1988 Ranger Removing a Windshield

[Psychopete]

I just bought a 1987 Ranger, and noticed the other day that there is a small crack in the windshield. I have a 1988 Ranger with a good windshield and have a shop that will install it for me. I would like to remove the windshield from the 88 to have put on my 87, is it true that I could get away with using a small guitar string through the urethane to remove it, after the trim is pried off? Or would I be best to use a removal tool? First one I have attempted, so any suggestions or insight would be awesome.

 

[AgPete139]

I dunno man. I've tried to take off one windshield before (not a Ranger), and just before complete removal, it spidered. Perhaps you will be more fortunate...

Pete

 

[Psychopete]

Think I am going to give it a go and see in the next few days, probably will have someone help me pull it off the truck once I have it cut. Nothing to lose really, think it would cost as much as a used one to have it towed somewhere and taken out. I'll let you know how it works out lol, with my luck it, I will probably suffer the same fate.

 

[BlackBII]

As long as you can get the urethane 100% cut, it won't crack when you try to pull it out.

The removal tool usually works better, because most come with a knife edge, which works better than a thick piece of wire. If you try to use a thinner wire, it'll probably just break on you.

Good luck.

 

[Andres629]

You can use a guitar string wound around a couple pieces of broomhandle to use as handles. Saw back and forth with it to cut, providing you were able to get it through the adhesive. I'd cut around it a couple times just to make sure it's free, then get someone to help you lift it out! Don't try and pry it up AT ALL, if it's not coming out, you need to cut more. That's about the only advice I've got.

 

[3hokies]

The Ford shop manual actually recommends the piano wire. Also, go to an autobody suppliy store and you can get the trim removal tool for cheap