Glass replacement: Tips

RickM · RickM's Garage

Two links to a site "Glasslinks.com"

First procedure offers help on replacement of 2001 911 windshield...actually describes the antenna hook-up for 84-89 (maybe newer) 911s better.

http://www.glasslinks.com/tips/newtips/carreraws.htm

Second link helps with '77 911 Targa rear window...

http://www.glasslinks.com/tips/newtips/77targa_bg.htm

Curious about who made that particular glass replacement?
http://www.glasslinks.com/tips/dotnumbr.htm

May be a good site to ask tech questions related to glass work.
http://www.glasslinks.com/tips_install.htm

Chuck Moreland · 06-06-2003, 07:43 AM

Since I'll need to do this when I restore my '77 targa, what's a "rope in job"?

RickM · RickM's Garage

I believe it's when you have the gasket (or seal) on the glass, a thin piece of rope is pushed into the edge of the gasket, the glass/gasket/rope assembly is pushed into the window frame. Then the thin rope is used to pull the inner gaset lip into/over the interior window frame.

Did that make any sense?

UTKarmann_Ghia · 06-06-2003, 10:04 AM

Yep, did that many times on my old VWs. You just have to be careful about 2 things: 1) you apply slight pressure on the windshield for it to seat (from the outside), 2) you dont want the cord too thin as it will cut your new rubber. Other than that, I didnt have any problems doing it myself. Just get a partner to help you do it.

greglepore · 06-06-2003, 04:46 PM

Fuggitaboutit. I watched pros do my Targa front and rear. I'd do the front myself, but the rear window is, shall we say, challenging? It cost me $400 to r/r both windows during a repaint, and as stiff as that is, I'd pay it again in a heartbeat.

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

The Targa rear is an absolute b*tch! I went thru 3 glass companies to get mine put back in, before finding a couple of guys who took about 2 1/2 hours to get it. They said it was the second worst one they've done.

toolman · toolman's Garage

I removed and installed all my windows myself with the help of my 97 lb wife. Not impossible at all.

rudy sanchez · 06-06-2003, 06:15 PM

I recently helped somebody do the cord/rope method.

the cord used was like a 10 gauge elecrical cord and there was a tub of dishwashing detergent that was generously applied. went pretty smoothly, there were 3 sets of hands. two of us pushed on the glass and one guy pulled the cord

KevinP73 · 06-06-2003, 09:19 PM

I'm installing a Targa back window at the shop right now. Only once has it ever taken more than an hour to install one of these. I'll post a pic of a little secret technique I use in the morning.

RoninLB · 06-09-2003, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KevinP73

. I'll post a pic of a little secret technique I use in the morning.

Great..........Ron

KevinP73 · 06-09-2003, 08:38 PM

Sorry Guys, I worked late and forgot my camera at the shop. I'll post the pictures first thing when I get in tomorrow.

Porsche_monkey · 06-10-2003, 04:26 AM

Some tips for windows from someone who has done this several times in the last two weeks:

1. Do not use wire, use jute twine or a rough rope, the wire is too smooth and it will slide out too easily, you want a bit of friction here

2. Soap is good, but electricians (who pull their own wires) use a lubricant product called Yellow 77, it is better than soap and wipes off easily

3. On the side windows hook the seal into the channel in the 'B' pillar first then use the string to work along the top and bottom (while someone pushes from the outside) and finish off at the very back of the car. DO NOT WORK FROM THE BACK TO THE FRONT.

4. Do not push too hard, you probably won't break the window, but you can dislodge the trim from the rubber and it a b*ast*rd to get back in.

5. The cheap metal paint can openers that are sort of a screwdriver blade with a bent over hook are good for persuading the seal from the inside of the car.

With practice it is a five minute job.

UTKarmann_Ghia · 09-10-2003, 06:37 AM

I'm preparing to do this for my front window. I've read some threads about using window adheisive, but I've never used that before when replacing VW windows. Shouldnt new rubber seal the front windshield?

RickM · RickM's Garage

I dont believe any adhesive was used when I had the windshield done on my '85.

Porsche_monkey · 09-10-2003, 06:39 AM

An adhesive should not be required.

UTKarmann_Ghia · 09-10-2003, 06:45 AM

Sweet, thanks! Also, I dont see the 911 windshield listed in PP inventory. Do they not sell windshields?

RickM · RickM's Garage

I'd bet shipping is a real bear for an item like this. May be best off getting local.

Zeke · 07:10 AM

Kevin, if you can insatll a Targa rear glass in 5 minutes, I'll drive all the way up to the valley and buy you lunch. It took me 5 hours, but I had no help. I realize now after reading about this the last itme and the time before that, that you really could use extra hands. I have a coupe now

Thank God for that.

As far as adhesive goes, I had a windshield installed on an insurance deal and the installer told me that liability makes them use adhesive now to keep the glass from flying out in a collision. Ask Jack about that.

Jdub · 09-10-2003, 07:08 AM

An adhesive may not be needed, but you may need some mastic or otherwise to fill in areas. Take a hard look at the typical rust area on the front windshield -- the lower corners. If the seal is not covering inside and out then consider filling these areas with mastic to prevent water seepage.

John

RoninLB · 09-10-2003, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by PBH
An adhesive should not be required.

I followed much of the advice given on various threads around here.. but I followed Blown/Dean's advice on using a sealant after the install. I used 3m Windo-Weld 999. it lists for $10.66 and could probably do 25 windows. I wouldn't even think of using a silicone sealant. And for the front shield I used some grease arount the outer flap that leans on the frame because it wouldn't seat properly the 1st two tries