Windshield Glass Replacement

[DougRyland]

I need new windshield glass and am debating between having one installed or trying it myself. Looks like I could save $AMC 150 dollars or so if I do it myself as long as I don't break the glass or tear a gasket, etc...
One suggested approach I have seen is to of course remove the old glass and gasket of course, then install new gasket and apply plenty of lubricant (soap, petroleum jelly, etc... not sure which or what would be best, one suggestion was KY Jelly which sounds a little kinky but it is water soluble as long as it would remain slick long enough to get the glass in) and run a piece of braided nylon rope (1/4"+-) inside the entire gasket with some protruding out at ends with both end at one corner of bottom, then start the glass at bottom and work it into the gasket pulling and removing the nylon rope as you go to open the gasket and let the glass in.

Has anyone had experience at this and if so you agree with this as best method are do you have other suggestions.

I really fell like a dunce over this since I pulled a really dump act that resulted in the broken windshield. After replacing the points and condenser in the distributor of my odd fire v6 with a pertronix module and having reset timing etc... I disconnected my timing light, and engine analyzer, dropped the hood put up the light and analyzer then jumped in the jeep for a quick test run. OOPS forgot the hood latches. An immediate Oh S--- moment.

 

[Posi]

Soapy water would do. Make sure you measure the new glass against the old glass. It will save you a lot of trouble. I had to have my glass cut down to fit, company I bought the glass from cut it down no charge.

It's not a hard job just take your time and don't force it.

Edit: just noticed you have a 69, that will be a 2 piece gasket set, same one I installed on my 74. The outer gasket is very easy to install you will need a plastic stick to install the rope gasket that locks the windshield. If you buy your glass local they typically give you the stick.

 

[Torxhead]

Good luck with your windshield Doug. Speaking of driving with the latches disconnected, I once forgot mine also. I was on the freeway when it popped open, brought it home, removed it, turned it upside down on my garage floor and stepped on it, and it popped right back. It was bent up pretty good so now I have four primer marks on my hood where the paint peeled off. A fellow club member with an 1953 M38 had his come open on the road and it went airborne with the military style hood hinges.

 

[DougRyland]

Luckily I didn't get very far and was only going about 40 into a wind when the hood started up. It did put a small dent on driver side of hood pretty much in line with the tie down loop (that did the major number on the windshield). I was able to hammer it out with a rubber hammer and used touch up paint along with some fine wet sand paper between coats to repair. If you are looking close you can still see it but at least damage to the hood wasn't any worse.

 

[Torxhead]

I am sure it has happened to quite a few, good thing Jeeps can take some abuse. I also installed a stronger spring on the safety latch.

 

[Hedgehog]

Check the top part of your safety catch (the part on the front of the hood). Over the years the hook can do a can opener type effect in that area. Mine is like that, sliced and diced. If yours is like mine it should be easy enough to straighten out and weld the seam

 

[hdgapeach]

I've always used a silicon based lubricating spray as lube for the gasket. Slicked it up for the installation and helped provide a water barrier because of the silicon. At least that's what I believe (could be wrong).

Got my glass cut from a sheet by a local glass shop, using my old windshield as a pattern. That copy of the original pretty much guaranteed quick installation and perfect fit. Cheapest way to get a windshield (IMO).

When I zipped it in, I put the center of the rope at the top middle of the glass with the running ends meeting at the bottom center. Then I crossed the two ends, overlapping about a foot. The overlap made for a good start and helped prevent slicing the gasket. If the rope doesn't want to stay in place, dabs of Vasoline where needed helps keep it in the groove.

When you start pulling the rope, pressure on the glass from the outside helps guide it in. Just don't overdo the pressure!

Good luck!

 

[bzrut]

Talking about windshields, I'm looking for a new frame just don't know where I may buy one.I have a 1974 CJ5 thanks for the help.

 

[Peanut Butter]

You could get a new one. Several places sell them. Here is one: Crown Automotive Part J0987996 - Steel Windshield Frame - Fits 1969 to 1975 CJ5 and CJ6 - 4 Wheel Drive Or, you can hunt the junk yards for one. Lot of good used parts dealers in the OH area. Rod

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

I once tried to replace my windshield glass once. I got a good deal on a complete frame with good glass do all I had to do was remove the glass from the frame and put it in mine.

I looked up many threads on how to remove the glass properly, for myself all set up and cracked the windshield within the first minute and a half of starting.

 

[Woolyworm]

I did my hard top rear window and thought it was the worst job I've ever had to do. My dad was helping from the outside. I used the string "trick" and s ton of silicone and soap. It was a very mean job but we got it. The last little bit is the hardest to get in. I'll say now that I'd pay to have it done next time but I'm cheap so if came down to it is probably torture myself for an hour again instead. Good luck!


Wooly