How to Change a Rear Windshield

Changing a rear window, or as Auto Body Mart refers to as a vehicle's back light, requires several tools and materials. The steps involve removing the weatherstripping -- or its watertight adhesive liner that surrounds and seals the window in place. For a successful removal, have an assistant to help remove and install the glass with ease. Wear safety gear before working with glass and other hazardous material.

Instructions

1

Wear safety gear. Place utility gloves and goggles on before proceeding to remove and install glass.

2

From the outside, puncture any side of the weather-stripping rubber with a windshield knife. Feed the garage cable inside the slice you've made. With one person inside the vehicle and the other outside, begin to saw with the cable all around the adhesive rubber for removal.

3

If there is any weather stripping left from inside the vehicle, remove all traces of it with a windshield knife.

4

Press on and the loosen rear window from inside the car by adding pressure, it will be much easier to remove the glass from its threshold. Have an assistant stand outside of the car back light to catch the glass.

5

Remove any sticky substance from around the threshold with mild soap or a commercial cleaner. Wipe dry.

6

Apply primerless adhesive around the perimeter, and allow it to dry for 15 minutes before caulking urethane adhesive on top of the primerless adhesive.

7

Choose a rear window that matches the size and grade of the old window. Bead urethane adhesive along the perimeter of the rear glass itself. Have your assistant help you lift the rear glass inside the perimeter so that it fits onto the adhesive. Place pressure on the rear window for a few minutes so that the adhesive can set in place.

8

Let the rear window dry for 24 hours.