Windshield Replacement & Repair
Windshield Replacement
First, dismount the vehicle moldings, trims, etc.
Remove windshield wipers and rearview mirror.
Before cutting the adhesive, protect the area around the windshield with masking tape to avoid scratching the paint. Also, protect the interior to avoid damaging the dashboard.
Tools for Cutting Adhesive
- Piano wire or rope
- Oscillating blades
- Heat cutter
- Utility knife for manual cutting
Once cut, remove the windshield using suction cups.
Surface Preparation
Start by removing the remains of polyurethane, taking care not to remove it completely. Leave a thin film to serve as a guide.
After unpacking and cleaning the new windshield, begin fitting the tires.
Present the new windshield to the bodywork to square it, using tape on the sides to hold it in place.
Degrease the windshield, then apply the appropriate primers.
Primer Components
- Adhesion promoter
- Protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays
Wait for it to dry.
Adhesives
Typically, polyurethane adhesives are used. They are tough and elastic.
One-component polyurethane dries by absorbing moisture.
Apply the adhesive with a pneumatic gun. Before applying the sealant, practice creating consistent beads.
Apply the adhesive at a constant speed and rate to avoid discontinuities. After placing the windshield, wait for it to dry. Avoid applying pressure to the windshield. Perform a leak test to check for water intrusion, and then mount the accessories.
Removing Rubber-Mounted Windshields
First, remove any elements that hinder removal. Then, remove the bead trim. Determine where the ends are attached; use a screwdriver to pull one end until it is completely removed. Breakage is common during this process. Continue to raise the profile of the paste and apply soap to soften the rubber. Apply pressure to remove the windshield from the outside. It is advisable to have one operator applying pressure from the outside and another from the inside. In some cases, aluminum plates are used for extraction.
Assembly
The contour rubber gasket may have imperfections. Clean the various slots or recesses to remove any foreign material.
Clean the perimeter of the body where the gasket will sit.
Place the gasket on the perimeter contour of the windshield, using a string of sealant if required.
Position the string so that the ends are centered on the bottom.
Place the windshield using suction cups.
Once placed, gently pull the rope to dislodge it.
Apply hand strokes to secure it.
Repairing Laminated Windshields
Laminated windshields are made of layered glass. In case of breakage, they maintain the integrity of all pieces, preventing glass from scattering.
Small cracks, bullseyes, stars, or a succession of them can be repaired with a special kit. This repair involves injecting a resin that offers the same optical properties as the glass.
Place an adhesive paper over the damage to prevent dirt from entering.
Repair Kit Contents
- Resins
- Injector
- UV lamps
- Auxiliary tools
- Mirror
- Suction pumps
- Mini drill
- Drills and punches
Repair Steps
- Thoroughly clean the work area.
- Use a punch to eliminate remnants of glass in the crater, clearing the area.
- Place the nozzle holder with gel to adhere to the glass. It must be perfectly centered on the crater.
- Deposit enough resin in the injector to fill the crater.
- Place the injector firmly over the crater and press to remove air, injecting the resin into the crater by lightly pressing the plunger.
- Wait a few minutes and apply heat to accelerate the process.
- Carefully observe the repair after drying.
- Remove the nozzle and fill any remaining hole with resin.
- Place a plastic sheet over the resin to remove any air bubbles.
- Apply ultraviolet light.
- Once dry, scrape the area to remove excess material, then polish the finished area.