frame. Some guys use a hacksaw blade, but I be extra careful if you decide to use one. If you use a standard windshield removal tool (has handles to hold and pull) be careful not to twist the cutter upwards into the glass thus breaking or cracking it. Also, this tool will not get the bottom of the window free due to where the sealant is located at on the windshield. Take your time and make sure that you have the glass fairly free before pushing too hard on it. There are a few videos on you tube - here one for a 71 - .

Good luck.
 
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My dad was an autoglass installer most of my childhood. I hung out at the shop and rode along and watched him do thousands of them.

You can to just about any car with basic screwdriver and pics to remove the trim, then a cutter like this for the bulk of the work. At places where the urethane is pretty wide, which is commonly at the bottom and in the corners along the dash, a long razor blade.

Granted, that was back in the 90s. The way dad did it would be considered a bit old school these days. Battery technology has advanced. They make a reciprocating saw, much like a sawzall specifically for windshield work. The pros these days still use the first tool. But instead of the long razorblade, they have the battery powered reciprocating thing. https://www.gtglass.com/collections...ades-1/products/beast-auto-glass-cut-out-tool

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You will break the glass with those tools. Best way to save windshield is piano wire between glass and body and use like a saw back and forth to cut the sealer all around glass,slow but safe.
 
You will break the glass with those tools. Best way to save windshield is piano wire between glass and body and use like a saw back and forth to cut the sealer all around glass,slow but safe.
The video a couple posts up shows a guy using the glass removal tool and not breaking the window.

For people who dont know auto glass, the windshield is 2 layers of glass laminated together with a layer of plastic. This is the easiest one to crack, since its 2 layers of pretty thin glass. All the other windows are single layered tempered glass. Its a lot harder to break, but when it does break, it shatters into a million pieces and you get to spend some time building character with a shop vac.

If you are scared of breaking the window, harbor freight sells a kit that uses flexible wire similar to piano wire with a couple handles on it. Its got a pokie tool to start the hole and then you feed the wire through and start sawing with it. https://www.harborfreight.com/professional-windshield-removal-kit-96339.html
 
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It can be done with a pull knife and long knife. Being retired from auto glass for about 5 years I pulled out the ol trustees and removed mine unbroken that was installed around 1990. Depending on whether it was glued or on butyl will also determine how easy it will come out.
 
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