"Klaus Schmoll" (klausschmoll)
01/29/2015 at 15:18 • Filed to: None
1
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"Klaus Schmoll" (klausschmoll)
01/29/2015 at 15:18 • Filed to: None | 1
| 15 |
A friend just called me asking if I could help him put a new windshield in his E46. Of course I said yes, but I also asked him if he thinks it's really such a good idea.
In theory it's pretty straightforward. Cut the old one out, clean the contact area, apply the glue, and gently put the new one in. Yet, if it was my car, I'd be afraid that it might leak or whatever.
So what do you say, is this a DIY job or should it be left to the professionals?
Cherry_man1
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 15:20 |
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Pro always pro
davedave1111
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 15:22 |
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Apart from whether you feel comfortable doing it, have you checked if you can get it any cheaper unfitted? If not, might as well let them do it.
HammerheadFistpunch
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 15:24 |
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After reading the FSM on my cruiser....I'm finding a pro that can handle it. In fact I'm thinking about getting new seals and having them redo the windshield, since its in fine shape and it would be a shame to remove a 255,000 mile factory windshield...but it does leak.
Racescort666
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 15:24 |
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It's not that expensive to have a professional install one. I always have a pro do my Racescort although we've cut windshields out ourselves. If you're going to cut one out, use the proper tools, a box cutter does not work. Also, cut all of the glue, you might think you can just rip that last inch out, you can't and will break the glass.
After watching several pros do my car, I can tell you that you have to have just the right touch on the caulk gun or else use a powered one. These guys can set amazingly consistent beads of glue that only a robot could do better.
Slave2anMG
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 15:24 |
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I went thru 3 windscreens in my 2010 Jetta wagon (rock chips dead center in front of me and a chip that spread into a crack). The professionals made what was obviously a pain in the ass look silly easy. Pro, every time on this.
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Klaus Schmoll
> Cherry_man1
01/29/2015 at 15:25 |
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That's what I'd say if it was my car. I just can't really explain why. It's more a feeling than hard facts.
SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 15:25 |
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I've never done it. My state requires that it's covered by insurance with no deductible, which is actually pretty sweet.
505Turbeaux
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 15:26 |
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professional job if it is anything that has airbags in it. Just dont fuck around. Plus you need to have the right cement to set at certain humidities and temps.
And old split window bus I can do in 5 minutes and a piece of string, not the new ones. And if that airbag goes off and the windshield wasnt set right it is a danger zone
415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 15:28 |
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Yeah its a specialized thing you don't want to get wrong. I tried to change the rubber seals in my Z and the rear hatch wasn't bad with help but the others are tough.
MysticStick
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 15:29 |
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I've watched pros swap a windshield several times. It always looks like magic.
Sam
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 15:30 |
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Professional. Picking broken glass out of the interior is no fun.
RazoE
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 15:33 |
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co-worked had his windshield replaced on his 330i and he said there's all kinds of sensors built-in and they kept screwing up once he had it switched out. Just go to a professional.
T5Killer
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 15:35 |
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I have a friend who runs a glass shop who does multiple windshields a day and after watching him do it I would let a pro do it.
desertdog5051
> Klaus Schmoll
01/29/2015 at 16:23 |
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Most windshields are considered a structural member. I would let someone that knows what they are doing handle it.
orcim
> Klaus Schmoll
01/30/2015 at 03:23 |
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I quad-druple the pro advise. Super especially if the new one isn't really new, but chronologically old but undamaged. They get more brittle as they age. Had a Jetta that would fill with water due to a bad windshield job - pro for sure.