[T3] windshield installation

[Steve Glavas <ufs12941@email.sjsu.edu>]

It's very simple.  I've replaced a few for my vws and had others do it
for me.  Basically, since I am strapped for cash most of the time, I
head to the local junkyard.  Usually, the winshield is broken on
installation when I hire someone to do it.  Then they try to weasel out
of getting me another one.  Then we have a nice little argument ensue.
Don't do it, it's a real pain to hire someone if they break the glass,
which they most likely will do.

For your t3, ANY windshield from ANY t3 will fit.  100% gauranteed!  To
get it out, you need to push from the inside out on a CORNER of the
windshield.  DO NOT HAMMER, POUND, WHACK, GET FRUSTRATED.  Doing any of
the aforementioned acts breaks glass.  And if it's the only windshiled
you can find, go spend $200 on a new one (visibility will be greatly
improved with a new windshield).  Next, just work your way around
pulling the whole windshield out with rubber intact.  You will not need
to cut it, but it does require PATIENCE.

Now is a good time to replace the rubber seal if it is in bad shape.
Rocky mountain motorworks has some for about $30, but it's brazilian and
will crack in one or two years.  But it works.  WCM (West coat metric)
has stuff (German) for about $60 for earlies, and $120 for lates.  Both
fit your car, if it is late.  The early ones need an early seal.  If you
have a late model,and you opt for the cheaper vesion (early seal) you
will need to remove the headliner clips from the windshield mounting
area.  On my car, they were long and metal and came right off.  They
went the whole length of the opening.  If they are welded on, you will
need to drill the welds to get them off.  This really won't affect
anything on your car.  If you don't want to do this, only the late model
seal will fit.

Putting it in.  You nee a cord, preferably a cotton rope or very soft
nylon 1/4" cord that reaches all the way around the windshield, some
soapy water, and a friend who is also as patient as you better be.
Remember, glass breaks, that's why you are here.  Be patient.  Stretch
the rubber, put it on the new windshield, put the aluminum trim in the
rubber (if you opted for american rubber, not if you have cal look or
lovely hawaiian).  Put the cord in the groove that looks like will hold
the windshield in place in the window frame.  Lay the window over the
hole.  Find the end of the cord which should be dangling on the inside
of the car and pull it slowly as your friend pushes firmly and steadily
where you are pulling on the rope.  DO NOT HAMMER!!!!!!!  DO NOT
POUND!!!!  This will break your glass.  Do this the whole way around
until the soapy lip of your rubber seal has pulled over the metal
frame.  Your windshield is in, but not exactly in the right spot.

Now you just nudge it in the general direction, back and forth,
whatever, to get it to where it makes you happiest.  And if you break
the glass, go spend another $25 at the junkyard.  It's cheaper to try
quite a few times yourself than hiring a moron to do it once.  And it
will make you feel like the king of glass installation.

Good luck, Steve

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