legacycentral bbs

I need to get my windwhield fixed sometime soon, so I'm wondering if it's one of those things one could do himself, or would it be better to have it professionally done? The main reason is I've never done a windshield nor do I have any idea what should be done. Is there something you have to use to seal it up? I don't really like going to a mechanic to have him do some easy crap that I could've done but is it an easy thing to do?

Well, from what I can recall . . . You'll need:

Scraping tool for the seal (specialized I think)
New sealant
Handled suction cups are not a necessity, but make the job 1000% easier to fit glass

I'm willing to do many things to a car. Installing a windshield is NOT among them.

If it were me, I'd leave it to the pros. Too much of a chance of leaking for my taste.

I don't know exactly how you get the old windshield out, but I think it's held in with some clips and some adhesive. Most places probably break the glass to get it out, I'd guess. I think you're supposed to replace the clips and maybe the moulding around it. The new one would probably install fairly easily if you could line it up just right and press it in firmly and evenly.

I wouldn't change a windshield myself on my car; I'd have a professional (an auto glass professional, not just a mechanic) do it. The reason is that the windshield is an important part of the safety of the car. It's a structural part of the chassis on most cars these days, and I would think that includes ours.

Both times I've had to have a windshield replaced, my insurance company covered it under comprehensive coverage. They even sent the guys to fix it out to my garage. One of the times I had just left my garage door open and came out a couple hours later to find that they had arrived, replaced my windshield, and left!

So you may consider filing an insurance claim.

Yeah i don't have the windshield covered with my insurance. 18 + male + 51% at fault for a previous accident = way too expensive At anyrate I'm starting to think it would be better to just get it done professionally.

It's great living in Florida... Any car, no matter how bottom-basement your insurance is (no comprehensive needed), if your windshield is cracked, you get a free replacement, that simple

That said, I've had scratches in my windshield since I owned it, where the previous owner was dumb enough to let the metal in the wiper drag on the windshield. I'm thinking of chucking a rock at it and breaking it so I can get it replaced for free

Does anyone else hear road trip?

Florida, too? I thought it was just Massachusetts. What other states have this rule?

I had mine done almost a year ago and I can honestly say leave it to the professionals. It didn't look hard but then again, the guy had everything he needed to do the job. They even came out to my house (35+ miles) and he did it in about 30-45 minutes tops with a guarantee.

I don't think you can just go visit FL or MA; you probably have to have your car registered and insured there...

subyluvr's is close enough

Yup, good ol' MA. I'm on my 3rd free windshield in 5 yrs. Of course we get taxed to hell, pay among the highest insurance, and worst of all can't buy alcohol on Sundays unless you're within 10 miles of New Hampshire...

The guy who replaced my last windshield said he was happy they don't make our cars anymore because dealing with the surrounding molding is a real PITA.

Steve

definitely recommend you let a profesional do it.

For a $5 deductible, I get new glass. Farmers charges me an extra $4 per month for the plan because females in my age bracket often have boyfriends that go postal and break in their windows.

LaureltheQueen wrote:For a $5 deductible, I get new glass. Farmers charges me an extra $4 per month for the plan because females in my age bracket often have boyfriends that go postal and break in their windows.

Is that the "PEBOR" Clause?
(Psychotic Ex Boyfriend On Rampage)

LaureltheQueen wrote:For a $5 deductible, I get new glass. Farmers charges me an extra $4 per month for the plan because females in my age bracket often have boyfriends that go postal and break in their windows.

WOW, I never knew about that. That must be a female only thing...

called the "Glass Buyback Plan"