Can I replace my rear window - or should I take it to the pros

[Tidybuoy]

I'm just wondering how difficult it is to replace the rear window. I don't need a new window but I found one for sale at a great price (NOS Factory Window) and mine has a defective rear defogger after 38 years.

So, now that I have this window sitting in my living room, I'm wondering if this is a DIY job or should I take it to a shop. I'm thinking that I will get it lightly tinted before installing.

I also bought this because it's a later window and has the 3rd Brake light bracket and wiring installed.

Also, I'm assuming I need to get new factory rubber seal even though mine is in good shape.

Thanks for any advice.....................Vern

[Peterfrans]

Getting the seal and trim to fit properly around the glass is not an easy job (fitting the wiring for the defogger was most difficult). Mounting the glass to the car was in comparison easy.

[Bjarnvik]

Hi Vern,

We did the front and rear window without having tried this before. There are great DIY descriptions in the tech articles. Just take your time, be at least 2, use liquid soap around the edges and don't despair if you need to try 2 to 3 times befor its in place. Nice cold beer after job well done is mandatory!

Good luck!

[56 nomad]

hi, my glass guy did a replace weather strip for 120.00..no headache or running around...bottom line is it woth the hassle to you and if you break the glass who is responsible for the replacement..also do the tint after as there may be some defects after install. jm2c ben

[skinnerd]

Originally Posted by Peterfrans

Getting the seal and trim to fit properly around the glass is not an easy job (fitting the wiring for the defogger was most difficult). Mounting the glass to the car was in comparison easy.

What he said!

DId this recently with a buddy.
The defroster wiring runs thru the gasket and is a bit of a PITA.
Use plenty of dish soap when pressing the trim into the gasket.
It took us a couple of tries and about 2 hours time.
Nearly blew my brains out...
But we got it done.

[skrufy]

My son and I installed the rear window in my 930 in about 5 minutes- first try.... The rear gasket I had didn't have the cutouts for the defogger, so I carefully followed the cutouts from the old one... you didn't say what year your 911 is, but I suppose that really doesn't matter.....

You must have the trim inserted in the gasket first- hopefully you cut the trim and window out of the old one with out bending the trim. Everyone, DON'T EVER pull out the aluminum trim and think you will ever get it straight- take it direct to the dumpster..... put the rear window on a blanket covered table- if you are going to have it tinted- do it first, as the chances of some clown slicing your defogger wires during tint installation are beyond excellent- ask me how I know that after I tell you about pulling the trim....

Use a new gasket. Work the new gasket on the glass, and maybe let it still for a while as it wants to wiggle back to it's shape coiled up from the shipping bag. Gently work the trim into the groove- both halves, install the connector pieces top and bottom. This is now where you do all your prep work for the 5 minute install. The trim is very soft- go all around the window from all angles and look for small bends, etc and then with your hands and fingers, use differential pressure to get the trim as conformal and straight as possible-it's fairly easy to do. You want it to look on the table as good as you want it to look installed. You will be able to make slight adjustments- very slight, after installation.
Take your time here and do it right. You will be happy with the results.

Now, to prevent the corner edges of the gasket from sinking- you MUST!!! install the same rubbery corner/sealing tape- or similar, that the factory uses. Same for the front windshield if you don't want it to leak. I can never find the factory tape on our Host's site , but if you go to Brand X- automotion, and search for 'sealing tape, fender' it comes up every time- about $55 for the Stuttgart stuff- it's used to seal the front fenders to the body, rear quarter windows, outside trim for the two doors. kinda pricey, and I keep mine in the 'fridge. I am sure you can find substitutes..... the factory uses maybe a 8 inch piece in each corner- doubled over- in the outside gasket recess. This keeps the corners from dropping /sinking in because the rubber is curving here, and it wants to be straight. Install it on the car corners, not the gasket- to be clear after proof reading this...

Now, using some soapy water in a spray bottle- get ready. I used a soapy length of 550 parachute cord, long enough to overlap the entire window by half, slip in into the edge groove, and then start at the top of the window to put it in the car. the inside person pulls the cord to pull the gaskets edge back, as the outside person gently pushes the edge from the outside. Wayne's book has a great description......

Once the window is in, you will want to pull up the edges to get them to seal and look nice. I used several wooden popsicle sticks, and a small 90degree pick to gently work the edge. Use masking tape to protect the paint as needed.....

Take your time, read all the threads, Wayne's book, etc. You can do it

I agree with the cold beer.....

Tim

'68 911
'77 Targa
'79 SC
'77 930
'88 Cab
911s since 1973- gasp! it's been a blast.....

[Tidybuoy]

Thank you all for all the advice. Now, we'll see how long it takes for me to actually get to this project. Hopefully, I won't be selling a new rear window on the classifieds 10 years from now.

[RoninLB]

2 guys and a lot of patience

i used dum dum at the bottom and sides to keep the glass a little extra high and prevent it shaking once it's set up

once the glass is in i shook it into place and it hasn't moved in approximately 50k miles. It's tough moving it around my way and i did call another guy over to dial it in

doing the wires for me was "lets try this, lets try again, etc" and it broke my rhythm

same bs for front glass archives have 1,000,000 tips and techniques

it's one of those idiot jobs where you really have to want to do it yourself or you'll go nuts trying to do a wham bang quick job

[56 nomad]

[QUOTE
it's one of those idiot jobs where you really have to want to do it yourself or you'll go nuts trying to do a wham bang quick job[/QUOTE]

what he said! ben

[will hung]

The only tip I can add is to run your "pull" wire around 3 times. That way if you don't get it the first time, you can try 2 more times before having to pull the glass and reload. If you get it the first time, you can just pull it out.