EspritS4s

I know, no 928 content, but I'm looking for advice from the experts here. I have someone who wants the windshield form the 968 that I am parking. He is suggesting the piano/thin gauge wire saw approach. However, I'm willing to spend some money on a tool if it makes the process easier as I expect to want to remove windshields in the future. So, have any of you used professional windshield removal tools? If so, what should I be looking at? Thanks.

danglerb

I hate to say it, but harbor freight. They have the wire kit, a cutter with a pull handle like a lawnmower starter, and LARGE dual suction cup handles.

Keep in mind, glass guys routinely break old glass taking it out, gets brittle or something.

gearz

Maybe a hammer?
I have heard 928 windshields are very difficult to remove without breaking as they are glued in and have no rubber seal. Don't know about the 968, but if it has a similar installation the same likely applies.

tailpipe

I have done the piano wire removal but it all depends on if the window is put in with butyle or urythane. Butyle tape with wire on a warm day will be no problem with a few extra hands, urythane I let the profexionals take out it has to be actually cut out with a blade they have a special electric cutter they use its worth the few bucks they charge to take it out.

EspritS4s

So, I've seen the wire kits (ala Harbor Freight), more expensive air powered vibrating cutters ($100-$200), and the even more expensive professional level tools ($600+). I haven't found much in the way of first hand reviews on the powered options.

Herman K

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxT61liXCuM

Greggles

Save the $ on tools and pay a pro who does it for a living.

Consider the Risk vs. Reward. There are no re-do's on glass

EspritS4s

Yeah, this looks like the one to get for professionals. It starts at $750 for just the tool; blades are extra.

danglerb

I wonder if some blades don't exist that fit on one of the multifunction tools?

I think the guy that does windows at each Sharktoberfest though just uses the two basic tools, wire and blade with the puller, and a couple dual suction cup handles.

I've got the HF tools, and plan to take a shot at removing the window from my 84 parts car and putting it in my 85 Euro which has a crack.

Lizard928

I used a razor blade/box cutter/knife and went around cutting out and removing as much of the glue as was possible.

EspritS4s

Here's one that looks interesting:

http://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumati...=pd_sbs_auto_3

jcorenman

That would be Gabe, Windshield Expo in Anaheim. No wire: The hand tool is a right-angle blade for the top and sides, a the power-cutter for the bottom (Google "Equalizer Express"). He's a real pro and has done both of our cars at S'Fest.

I think getting a windshield out in one piece is a 50-50 proposition at best, and only possible if the paint is not an issue. In that case I think the best option would be to use the power-cutter all the way around. The right-angle manual cutter protects the paint but stresses the glass (note the cracks, below).

They do make cutting blades for the Fein multi-tool, but I doubt if it has the horsepower to cut through the urethane. The cutter that Gabe used is a monster, but very controllable.

But why would anyone go to the trouble of fitting a used windshield? They aren't that expensive...

Imo000

The L shaped blade tool should be available at HF for around $15. I have one and it works great removing glass that is already cracked. I never used it to remove a good one.

cali4sun

I agree with Greg pay a pro and pass on the costs to the person who what's the windshield.

'89 S4 GP White/Black
'76 912E Silver/Black

dr bob

Or sell them the good windshield while it's on the car, and let them manage the removal at their own risk.