I posted this in the autobody and paint section, but i figure i would post here as well to get more people looking.

Has anyone ever done a DIY rear windshield replacement on an Integra sedan? I imagine it would be the same as a civic or accord sedan, or maybe the same as a lot of other sedans as well. The 21 year old glass on my sedan is really showing its age with scratches which makes it really difficult to see out of at night with glare, the rear defroster lines are broke somewhere in the window in places, and the trim is starting to get brittle and tear apart. I priced getting a shop to come out and do this for me, i want to say it was right around $500.00. So, its a good bit of $$$ for a preference item right now.This weekend, i was at a upull yard and there was an integra there that was in really good shape. They want $30 for front or rear windshields. I've never attempted this before, but i'd like to give it a shot if it is DIY feasible. Assuming i can get it out in one piece from the yard, how difficult is this to complete on my own with another friend or 2 helping?

 

Holy Sh**, It's about $125-$140 out here in Phoenix to get a rear window or a front window. The proper tools are needed to get these babies out but if you pull the molding off, start by cutting the black caulking with a razor blade and you can use a piano wire to slowly cut through the rest of the caulking. However if you are not re-using the window and it breaks well a good vacuum to suck up the broken glass. From there scrap off the old caulking and purchase a new window, make sure to get the proper bonding material that they use.

It's just crazy the amount of money they want though.

 

$125 - $140 at a yard or to have one replaced by a auto glass company?

thanks for those tips, i bookmarked the section in the shop manual to take a look at tonight after work. I havent read through it yet, but it looks pretty detailed. I think at this point, i've talked myself into at least attempting this. At worst, i'm out $2 entry fee to the yard and a few hours of time. Hopefully the worst doesnt happen and i learn something new lol

 

General tips regarding windshield replacement:
You'll need to pick up a Windshield removal tool of some kind to cut the urethane sealant that holds the windshield in place. Heat will help soften the seal and make the whole process easier. Be careful around the defroster lines when removing the windshield from the donor car. Remove the windshield however you choose on your personal car (Cut the seal or shatter and clean up the glass). Then you'll have to remove the original sealant from the pinch weld on the car. Heat gun helps to soften it up before you scrape it off using a putty knife or scraper. The cleaner your pinch weld is, the better your seal will be when installing the glass.

Test fit your replacement windshield around the opening. Use masking tape to mark points on the glass and the car to make aligning the glass easier when it comes time to install. Suction cups with handles makes the task of positioning the glass manageable. Pick up a tube of 3m windoweld for your adhesive to install the windshield. A good heavy duty caulking gun is necessary to lay a nice thick bead around the pinch weld of your car. Follow the service manual procedure to install.

For materials and necessary tools, check out www.autobodytoolmart.com. They carry everything you need to tackle this job. Once you decide on what you need, shop around for the best deals. It will also give you a good idea of how much this is going to cost you to DIY. Then you can decide how you want to go about things. You're going to buy a few things you may never use again unless you plan on replacing another windshield.

 

Dont forget molding clips to replace the trim around the windshield. You'll be setting these in place while the glass is sealing.

 

coming through with some great information, thanks man!

 

I imagine the temperatures in PA aren't the warmest so it might be tough to remove a windshield from the donor...to aid with softening the old sealant from the donor, bring a propane torch with you inside the yard and heat up the outer edges as you break the old seal. That's assuming they allow you to bring one into the yard.

 

Temperatures for the next 2 days aren't bad, but unless we have some freak days this winter this will have to wait since they don't allow torches. Or, maybe i can find someone with a cordless heat gun. Of course this car shows up in the yard in the middle of December....

 

As long as the sun beats on the glass for a good part of the day, the windshield can be removed using the removal tool. At least give it a shot removing the one at the yard...either you're going home with the glass or you'll have a story to tell.