Windshield removal
02-06-23, 01:54 PM
#3
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you could remove the wipers and the plastic cowl, that way they won't break it you will.
having the window out may not be a good idea, as it needs to go back at a certain depth, and if they just put it in there is a chance it doesn't end up at the correct depth.
the windshield on an FB actually sits on these little blocks, and i bought new ones and told the guy it needs to sit on those things, so he didn't do it and the moldings don't fit because the glass is in the wrong spot
the last time i had a window put in, the guy had a razor blade on a really long handle, and i think that would let you get the window out without breaking it. every other way will break the corners at a minimum
having the window out may not be a good idea, as it needs to go back at a certain depth, and if they just put it in there is a chance it doesn't end up at the correct depth.
the windshield on an FB actually sits on these little blocks, and i bought new ones and told the guy it needs to sit on those things, so he didn't do it and the moldings don't fit because the glass is in the wrong spot
the last time i had a window put in, the guy had a razor blade on a really long handle, and i think that would let you get the window out without breaking it. every other way will break the corners at a minimum
Last edited by j9fd3s; 02-06-23 at 01:56 PM.
02-06-23, 03:33 PM
#5
It looks like the plastic molding around the glass is supposed to be replaced. not knowing that was one of my main reasons for not just digging into it myself. found that here in the windshield section:
https://www.rotaryheads.com/PDF/3rd_...20-%20Body.pdf
I am now wondering if the glass shop (Safelite) will replace it, or given the person almost certainly has never done one of these before that they won't know it has to be replaced to get the windshield back in. And I don't see any way to get the glass out without damaging it, not to mention it appears to be glued tight AF in place.
https://www.rotaryheads.com/PDF/3rd_...20-%20Body.pdf
I am now wondering if the glass shop (Safelite) will replace it, or given the person almost certainly has never done one of these before that they won't know it has to be replaced to get the windshield back in. And I don't see any way to get the glass out without damaging it, not to mention it appears to be glued tight AF in place.
02-06-23, 03:46 PM
#6
RX-7 Bad Ass
iTrader: (55)
It's a bonded windshield, it does require a pro with good tools and training to remove.
The FD's windshield is really nothing special, tons of cars have identical setups. There is nothing special or exotic.
I do agree, remove the windshield wiper arms and cowl so the glass company doesn't have to deal with that.
It's also not worth trying to do yourself since there's a LOT of potential risk of glass breaking - you can best case have a mess worst case have a trip to the ER.
Dale
The FD's windshield is really nothing special, tons of cars have identical setups. There is nothing special or exotic.
I do agree, remove the windshield wiper arms and cowl so the glass company doesn't have to deal with that.
It's also not worth trying to do yourself since there's a LOT of potential risk of glass breaking - you can best case have a mess worst case have a trip to the ER.
Dale
02-07-23, 08:02 AM
#7
It’s also easy to damage the top/front of the dash on removal.
Safelite and others will have a molding that’s close but not identical. The issues I’ve noticed is that often the aftermarket doesn’t stand up to UV and weather like OEM and they shrink after a few years. That usually become apparent at the corners. The up side is that if they’re careful they can remove the original and re-use it as long as it goes back in exactly the same spot. A few years ago I called Ray Crowe for a replacement OEM windshield molding and at that time he showed only a few in stock domestically.
As for other tips…I would take the wipers and cowl off myself. That way your tech won’t chew up or lose the little plastic screw covers getting them off. The tabs sometime break on those covers but a daub of clear silicone will kept them in place going back on.
And @MilesBFree if you’re the OG responsible for FD3S.net….thank you. That site was a blessing way back in the day and I still go back occasionally to refresh on things. Huge thanks.
Safelite and others will have a molding that’s close but not identical. The issues I’ve noticed is that often the aftermarket doesn’t stand up to UV and weather like OEM and they shrink after a few years. That usually become apparent at the corners. The up side is that if they’re careful they can remove the original and re-use it as long as it goes back in exactly the same spot. A few years ago I called Ray Crowe for a replacement OEM windshield molding and at that time he showed only a few in stock domestically.
As for other tips…I would take the wipers and cowl off myself. That way your tech won’t chew up or lose the little plastic screw covers getting them off. The tabs sometime break on those covers but a daub of clear silicone will kept them in place going back on.
And @MilesBFree if you’re the OG responsible for FD3S.net….thank you. That site was a blessing way back in the day and I still go back occasionally to refresh on things. Huge thanks.
Last edited by Sgtblue; 02-07-23 at 08:26 AM.
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GoodfellaFD3S (02-10-23)
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02-07-23, 08:49 AM
#8
Yep, that's me, but i can only take credit for collecting a lot of the info and hosting it. It is more or less the collected wisdom of the old email group, plus a few original articles on stuff I did like suspension.
I haven't updated it in years since I stepped back to raise my family. Kid's off to college so I have more time to play with the toys, and fortunately, I kept the '7 for my midlife crisis
And thanks for your service @Sgtblue !
I haven't updated it in years since I stepped back to raise my family. Kid's off to college so I have more time to play with the toys, and fortunately, I kept the '7 for my midlife crisis
And thanks for your service @Sgtblue !
The following 2 users liked this post by MilesBFree:
GoodfellaFD3S (02-10-23),
Sgtblue (02-07-23)
02-07-23, 08:52 AM
#9
Great info on this, thanks everyone! My mind is more at ease if Safelite should know all of this.
I will remove the cowl and wiper arms.
There is a lot of broken glass inside the car already - I vacuumed it out but there need to go over it a couple more times so I don't end up as Nicolas Cage said in Leaving Las Vegas "I am a prickly pear!". Prickly pear is great for margaritas but not so great for a fella's buttocks.
I will remove the cowl and wiper arms.
There is a lot of broken glass inside the car already - I vacuumed it out but there need to go over it a couple more times so I don't end up as Nicolas Cage said in Leaving Las Vegas "I am a prickly pear!". Prickly pear is great for margaritas but not so great for a fella's buttocks.
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DaleClark (02-07-23)
02-09-23, 08:16 AM
#10
A couple more links, for reference:
https://www.rotaryheads.com/PDF/3rd_...20BODY%20b.pdf
https://www.mazda-parts.com/oem-part...ing-fd01506axc
https://www.rotaryheads.com/PDF/3rd_...20BODY%20b.pdf
https://www.mazda-parts.com/oem-part...ing-fd01506axc
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