swapping windshields?

[amalventano1@comcast.net (Allyn)]

umm, i used my bare hands (and feet).
okok, heres the procedure.

**read full procedure before you begin**

    you need a firm constant even pressure pushing the windshield outwards during this procedure. i
sat in the seat and planted my feet (with soft soled shoes on) in the center of the windshield,
pushing upward/outward. only push enough to the point where you can see slight movement of the
glass. while doing this, pull the rubber lip away from the frame. you may need something like a
screwdriver to start it going. you must pull the rubber lip far enough away to get some seperation
such that you can see the seam. keep the pressure with your feet and the lip will stay up at the
places where you have seperated it. work your way around the left and top half, saving the corner
for last. keep in mind that you arent completely disengaging the gasket at this point, just working
the windwhield outward a bit. dont get impatient, you only want about 1/8" of outward movement total
at the a-pillar, not completely out yet. do the same on the passenger side. also note that i never
mess with the lower side of the gasket, i get the other 3 sides and slip the glass out, then remove
the bottom carefully (much easier with no glass in the way).
    now for the trick, there are metal 'teeth' that crab a ledge of the rubber gasket. it takes a
second pass around the gasket, working it away from the body of the car. the teeth point in towards
the inside of the car, so you have to work the interior part of the gasket completely up and over
the teeth or else you risk tearing the gasket. you will have to grab and pull towards you, then away
from the body (you will actually hear the rubber pop over the teeth, making kind of a zipper sound).
    i've used this method several times, even on a windshield that had a split up the center (and it
still came out in one piece).
Al

Allyn Malventano, ETC(SS), USN
87 Rieger GTO Scirocco 16v (daily driver, 180k, rocco #6)
86 Kamei Twin 16V Turbo Scirocco GTX ('it has begun', rocco #7)
86.5 Occo 16v Trailer (dotting 'i's across the country, rocco #8)
87 Jetta 8v Wolfsburg 2dr (daily driver, 260k, 0 rattles, original clutch, driveshafts, wheels :)


----- Original Message -----
From: "Neal Tovsen" <nealtovsen@yahoo.com>
To: "'Allyn'" <amalventano1@comcast.net>; "'Joe Doty'" <rocco2nr@hotmail.com>;
<scirocco-l@scirocco.org>
Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2002 3:24 PM
Subject: RE: swapping windshields?


> I've done a couple Mk1's and one Mk2. Haven't broken anything going in.
> In two attempts I've successfully removed two mk1 windshields from a
> donor car with no problems. But thus far, I have been COMPLETELY
> UNSUCCESSFUL at removing a Mk2 windshield from a donor, and there's been
> about three tries so far. It seems like you have to cut the gasket.
> Brian MacGarvey can testify...
>
> Neal
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: scirocco-l-admin@scirocco.org
> > [mailto:scirocco-l-admin@scirocco.org] On Behalf Of Allyn
> > Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2002 3:13 PM
> > To: Joe Doty; scirocco-l@scirocco.org
> > Subject: Re: swapping windshields?
> >
> >
> > mk2 is easy. i did it in like 5 minutes with no tools while
> > on the phone with big mac one time. i'll throw up a procedure
> > if requested. pretty cut and dry. i've heard mk1 is more
> > difficult but havent verified personally. Al
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Joe Doty" <rocco2nr@hotmail.com>
> > To: <scirocco-l@scirocco.org>
> > Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2002 1:51 PM
> > Subject: swapping windshields?
> >
> >
> > > Anyone ever done it?  I'm considering doing it since I got
> > quoted at
> > > $224 for a new windshield.  I have parts cars with good
> > spares, I just
> > > want to know what I'm getting myself into.
> > >
> > > Thanks a bunch.
> > > Joe
> > >
> > > _________________________________________________________________
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> http://messenger.msn.com
> >
> >
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