Anybody removed a windshield from a Miata? Just curious how tough it was to get it out and if any appendages were lost in the process?

My windshield cracked and I scheduled an appointment to have it replaced. The price started just north of $200 and right at the end they nickel-and-dime you up close to $300, which included a "windshield removal fee". I figured if I could pop mine out relatively easy it'll save a few bucks.

Saw a video on youtube and it seemed pretty straightforward (especially given that I'm not concerned with cracking it), but I'm sure a few of you guys have pulled them and wanted to get your opinions.

 

Just take sawsall to windshield header below the belt line. It helps to remove the front quarter panels but is not necessary if you are careful. Very simple!

Serious note: Only issue is cleaning up the old sealer/gasket goo crap.

 

you can buy all those tools... or use a hammer.

 

Hammer seems like a bad idea for some reason. I would just chop the whole thing off if I didn't feel like local LEOs wouldn't frown upon it.

 

Buy the tools and just take your time. That being said I used a very thin putty knife and just tapped it with a hammer all around the perimeter and cut through the adhesive.

NA01-50-601A is the part number for the windshield seal if you are going to be reinstalling it too.

 

I did it once. Never again. Took forever and I still ended up with glass everywhere. I can usually find a glass place that will drive out and remove it for under $50, and that's what I do whenever I need one taken out.

 

I think that talked me out of it. Thanks.

 

There's usually tons of people on craigslist that do windshields on the side. There are several people in my area that will remove and replace the windshield plus a new windshield molding for $125.

 

You don't have windshield glass coverage on your insurance? Mine costs next to nothing, and they send a mobile guy out to do it in an hour or so.

Does not cover side windows, at least on my policy. Only windshields.

 

I've had the windshield in my Miata replaced twice in the last 2 years for free by Safelite. My insurance did not go up either. I see you are also in FL, I think you just need comprehensive coverage on your insurance and its free.

 

Yeah, I know you can get them for free with comprehensive coverage. The car is an ugly, rusty, high mileage, beat to crap car I bought for $800. I never even considered comprehensive coverage before it broke and I'm not willing to commit felony insurance fraud to save a little money on a windshield.

 

There might be some pics in eds build thread (turbofan) but we got out out pretty easily with razor blades. I was able to get it pushed through, and then push it from the inside and out.

 

Pulled 2 now with razor blades. I'm going to try a braided cable on my 3rd but I'll fall back on razor blades if I need to. Patients. Don't force it.

 

I was really hoping this was the actual answer to this thread.

 

I used to cut windshields out at a local salvage yard. It's an art form. I used 2 small handles that "piano wire" secures to. I have a tool that inserts the wire through the seal.
The thing with working at a salvage yard is, I didn't have to be careful removing anything like plastic trim, or outer glass seals, cause all I was saving was the windshield itself. But, yeah, it's a shame you don't live near me cause I'd gladly do it. Probably take me like 15 minutes.

 

Very similar to how I do it, but I don't have some special pulley system, just the wire and patience. Pretty much, you cut out all of the sealant you can with a knife, then from inside of the car you thread the wire through the seal under the glass at the top and at the bottom. Then you attach a handle to either end of the wire and start pulling back and forth like a cable saw. It's pretty much that simple, you just need to develop a technique of how you train the cable, cause you can damage the glass or actually break the cable. When the cable breaks, nine times out of 10 it flies back and stabs you in the hand.
I actually miss doing it. In fact, if I ever hit the lottery I would quit my job that I have right now and I would go back to the junkyard just to cut windshields out part time.