can i reseal my windshields myself?

[IVIuzzy]

im getting some steep quotes from glass shops on re sealing my windshield and rear window in my w115 1973 220d. has anyone done this themself? i would like to maybe try this myself. to save some money. i see the gaskets are around 150-195 for both depending on where u get them. some shops want 300 for labor EACH!!!

[Carpenterman]

I'm going to do this job in the spring, so I've purchased the gaskets and have been researching the job. Check this out. It appears to be the most useful DIY I've found.

http://www.mbzponton.org/valueadded/maintenance/glass.htm

I you search the forum there are probably more tips to be found.

[thorsen]

I paid to have the windshields installed on my W114 and did them myself on the W116. It is a do-able job if you take your time and understand what needs to happen, but it is not a one-man job and requires a lot of patience.

What is your time worth? If it were me, I would try to do it myself. If you break the glass then call the professionals.

[meltedpanda]

it is not easy but can be done, I cracked two trying to get them out. Study the process, have the tools and give it a whirl. Just understand it is tricky. Guys that do these for a living actually cuss when a Mercedes comes in , just something about them..

[JeffreyNMemphis]

I paid $125 each here in Houston. It is tricky to get the windshield out and re-installed with a new gasket. I was happy to pay someone to do the job, especially after watching it being done.

[Benz Dr.]

Get a razor knife and cut the old seal apart so the glass comes out without all the pressure of the seal around it. I've never had a wind shield break while taking it out. Can't say the same about installing one......

[meltedpanda]

that cause you are the Benz Dr. LOL
heat is your friend , warm the seal, use a window rope to saw out as well as a razor blade. Extreem care needs to be taken with the chrome molding, that in itself is another challenge.
I'm with Jeff on this one.

Hey Jeff - hope you are well and have a good holiday

[Benz Dr.]

Oh, I don't insTall them; that's for a pro. I only remove them......

[supercub]

I just sealed my windshield and rear window today. The windshield seal was dried up and had scraper damage. It was leaking at high speeds at the top of the windshield. The rear window was leaking water into the trunk. Both leaks were on the inner side of the seals. I taped off the seals from the glass to the trim and put a bead of black RTV all around and then dressed it with my finger tip. After it set up a little, I removed the tape.
I have done this before on old cars and it works good. $5.00 and one hour's work.

[meltedpanda]

worth a try , but make sure you have a clean surface to attach, I used alcohol to clean the surfaces , not on a MB but an old 68 Buick.

[IVIuzzy]

i would like to try to stay away from rtv. there is very little rust on the car which i am repairing and trying to make the car look nice again. what im thinking is that i can maybe save some labor, at least, by taking out the old windshield, and if i cant get it in, ill call a glass company, maybe itll be a little cheaper?

the local company, gulf coast auto glass, here in bradenton fl. wanted 285 for windshield re seal, 350 for a new one installed. back was a lil more because of defrosters? something like 350 and 485? i think

[meltedpanda]

that is high, but then again whatever the market will bear. I will tell you this, there are national groups that "come to you" , it may be worth calling around, even a 50 mile radius. Also when I did my back window, because of delamination my insurance company covered it, to my surprise, as it was deemed to be a safety hazard because of the cloudiness . I dont think leaking counts, but if either glass has safety issues you may want to check

[Benz Dr.]

If it's only going to be 65 bucks more for a new window I think I'd do that rather than have the old one resealed. I assume you have to provide the seal so you might as well go for a new wind shield. 350 bucks for a new window plus installation isn't that bad, BTW.

[rs899]

You can do it, if you are CAREFUL ,meticulous and it doesn't hurt to be cheap. There are plenty of threads on here on how to do it. Pick a warm day, use lots of lube. I think I have done about 8 or 10 lifetime, without breaking anything.

[danvw1]

Make sure to get the absolute best seal possible. I've struggled on other cars with cheaper windshield seals. After finally giving up and ordering an expensive one it went in like butter. Also, as mentioned do it on a warm day. I like to leave the seal out in the sun for an hour beforehand, you want that rubber nice and soft.