Unfortunately, this is not really a %26quot;do it yourself%26quot; job. The windshield is mounted in urethane (a VERY strong rubber) which must be cut through completely to remove the old glass. Most glass shops have a heated right angled knife to do this. Once the glass is out, all the old urethane must be removed (usually with a putty knife). Then a bead of new urethane is run around the windshield opening (available at auto supply stores) and the glass (along with a new window molding) is set into place. About 6 hours later, it's ready to go. It doesn't sound difficult, but it's a pretty tricky job. I did one myself once, and it took almost 3 days just to get the old glass out! IMHO, leave it to the pros.
How do you change out a 1996 jeep cherokee's windshield?
call your glass shop
How do you change out a 1996 jeep cherokee's windshield?
Also, the windshields which are urethaned in, (vs held in by gasket, or setting caulk) are a structural part of the vehicle. This means if ever in an accident, that glass gives part of the strength to the roof, and also is a %26quot;backdrop%26quot; for the air bags. You also want it put in so it won't leak.
You can buy a used one for about 40 bucks, and a tube of urethane for about 15 bucks. It is easiest if you dont have the tools to remove the old glass to break the glass, then cut through the inner plastic. Then you can carefully with a razor knife cut out the rest from off the frame. Those little glass pieces will go everywher, and are awfully sharp! When you get all that cleaned, run a bead of urethane around the perimiter of the frame, and place the glass on the urethane. Us setting blocks under the bottom edge to keep glass from shifting. Then replace the trim along the outside edge. You may need extra dabs of urethane . Use masking tape to hold trim in place, let cure for about 4 hours or so and you're done. make sure you have some acetone, or laquer thinner to clean up the urethane.
Remove all moldings from the windshield. Remove old windshield using a 'cold knife' from the outside or an electric cutout tool from the inside. Trim old urethane bead down to approx. 2 mil.. Apply any primer needed to the pinchweld. Apply a bead of urethane to the pinchweld that is at least as high as the roof-line. Apply any needed primer to the new windshield. Set new glass, reinstall moldings, it's Miller time.
Note: Primers will depend on the urethane system used.
