Cutting a Windshield

[5150]

I took 5 inches out of the top of my blazer and I'm needing to have my windshield cut down a little more then 3 inches. I've already lined it up and have it marked where I need it cut.

Problem: Can't find anybody that can do it. Where are these guys that chop our trucks getting there windshield's done at? I'm just outside Nashville and have tried 20 places today. Kind of frustrating, because I kind of believed it to be a simple job.

[eightbanger]

If our windshields are of the toughened type, where they shatter into tiny peices when hit, then they can't be cut down as far as I know.

[sneakysnake]

Check with the local hodrod shops, See who they use for their custom glass.

[67chevemall]

They sure can...took me 3 but I got er.

First you need a sandblast shop
You need the GOOD sandblast tape
And A LOT of sand.
Turns out great.. Takes a few hours.

The shop quoted me $100 so thats what he charged me.
But he said if he did it again it would be $300

Good luck

O ya a measure 10 times before you tape it on the line.

[5150]

I've called about 20 of them today and no luck. Nobody wants to take a chance I guess because it's curved.

[jbristo67]

Originally Posted by 5150

I've called about 20 of them today and no luck. Nobody wants to take a chance I guess because it's curved.

Call Hills Hotrods In Lubbock TX ask for Jason. If it can be done he can steer you in the right direction. website is http://www.hillshotrods.com

[kulturekat]

most of the guys ive seen do it do it themselves and they score the line where they want it cut then pour liquid in the crevise and then heat it and then watch it bend and then breaks right at that line.

[BP68]

There was a article in Custom Classic Trucks or Classic Trucks where one of the guys did this himself with a grinder I think.

You may try searching for it.

[Longhorn Man]

thats how I've seen it done, they used gas and burned it after scoring it

[Green Machine]

Good tips, hope you get it figured out.

[cdowns]

you could try posting on jalopey journal to see if theres somebody in your area that does it
most guys i know doit themselves

[Shane]

I 2nd the jalopy journal /HAMB site ... do a proper introduction before bursting in asking a bunch of questions.

Lots of information over there but be prepared to put up with a bit of "lip" from most of the members.

[68shortstep]

Buy a new & a "best-you-can-get" top quality glass cutter.

Score it (both sides - in & out), tap it, flex it ever-so-slightly to run the crack along the score line (front & back) just a bit, & use lighter fluid to burn along the crack to soften & separate the rubbery safety layer between the two glasses. Sand the cut edge of the good piece with real-fine grit emory cloth sandpaper in a sanding block to de-burr it after cutting the scrap piece off (to try to stop breakage later while installing the good piece).

Having a spare windshield or two available might not be a bad idea, too.

I've seen the pro's break them when they have to be trimmed down, & they supposedly know exactly what they're doing.

[slategrove]

I am a glass blower for a living, and do a fair share of cutting plate glass too...if your windshield is tempered (breaks into a million pieces when broken) as soon as you break shear strength of the window (scoring and snapping), it'll send it into a million pieces. I had never heard of sandblasting it before, although that would make perfect sense to me.

Scoring it and snapping it will leave you with a broken windshield

If you don't have a sandlblaster and want to try it, I recommend finding a college/art school with a great sculpture department...find a kid who's willing to do it for a case of cheap beer...just make sure he/she is 21

[Palf70Step]

PM crazy longhorn. He cut the windshield on his truck himself.

[LockDoc]

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The windshields in our trucks are not Tempered so they will not shatter. Follow 68shortstep's instructions but when you get it cut take it to a glass shop and have them polish the edge. They shouldn't have a problem with doing that.

LockDoc

[5150]

I found a guy at a glass shop about 20 minutes away. He said he would give it a try. Said he's done it in the past, but can't guarantee the windshield. I asked him how he would perform the process and he stated pretty much the same that 68shortstep's instructions were.

I guess we'll see

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by 5150

I found a guy at a glass shop about 20 minutes away. He said he would give it a try. Said he's done it in the past, but can't guarantee the windshield. I asked him how he would perform the process and he stated pretty much the same that 68shortstep's instructions were.

I guess we'll see

I don't think anyone would do it and accept the responsibility for breakage. I know I wouldn't. I have seen it take three tries before a successful cut. If he gets it done on the first try you better give him a good tip...

LockDoc

[see ten]

I wondered how you were going to get glass in it.

The HAMB is an excellent source if you can weed through all the jerks... There's been a couple here through the years, but they come by the bucketload over there.

I did a search for ya and this is the best info I found.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...=cutting+glass

[PanelDeland]

I've seen it done as stated above.It was on flat glass though.The shop that did it was doing it to go into a cab on a piece of heavy equipment.You may try a shop that does that if the one you have doesn't work out.

[bigsnookmaster]

Here's how you do it! First ,you tape above and below the line on both sides,maybe an 1/8" gap. Second,you stand the windshield vertically and support it in this position. Third,you carefully sandblast through untill you hit the lamination,on one side only! Fourth,you run a bead of clear silicone in the gap and let it set until tomorrow!Fifth, you carefully blast through the other side and cut the lamination and silicone.Last you sand the edges smooth. Wet sanding keeps the glass cool and helps to prevent cracks, and be very careful on the corners. Windshields can be cut with a glass cutter, but they tend to run where they want to on the corners.The heat needed to curve these windows gives the glass a semi-tempered state.It wont shatter like a side window,but they do have some kind of temper to them. Flat glass cuts easily and the liquid they set fire to is denatured alcohol,it works well on flat glass.I won't say you can't cut one with a cutter,but this a safer way to do it.Oh, if you have never cut glass, DON"T LEARN ON YOUR WINDSHIELD! Good Luck,My .02

[jkade]

Originally Posted by bigsnookmaster

Here's how you do it! First ,you tape above and below the line on both sides,maybe an 1/8" gap. Second,you stand the windshield vertically and support it in this position. Third,you carefully sandblast through untill you hit the lamination,on one side only! Fourth,you run a bead of clear silicone in the gap and let it set until tomorrow!Fifth, you carefully blast through the other side and cut the lamination and silicone.Last you sand the edges smooth. Wet sanding keeps the glass cool and helps to prevent cracks, and be very careful on the corners. Windshields can be cut with a glass cutter, but they tend to run where they want to on the corners.The heat needed to curve these windows gives the glass a semi-tempered state.It wont shatter like a side window,but they do have some kind of temper to them. Flat glass cuts easily and the liquid they set fire to is denatured alcohol,it works well on flat glass.I won't say you can't cut one with a cutter,but this a safer way to do it.Oh, if you have never cut glass, DON"T LEARN ON YOUR WINDSHIELD! Good Luck,My .02

What is the best tape to use?

[5150]

Had it cut down today guys. Guy got it on the first try(thank you Jesus!!). Took about 20 minutes and it cost me about $20. Can't beat that. Coincidentally, he was right across the street from the window tinting place. I brought it across the street and it's there now getting tinted and having the vinyl put on it. Not going to use the rubber. Just going to set it in there with some polyurethane.

[LockDoc]

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Sounds good!! Glad you got it done on the first try. Did you give him a tip? I would have given him 50 bucks if he got it on the first try...

LockDoc

[rambler]

Originally Posted by 5150

Had it cut down today guys. Guy got it on the first try(thank you Jesus!!). Took about 20 minutes and it cost me about $20. Can't beat that. Coincidentally, he was right across the street from the window tinting place. I brought it across the street and it's there now getting tinted and having the vinyl put on it. Not going to use the rubber. Just going to set it in there with some polyurethane.

great job! I think I would have tipped him as well! I've cut glass and installed windshields before, but never cut one down..and would not want to even try it. (broken one installing, so be real careful if you do use the rubber seal) got to show some picks of the finished product!