Removing / replacing windscreen

[Hoss]

Me again,

Can anyone advise me on removing and replacing my windscreen please?

Cheers,
H

[Bert2]

Hi

I have just completed this task so I have a few pointers but Im sure there must be a wiki on here about it.

1. Best and easiest method is to replace old seal with a new on this means that the old one can be cut to ease removal.
2. Run a sharp knife around the internal lip cut and remove. then using at least 2 people one internal the other out side pop the windscreen out of its seating. I purchased a Vac Clamp Handle to assist handling on the out side.
3. Leave the old seal in place to protect the edge of the windscreen until you are ready to replace.
4. Clean the seating area and inspect if the reason for replacing is water ingress into the cabin check for holes/corrosion corroded lower corners is very common, I found both lower corners holed which required welding and a line of holes along the upper seat area where a row of pop rivets had caused corrosion it was a mare.
5. When ready remove the old seal from the glass and clean the glass well , fit the new seal to the glass
6. Get a length of strong cord (B&Q) and insert it into the seal groove and overlap the ends in the middle bottom of the screen then get some lub I used pure soap as washing up liquid is corrosive I dont know what the best stuff to use is.
7. Now you need at least 2 people again I used 3! lub around the screen steel seat, insert the lower seal lip in place then using the people outside the cab while getting the person inside the cab apply external pressure and slowly remove the cord by pulling it over the steel lip, this should flick the rubber over the steel lip and start to seal the seal, alot of external force is required to prevent the windscreen poping back out until it is fully seated.
8. when the seal is seated at the bottom and up the sides it starts to get really difficult. You will need to tap the rubber seal quite hard to get it to compress and pop into place I used a rubber sanding block against the rubber seal as fists start to hurt after awhile, eventually it will pop in and seat correctly, it took me 2 attempts and 3 hours to get it back in, so maybe I did it incorrectly others may have a better way. hope this helps

[sciroccotune]

Sounds like a fun job! One i have to do when the sun comes out so any chance of pictures? Ones of your fixing the corroded metal would be fantastic.

On another note would anyone advise using sealant when refitting? May be worth considering OP?

cheers

[Hoss]

Hi Sciroccotune,

I probably wouldn't use sealant as it's an adhesive too which could make future removal more tricky (but there again, I've never done it). I was thinking of using plenty of Vasoline as a lube as it is also water resistant and would last a fair while.

Pics would be nice Bert as I can see a bit of rust pepping through the bottom of mine (almost too scared to take it out just incase haha)

[Bert2]

I would love to post pictures but I just wanted to get the job over and done with as winter was drawing in! I would not use any grease type lubricant as it does not dry and could cause the screen to pop out as you need the rubber to have a certain amount of grip so that it stays put, some people use tyre soap as used when changing tyres when the seal is seated correctly it will dry. As for using a sealant I had to take my windscreen out again twice until I got it to seat correctly, you can get the seal over the internal shoulder then at the last moment it pops out or the cord pulls out and the seal is not in correctly, imagine the mess you would get into having put a sealant around the windscreen also if you did not manage it in time it could dry and cause other problems, best stick to the trusted and tried method, you could always use a creeping sealant after fitting the seal but it should not be necessary. Hoss I would not touch your windscreen unless its leaking as its a pain to get back in, not a job to do unless you have to, also there is a chance that while replacing the screen it could crack, get a windscreen replacement firm to put it back in I'm sure at a cost they would do the hard work for you, no hard in asking. Again sorry about the lack of pictures.

[Echo Beach]

Have to say my experiences are much the same as Bert2's as i replaced my screenrubber due to water getting into the footwells as it had perished quite badly. There was also a very small repair needed to lip on the bodywork which obviously wasnt helping. My wife is now an experienced windscreen fitter as we did struggle on the refit We used the method above about 4 or 5 times before it started to drizzle outside and we gave up . 20mins later fuelled by a cuppa and several rich tea we had another go..... 3 minutes later it was in

[Hoss]

Good point about the seal needing to seal properly sealed, thinks I'll just take your advice and use pure soap or take it to a car window place. I'm not getting any leaks in the cab but would rather get the screen out and treat any rusty bits than leave it until I have to get bits replaced, thats surely more costly - skinflint see haha