Anyone Got Tips on Removing Windshield With Non-Conventional Tools?

SquirrelMadness · 5 Sep 2019 at 16:40

Ford Focus MK1 needs new windshield to get through MOT. Mad cracks all over at the moment.

I have some DIY tools but don't really wanna be buying specific windshield related tools and only using once.

Want to try remove it with as little mess as possible so sledge hammer is out of the question.

I have tools such as drills, multi-tool, reciprocating saw, Stanley knife etc...

I will be removing the adhesive off the body with a sharp chisel but need to get windshield off first.

Also someone mentioned the rubber edging around the windshield will need to be cut and 2nd hand windshield probably won't come with one... so am thinking of using black silicone or something around it after I install.

Probably not the best idea to go through insurance either as I've been driving it without MOT for some time :eek:

Thanks in advance.

Akagi · 5 Sep 2019 at 16:42

Yeah just pay someone to do it. Modern bonded windscreens can be removed with perseverence and general tools (blades, cheese wire, etc) but the professionals have specialist tools to do it quickly, safely, and easily.

The fact that you mentioned you have a reciprocating saw tells me all I need to know.

d_brennen · 5 Sep 2019 at 16:43

I reckon the humble house brick might be a useful tool in windscreen removal

Yaayuh! · 5 Sep 2019 at 16:45

If @Acme says get a professional to do it, you should probably get a professional to do it.

Akagi · 5 Sep 2019 at 16:47

Rossi~ said:
If @Acme says get a professional to do it, you should probably get a professional to do it.

I know what you meant... But I feel all important now.

Frozennova · 5 Sep 2019 at 16:51

Rossi~ said:
If @Acme says get a professional to do it, you should probably get a professional to do it.

This.
I have all of the tools, and spent 5 years fitting windscreens and I'd still pay a professional

If you aren't willing to spend a small amount on tools you aren't going to use the correct adhesive or do any of the prep work properly either.

SquirrelMadness · 5 Sep 2019 at 16:51

Don't wanna waste money to get a professional to do it

Car is a Cat C worth almost nothing now. I refuse to invest anything into it.

I wanna sort the MOT and give the car to my friend to use when I get a new one on finance.

SquirrelMadness · 5 Sep 2019 at 16:53

Frozennova said:
If you aren't willing to spend a small amount on tools you aren't going to use the correct adhesive or do any of the prep work properly either.

Have done it before with a smashed side window.

Chisel to remove old adhesive... body primer, glass primer, master bond adhesive, fit in place.

something daft already!! · 5 Sep 2019 at 16:59

Akagi · 5 Sep 2019 at 17:02

Attach big chain to house.
Attach big metal bar across inside of windscreen.
Drill hole in middle of windscreen
Attach chain to bar
Reverse at full speed
???
Profit

On Holiday · 5 Sep 2019 at 17:20

Lopéz · 5 Sep 2019 at 17:51

Just take the screen out, don't replace it. Won't fail the MOT that way.

theone8181 · 5 Sep 2019 at 19:39

Lopéz said:
Just take the screen out, don't replace it. Won't fail the MOT that way.

Bonus points if you keep the wipers still working. Will pass mot with flying colours, 'I've never seen a windscreen so clear, it's like it's not even there'

).

Dogbreath · 6 Sep 2019 at 09:13

SquirrelMadness said:
Have done it before with a smashed side window.

Chisel to remove old adhesive... body primer, glass primer, master bond adhesive, fit in place.

I get the impression the OP will be using the cheapest bathroom silicone sealer he can find.

paradigm · 6 Sep 2019 at 12:17

Dogbreath said:
I get the impression the OP will be using the cheapest bathroom silicone sealer he can find.

This is the same guy who asked if it was ok to drive a car with no coolant, so long as he kept an eye on the coolant temperature needle...

Has just told us he’s been happily driving around without a valid MOT for months.

Tells you all you need to know. This car isn’t even maintained on a shoestring, it’s barely maintained on a sinlge thread of cotton, but it’s ok as he’ll be financing his next car... what could possibly go wrong!

Howard · 6 Sep 2019 at 12:33

Lopéz said:
Just take the screen out, don't replace it. Won't fail the MOT that way.

https://forums.motester.co.uk/forum3/1419.html

Lol you're not wrong

Doobedoo · 6 Sep 2019 at 13:28

You just need a “friendly” mot tester had a crack in mine for several years and it always passed

peterwalkley · 6 Sep 2019 at 13:43

SquirrelMadness said:
.....

Probably not the best idea to go through insurance either as I've been driving it without MOT for some time

Thanks in advance.

I guess there's no ANPR cameras near you then !

Have you checked the wording of your insurance policy as they usually mandate a valid MOT for cover. Driving without MOT and Insurance gets expensive when you are caught.

DXP55 · 9 Sep 2019 at 15:50

Give us your registration number and we will get someone out to fix it - it won't cost you anything for the car to be done.

OpenToSuggestions · 9 Sep 2019 at 19:21

It is a windscreen, not a windshield.