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The first summer I had my car, I cracked the windshield. It was a hot day, perhaps putting stress on the glass- I went to do a launch up a steep hill and "CRACK"- it split right before my eyes, right down the middle (vertical crack). Case in point? Strut bars actually were invented for something (or more realistically, hairline chips weaken glass alot, even when not noticed).
So now I had to replace the windshield.
How is this done?
Well, for starters- as tempting as it might be, do NOT take a hammer and shatter the glass. If you shatter it while it is installed on the car, it is #1) harder to replace and #2) fills the AC ducts with broken class which makes a safety hazard the next time you turn on the heater/AC blower.
Here's what you need:
-New/used windshield (mine was abt $60 used)
-at least 30ft of piano wire/cable
-Black silcone for window installations
-Two plastic suction cups (for handling the glass)
Now, it maybe easier to remove the hood. If not, you could leave the hood on. Either way, remove the plastic trim that covers the windshield washer tank (a series of tabs cover screws that hold it on).
From there, you use pliers to force one end of the piano wire threw the OEM windshiled seal (the bottom works best).
Using the paino wire as a long blade, move it back and forward, cutting/grinding into the sealant used around the windshield. Be careful at the top so not to #1) cut the headliner and #2) the top has a metal "ledge" that keeps the windshield implace but is not vissable threw the windshield sealant.
With the OEM sealant all cut, use the suction cups to "grab" the OEM windshield and simply pull out the glass. It maybe helpful to get someone to do one side while you do the other (its not heavy so much as bulky).
With the windshield removed, use a razor blade to remove as much of the OEM sealant as you can.
After that, put on new black silcone sealant and then (using the suction cups) place the new window into place.
Let dry (do NOT get wet, leave alone for a day or two min.).
After dried, you may want to gently use a razor blade to remove any extra sealant that maybe hanging around the edges of the glass.
Then you're done.
Takes a good half a day or longer with 2 people.