1996 855 Rear quarter window replacement

Jazzop · Post by **Jazzop** » 07 Sep 2014, 23:55

Can't seem to find any existing threads covering this issue...

Some a-hole shot out my rear quarter window with a BB gun. Just to be clear, this is the fixed window between the C & D pillars of the wagon. Fortunately it isn't the one with the integrated radio antenna.

I plan to replace this myself as there is an ample supply of these windows at the local junkyard and I have way too many insurance claims in the past 2 years. Besides, my deductible is too high to bother with such a claim anyway.

How is this window mounted? Is it sandwiched within a seal or other physical assembly, or is it caulked in place? Any tips on extracting the donor glass without breaking it and installing it in my car? Anything else I should be aware of?

Cheers.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 08 Sep 2014, 07:32

I'm not going to say that you can't DIY it but it isn't easy. It goes in like a windshield with special glass adhesives. You might want to Google DIY windshield replacement for some guidance but you will need to wade through a mountain of ads to find anything.

Getting the window out without breaking it at a pick-n-pull is also a challenge.

...Lee

Post by **JimBee** » 08 Sep 2014, 20:13

You have to use a tool like this to get a glass out whole (one on the left):
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsea ... moval+tool
The angular cutter on the glass removal tool will get the glass out, but will ruin the rubber gasket.

Removing a used glass at the junk yard obviously doesn't need to be done carefully, except that if you damage the rubber gasket you won't be able to reuse it. Then you'll be stuck with a useable glass, but no useable rubber gasket.

If you find a second wagon that just happens to have a broken rear/side window, but the area is otherwise not too badly damaged, there's your rubber gasket (maybe).

You can pick out the broken glass (bring gloves), then possibly pull the gasket without slicing it up.

Seems tricky, but if you have the time and proper tools, go for it!

Jazzop · Post by **Jazzop** » 10 Sep 2014, 20:41

I was afraid this would be the case. It's the worst possible time for something like this to happen. I have to move in a couple of weeks (to a yet-undetermined new residence, no less). I'll try to source the glass from the junkyard now, and then fix it after I move. I can't risk having a gaping hole in my car when there are daily thunderstorms here in FL. I'll just layer some more packing tape over the glass to hold it together for a couple more weeks.

Any chance I could reuse my old seal? Are new seals available anywhere at a reasonable price?

Post by **JDS60R** » 10 Sep 2014, 21:03

Bring cash to the local glass place ( safelite or even better a good local) . Ask for a cash price. you can call your agent and ask about glass coverage as it is included on some policies.

You may wish to consider updating your profile with our city and state.
Its a good idea to have it there as the cars have different failures depending on where they are. Southern cooks plastics and rubbers. North can have stress cracks etc. This helps other members give you advice on what to expect and who to use in your area.

Jazzop · Post by **Jazzop** » 11 Sep 2014, 00:29

I have a $500 deductible, plus a lot of claims in the past 2 years, so filing an insurance claim is not an option. No-deductible glass repair only applies to the windshield in my state. I looked up a Safelite quote online and it was $250. I'll do it myself for anything under $100 out-of-pocket.