914 windshield removal

lews930 · 10-30-2002, 06:34 PM

What are my chances of removing the original VW windshiled from my 6? I'm plastic beading the car and want all paint removed.
Should I just leave in place and duct tape the whole windshield? Does the original windshield add any value to such a car?

lews930@aol.com

3D914 · 3D914's Garage

lews930,

If this is the original, one consideration would be the condition of the seal. Have you noticed any leaking/surface rust around the inside window frame?

My point is that if the seal is marginal, you might as well pull the window out, then apply new sealant when it goes back in.

As far as value, you might need to check with someone who Concours their car. Mines a daily driver, so I doubt anyone would make a big deal about the windshield not being original.

Enjoy!

lews930 · 10-30-2002, 06:44 PM

no rust, just trying to do the paint right. not trying to build concours car but would like to keep the windshile if possible as most are replacements. I' wondering if their is any chemical that will (melt ) the glue that holds the windshield in?

lews930

Zeke · 10-30-2002, 07:33 PM

The pros use a hot knife. You're gonna be able to get it out with a knife, hot or cold. Home Defect sells one that extends out about 3 inches. It 's the kind you break off a piece each time you want a sharp point. Use it fully extended when working on the inside. Wear glasses, OK?

mikester · 10-30-2002, 07:55 PM

Why don't you want to replace the windsheild?

I just had mine replaced for about $215, they came to my house and did it all.

All I would say is that before you even think about lifting it out make sure there is no seal left hanging on, and real flex will crack the windsheild.

Also, you can get the suction cups to make the whole job easier at Autozone or Harbor Freight.

gint · 10-30-2002, 08:14 PM

BTDT Again, get all of the seal out that you possibly can if you want to re-use the WS. And there's no point buying a new one (at $200+) if the existing one is still in good condition. The glass guys have and use a stiff putty knife with a 45 degree bend. This would be handy to run all around the WS after you've removed as much goop as you possibly can.

I didn't think mine would crack. Wrong. And on Saturday before a Sunday DE. I ended up spending $270 for a new one. Glass shop actually found and installed one for me on that Saturday, and it was also without the tint band across the top.

Live and learn.

1bad914 · 10-31-2002, 09:30 AM

Piano wire or guitar string. Push it thru the sealant and saw it back and forth until you have gone all the way around. Can be done by yourself but is easier with two people. Take your time and be careful. The sealent comes of well with prep-sol, can be obtained from any automotive paint supply store. I guess any wire will do.

Randy

norustscott · norustscott's Garage

Took mine out very carefully prior to the restoration. stored it away in the master bedroom for 10 months.( kids and a two care garage) wife loved that!!!!

went to upt it back in . Set it in place...two minutes later...crack.

The glass guy told me that old glass is brittle...very hard to work with. You should have seen how hard the glass guy pushed on the new one. I thought for sure it would break...nope. I barelly touched the old one...It was the original VW logo glass too...

If you break it putting it back in don't feel bad. The glass guy said he was surprised that it did not reak while being stored!!!

Scott

Conrad W Peden · Conrad W Peden's Garage

I had a new windshield a few years ago and it cracked on a cold day, when i turned the key to start the car. The glass was only 3 days old.

The crack originated at the vin plate. The installer figured that the edge of the glass was touching the plate or one of the rivets that hold it in place.

Moral of the story....make sure the galss is not resting against the plate or its rivets.

SummerSledSix · 10-31-2002, 10:54 PM

Those of you who have replace your windshield recently - who did you use? I got a quote last summer and it was for a lot more than $200...

norustscott · norustscott's Garage

It is an east coast west coast thing. The East Coast runs about 400 and up the west coast runs 200 to 300...

It took me a week to find a company that could find the windshield here in Maryland. I stayed away from safelite for quality concerns.. search safelite...

Lets face it, how many 914's are on the eastcoast vs. the west coast?

10 to 1 ?????

scott

Jim Savage · 11-01-2002, 07:25 PM

A couple of years ago I bought my windshield for $105 and installed it myself. The local glass guy wanted $175 for the whole job (glass + install). This was the lite tinted type.

Midwest. I would never pay $400.

Jim

mikester · 11-01-2002, 09:01 PM

I'll post my installer's info this weekend.

I'm in the process of moving this weekend, so...I'll try to get it up.

Paid $215 installed and they came to my house.

mikester · 11-03-2002, 08:27 PM

The glass guys I used was:

AAA Auto Glass out of Gardena, CA (South Bay).

310-523-3973