Removing glued in flat window glass

Dave Siegel · May 06, 2011, 06:24:26 AM

On our 1948 Silversides I have replaced the slider windows with solid flat auto glass. I used the rope style adhesive that auto glass installers use to hold them in. I have just noticed that three of the glass windows have cracks ( I am assuming from the intense heat down here in southwest Florida). So I have to replace the glass, does anyone know how I can get the glass out without breaking it? I seem to remember some sort of heating iron on an angle that I saw them use once, maybe that was in the dark ages but other than that, I am stumped on this one. Can anyone help?

dave

chev49 · May 06, 2011, 06:33:27 AM

there are bead removal tools, both heated and not. You just gotta get the knife between the bead (in your case the rope bead i guess) and the glass. Or make your own tool. Won't hurt to damage the glass since you are going to replace it anyway. I normally take my air chisel with my special made end and just work my way around, then clean the channel. When replacing a glue in winshield, I dont use the rope stuff anymore as it isnt as adhesive, but use the 3m stuff in the tube. (abt 12.00) available at the automotive paint shop. this stuff is great for gluing lots of other stuff, but its a bit messy...
If im getting a windshield or glass out of a wrecking yard, im very careful...

luvrbus · May 06, 2011, 06:36:29 AM

Dave, there is a tool made for that cost around 20 bucks for it and the blades try Amazon they have it

good luck

Dave Siegel · May 06, 2011, 06:42:56 AM

Thanks for the tips guys, Loverbus what is the name of that tool? Do you have any idea?

Dave

luvrbus · May 06, 2011, 06:53:45 AM

Dave ,just checked Amazon it is a SG Tool Aid 87900 14.95 on sell but there are other brands also

good luck

Dave Siegel · May 06, 2011, 06:59:09 AM

Thank you luvrbus, I just ordered the tool.

dave

norules · May 06, 2011, 08:26:48 AM

also--> http://www.harborfreight.com/windshield-removing-tool-99892.html

demodriver · May 06, 2011, 09:13:56 AM

Quote from: norules on May 06, 2011, 08:26:48 AM
also--> http://www.harborfreight.com/windshield-removing-tool-99892.html

I have one of these. Not my first choice but will get the job done. They dont sell replacement blades either or atleast thats what they told me.

bottomacher · May 06, 2011, 02:38:51 PM

Are you sure that heat is making them crack? It sounds like flexing or something similar may be the blame. Otherwise, every vehicle in South Florida, Arizona, Texas, etc., would have a bunch of broken glass.

demodriver · May 06, 2011, 02:57:56 PM

Thats a good point. Maybe to tight in a recessed hole?

happycamperbrat · May 06, 2011, 03:21:05 PM

auto glass cracks out here in the hot on a regular basis. the trick is to leave one window open. It might have something to do with flex, or letting out that little bit of heat...... Im not sure. But I know if all the windows are up, the windshield cracks

luvrbus · May 06, 2011, 03:59:25 PM

Does here too in Mojave Valley AZ it's real bad if you have the foil windshield cover on the inside with out a window down a little, 105 here today lol

good luck

Bill 340 · May 06, 2011, 06:00:11 PM

Dave if you have reflective Window Tint it will also overheat the glass and help crack or dry rot the seals, Remember NO reflective on the inside, that's how you bake a potato, or a window,

demodriver · May 06, 2011, 06:51:50 PM

Quote from: Bill 340 on May 06, 2011, 06:00:11 PM
Dave if you have reflective Window Tint it will also overheat the glass and help crack or dry rot the seals, Remember NO reflective on the inside, that's how you bake a potato, or a window,

So the shinny windshield covers are a bg no no?

I have been looking for the material to make a set.

Dave Siegel · May 07, 2011, 03:35:28 AM

I have dark gray tint (non reflective) on the inside of the windows. So the reflective cause is out. I made the templates for the glass and there is 1/4" all around the edges if each window. That 1/4" was filled with black GE silicone and to this day is still supple, so I don't think it was being in too tight of a hole as the problem. BUT, there was a summer when I had the bus parked facing south, (and closed up tight in the sun). The three cracked windows are on the west facing side, so I really feel that it was the heat as the cause of the cracking. (Yesterday in the grocery store that I work and large front window (made from tempered glass) cracked on it's own, no one touched it and it just fell into a pile of rubble with a huge explosive sound. The heat here is horrible, and all windows really need outside protection.

I can't wait to get the windows fixed, I haven't noticed the cracks before and now I know they are there they stick out like a red flag.

Dave