The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Hi all. Been a bit slack lately, but I need to remove the widscreen of my wagon for a roadworthy (new) replacement. There is the common rust in the lower passenger-side corner, and while the beast is off the road (read; unregistered) I thought I should tackle this problem while the old windscreen is out. Our local mechanics come petrol station get fortnightly visits from a windscreen mob in Albury, and I plan to have a new window installed, with a subsequent roadworthy check shortly after (hopefully the same day).

What I'd like to know, if the members here would be kind enough to oblige, is how do I go about removing it without breaking it (if possible?).

Any tips or advice, even prior experience?

TIA, and cheers. Mick.

PS Yeah, yeah that'd be right, only post when I want something.. This is true, but I have been lurking. Just nothing worthwhile to contribute.

PPS Not sure where I should post this...

Gannon ! Must be in an evil mood.... he said without breaking it !!

How good is the seal? Coz to cut the seal beyond reuse is the best way, from the outside. If it never seen a new seal, may be a good idea to ensure best water tight seal on refit. Used screens may be $50, new seal $120 ?

Another way is to remove rear view mirror from inside, hit the rubber with a hair dryer or heat gun and two shoed feet from inside at the top near the middle - a good gentle swift blow - might get it out without breaking - might not. Can also depend on luck, whether any sealant is in there from before. They are meant to be dry seal, no sealant gunk, but can still leak dry so some gunk is good - until you wanna get it out in one reusable piece

Haha, yes Gannon, that option has been considered. But, glass hurts, and stupid hurts.

I would say the condition of the existing seal is fair, given that it is beginning to craze/split on the outside, but is still in one piece, and there is not a leak to be nor has it ever leaked.

I might make a guess that the existing busted windscreen is the same one it had from factory. In every bit of glass, there are etchings for which glass goes where, batch no., FHI and a numberplate code that on all pieces is the same registration that the car came with when first bought in 12/82. E.g, XXX-000.

Will that make a difference to a way to get it out?

Cheers, Mick.

if the glue holding it in is anything like the stuff on the L series i just wrecked it is practically impossible to remove the glass .
also laminated screens are very fragile if you even go near the edge with a metal tool like a screwdriver it will crack. also if you bend it even a little it will crack. you might do ok if you can put a heat gun on it and soften the glue.
toughened glass screens are a lot tougher.

It's no issue for the seal to come out as well. Even if it gets trashed. A new glass AND seal are going in.

This sounds like it could turn nasty. I reckon next weekend we'll give the heat gun a go. I'll be sure to post back.

Cheers, Mick.

Gannon wrote:

The "gentle" approach hahaha.

LOVE IT!!!

If its anything like my L goodluck i used a 9¼" grinder

another difference between MY and L. MY are supposed to be dry seal - like as in no glue or sealer other than the grip of the seal on the car and window. L's are bonded with a non reuseable sal method.