How does the windshield come out of a 107?

[speedy72t]

My project car sustained a ton of damage from a windshield that came unglued along the bottom edge. So far the local glass guys are being jerks about working on the car. I've got all the trim stripped. All they have to do is pop and reglue it. So far the only person I've found that will actually do it needs the car in his shop and will only do it if he can also sell us new glass to put in. so is it possible to DIY this? or should I keep looking for a reasonable pro.

[RickM]

Is the windshield glued in or secured by use of a rubber gasket? Most windshield jobs are possible to DIY. Here's a great place to research and ask questions: http://www.glasslinks.com/tips_install.htm

[speedy72t]

It's glued in. I've done dozens of the gasket windshields on other MBs but never glued glass.

[leejxxxxx]

Originally Posted by speedy72t

It's glued in. I've done dozens of the gasket windshields on other MBs but never glued glass.

I've done both types and for removing the glued in type, I've always used a guitar string. To replace the windshield, you have to clean up both mating edges completely. A glass shop will sell you the adhesive strip. It's a ribbon that comes wound up on a spool like thing. There's also a prep step where you apply a layer of this stuff whose name I forget to the edge of the windshield. It acts like a primer. The adhesive goes on the window frame.
Ask about it at the glass shop when you pick up the adhesive.

Be carefull, when you set down the windshield that's pretty much it. Then check for leaks, etc.

Befor you put the windshield back in, ensure there's no rust around the opening and if there is rust make sure you remove all signs of it and paint it with POR15 or something like it.

I'm not an expert on this, just a shade tree type so you might want to wait on having some expert opinions before you go forward.

[speedy72t]

I found a shop that will do the job for $125. I'm ok with that as it is a safety item. You certainly don't want the windshield to come loose at the wrong time.
The big problem now is that I really think the glass should be replaced as it's slightly hazed and pitted. My partner in Mercedes crime is violently opposed to it. Thinks it's just a total waste of money. New glass installed is $290.

[Richard1]

is the frame around the windshield and pillars an integral roll bar of sorts? I thought I read that somewhere.

[David Langsam]

The windshield in the R107 provides rigidity and is important to the structural design. I'm sure that's why it is glued in. Even though it's a convertible, it drives like a tank becuase of things like this. Everything mercedes did on this car was done for a reason.

[speedy72t]

windshields on all cars are part of the structural design. I'm going to have a pro put it in. Taking it out myelf to clean the channel and check for rust is what I'm aiming for. The question is can I accidentally brake the glass

[GermanMarque]

"The question is can I accidentally brake the glass"
The front and rear screens on 107's are laminated glass, not armourplate. Yes it is quite possible to break it. If there is any flaw in the glass, eg minor delamination, air bubbles or excess pressure on the glass removing, good chance it will let go. Not a cheap factory item to replace. My 2 cents.

I am ashamed to admit this, but I have broken three, yes three, windshields already. The first one came when I tried to remove the original glass because the seal was broken. I didn't know how sensitive they were and put too much pressure on it while lifting out. The second was when I was using a wire to remove the glass from my parts car. Got the wire caught and kept on pulling. Crack. Then, I had a pro install a new PPG pane in my car. When I was re-installing the silver header trim piece, I put just the slightest pressure on the edge of the glass (because it really is pretty tight clearance) with my phillips screwdriver and got a 2-inch crack. I decided to leave that one in there and live with it for a while.

Yes, you can break it.

Rich Mayer
82 500 SL

[speedy72t]

wow. how many years of bad luck is that?

I hope that's only with mirrors, or I'm in trouble.

Rich Mayer
82 500 SL

[Earlybird]

The Manual states that there are 2 wires imbeded in the seal. They protrude out of the bead t the bottom. You are supposed to hook them up to a battery and the resultant resistive heat will soften the bead.

[Strife]

Originally Posted by diqmayer

When I was re-installing the silver header trim piece, I put just the slightest pressure on the edge of the glass (because it really is pretty tight clearance) with my phillips screwdriver and got a 2-inch crack. I decided to leave that one in there and live with it for a while.

I did exactly the same thing when replacing the header trim piece, and got exactly (from your description) the same kind of crack. I'm going to have a pro do it in the spring, got all the aluminum trim around the windshield new and waiting. I'm a little nervous about the capabilities of the shops around here but the guys I'm working with say they've been doing MB windshields for >30 years. The older technology seals are definitely more difficult; have you ever read the 107 shop manual? Jeez-the seal was butyl or something that had a wire in it that you hooked to a car battery to soften!!

[Strife]

Originally Posted by speedy72t

windshields on all cars are part of the structural design. I'm going to have a pro put it in. Taking it out myelf to clean the channel and check for rust is what I'm aiming for. The question is can I accidentally brake the glass

I did this in a Camaro many years ago and was picking pieces of glass out of it three years later when I sold it. I had cut myself several times, including times when I was bleeding and didn't notice! And this was after hours and hours of vacuuming.