DIY removal of bonded screens.

[Lankytim]

The Audi 100 I'm breaking up for spares had a new windscreen a few months ago, so id like to keep it as a spare. Is there an easy DIY way of taking it out? Ive tried with other cars before with long knives but always end up cracking them.

I'm also removing the rear screen as I'm considering lopping off the rear end for a project.

Failing that is there anyone in the Stoke area who wouldnt mind removing them for a bit of beer money? (or a cup of tea)

[nugget]

We used a guitar string but you'd need a small hole to get it through.

[DavidB]

Paino wire/guitar string. It's a two man job, don't do it on your own.
You might be able to press it out with your feet if the bonding stuff isn't of high stickiness, I did this with my Astra. I think they're designed to do that in emergency situations anyway.

[DavidB]

Actually, once you remove a section of bonding enough to lever it out some, you can push it out. New boding won't be bad to remove.

[An Fear Ó Dhoire]

We (me and nugget) started off with a tool you get which is essentially a blade at a 90 degree angle to a handle, usually with a second handle on a bit of wire too. You stick the blade into the rubber, and pull it from one end of the screen to the other with the handles. It's hard work... although I don't know the tool. Could be handy enough to make one the same though, I suppose.

[10mpg]

I worked as a windscreen fitter for a year when I was at uni...

the tool you talking about is called a kent tool in the trade but never heard it called that anywhere else, one of these...

www.edirectory.co.uk/pf/880/mia/d/sealey+bonded+windscreen+removal+tool/pid/1586650

damn handy, I've got a couple (though much better than that one) they are good to get it started but you'll still need a long knife 9 times out of ten to get it finished, wiring out a screen is really hard work, i'd not bother myself had to do it on some trucks never again unless I have no choice..

If you can push a bonded in screen out with your feet or anything else for that matter station it wasn't put in right, even if you had most of the bonding cut out it'll still smash to pices before the glue gives out , maybe the one you did was fitted without primers to let the glue adhere properly or done in the peeing rain either way a proper bodge job's been done at some stage..

using a long knife is easy if you do it right use some glass cleaner in a spray bottle to lubricate the blade (use lots or it'll stick) and keep firm pressure on the top of the screen (but don't heft it or you'll crack it) start at the top then get all the corners free, once the corners are done it's all easy...

also leave the car in the sun for a few hours befroehand warm glue is much softer and easier to cut through..

must have taken out 1000+ screens in my time some are harder than others mondeos for exaample have double bonded screens that take about 30-40 mins to remove even for a pro..

[An Fear Ó Dhoire]

Does anyone know roughly how much it costs to bond in a screen again? And should I supply the seal for a capri if I was going to get a local firm to do it?

[surprisingskoda]

i tried once. I even made the tool myself after watching the pro do it.

I failed spectacularly. I didn't even get it a quarter out before i had it cracked and gave up.

[10mpg]

Jun 15, 2009 0:33:39 GMT An Fear Ó Dhoire said:

Does anyone know roughly how much it costs to bond in a screen again? And should I supply the seal for a capri if I was going to get a local firm to do it?

Capri front screens are rubber fit not bonded some rear carpri screens are bonded, to have a fitter do either should cost you about £35...

suppling the seal/trim is entriely dependent on who can get it cheaper...

[An Fear Ó Dhoire]

Thanks, It's the rear one I'm talking about, should have said.

[berendd]

flex/saw through the roof and a-pillars and leave it in its frame untill you need it fitted, then let a pro remove the screen..

also in a metal frame it's easier to store.

[bortaf]

Local breakers yards have a bloke that comes out and swaps bonded screen for £60 a go, you leave the car at the yar, he comes out, removes both screen and puts in the good S/H one, they usually sell a creen for £50 so unless you have a transit (£101 fitted NEW) it's cheaper than buying a new screen

[reanimation]

We completely fecked mine up. Didn't know it was bonded till we got that far, and already in destruction mode by then! ;D Rubber stuff very hard, and glass broke very easily.

[Lex]

Jun 15, 2009 1:02:26 GMT surprisingskoda said:

I tried once. I even made the tool myself after watching the pro do it.

I failed spectacularly. I didn't even get it a quarter out before I had it cracked and gave up.

x2...


Toyota MR2 MK1s ftl!

[Lankytim]

Jun 15, 2009 9:47:36 GMT berendd said:

flex/saw through the roof and a-pillars and leave it in its frame untill you need it fitted, then let a pro remove the screen..

also in a metal frame it's easier to store.

I think thats whats gonna happen, less chance of breaking the thing in storage too. It looks easy to cut out once the dash is out.

[bodieanddoyle]

www.justoffbase.co.uk/Windscreen-Cutting-Wire-Braided-Sealey-WK0513
you're meant to use this for removing it, windscreen cutting wire. its saw toothed and you use two handles (or screwdrivers if your tight) to work it back and forth. its rather tricky to feed it through the glue to start the cut though, i ussualy cut a slither out of the bond with a flexible dash knife-


these things-

only work on toughened windows as they can bend slightly, the force the blade puts on the window vertically invariably breaks the screen. nothing but a world of pain IMO.