DIY windscreen fitting?

[Nj]

Has anyone on the forum ever installed their own windscreen? Years ago when I was breaking coupes a couple of Polish lads came round with a wire cutter (like a cheese wire) and removed a windscreen from one of my cars so they could fit it into their car.

I know many members have had issues with "professional" windscreen fitters but most of us are fairly capable people. I can see that Alex (Error404) removed and refitted his exterior trims and seals so I was just thinking that maybe someone has done the whole thing??

[simon20vq]

I've not removed a windscreen from a audi but have done on my old vw's in the past, both bonded and ones with the trim inserts and its no problem.

[gmac78]

Needing a new windscreen myself so keen to learn just how much of a mission it is!!

[Nj]

given how much we do to our cars ourselves, rather than pay "professionals" it would definitely be good to know how much of a black art it really is. Surely with the right materials and a bit of patience most of us are capable?

[irishs2]

Its not rocket science but when I replaced a windscreen on my avant it only cost 20euro more to have it fitted at home. It took two guys to prep, layout and install the windscreen. I do not think you can do it solo unless you have a jig to help support the opposite side of the screen. Although it might be possible solo if the bonnet and engine were removed.

[Nj]

Although it might be possible solo if the bonnet and engine were removed.

Hopefully it won't come to that Eric. But I get what you mean. If you already had the engine out etc.
If I was going to attempt it I would definitely ask a friend to help. I'd feel like a right **** if I cracked anew screen by trying to install it on my own

I need to get a price locally but I fear Finland being Finland it will cost me and arm and a leg here.

[SteveH]

I have a screen to fit in my coupe after removing the old one which looked like it had been sandblasted after years of use. Word of warning, if your screen has been in for years the black mastic type glue/sealant will be hard. I bought an eBay kit to remove my screen and it was pretty useless - the blades where blunt after a few inches of glue removal and the cheese wire snapped easily. I have the dash out already, so I had good access too. The screen had to be broken into loads of bits to get it out. Then there's a good few hours of scraping the old glue off and treating any rust which is likely to be along the top of the screen mounting face. If I had the choice again I would have paid someone to do it for me! I've not put the new one in yet, but that looks far easier than the removal job. You can buy all the sealant, primer, etc from eBay as a kit. Same stuff the pro's use too. Good luck if you attempt the DIY route.

[LHD_Kid]

To put in context, I paid 200 quid to have a screen I supplied fitted. Top job was done, not sure if I would want to attempt to do it myself....

[terrybullwon]

Hardest part is removing it with out taking all the paint off the car.
Re installing is the easiest part as long as you follow manufactures instructions for the screen. I.e. Prime and seal.

[Nj]

thanks gents. By the sounds of things there are a lot of things that could end up being a PITA here. Maybe not quite the same as most jobs we would undertake then eh? I've reshelled a whole S2 but the screen worries me because I can't help thinking it would be easy... to make an **** of it

hmmm. I was thinking that when the time comes I might take it across the border to Russia for a full respray (significantly cheaper funnily enough). I might try to make enquiries to find out of there's a good windscreen fitter there where my wife's originally from, and then ask specifically about the coupe screen. Is the 80 saloon screen similar? There's more chance a fitter would have done a few of those.