Replacing the glass on a '98 Dodge caravan at a car repair shop can be quite expensive. Prices can range from $250 to over $350. This does not even include the cost of window tinting or any other service. If you have the knowledge and time, it is much cheaper to remove the glass yourself. Removing the glass usually takes one to two hours and is quite simple once you get the hang of it.
Remove the windshield wiper from the back window on your '98 Dodge Caravan. Unclip the wiper blade and set aside. Find a socket that fits on the bolt that holds the bottom of the wiper arm to the window. Unscrew the wiper's nut and pull it out. Set aside. Rock the wiper arm back and forth until it loosens from the window. Pull the wiper off and set it aside as well.
Get inside the van and locate the plastic molding and plastic clips that hold the window in place. These will be located along the top, bottom and sides of the back window. Keep the clips remain intact, as they will be needed to hold in the replacement window. Remove the window molding hiding the edges of the glass.
Remove the window clips gently. It may be necessary to use a razor to cut away the sealant holding the clips to the glass. Go very slowly, as it is very easy to shatter the glass during this step.
Get outside the car and approach the window from the back. Use a razor blade and push it in between the glass and the pinchweld. The pinchweld is the groove that the glass rests in. Cut the urethane sealant slowly using a sawing motion. Cut all the way around the edges of the glass. This can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a little over an hour. Don't to rush this step as the glass can shatter easily from too much pressure from the sawing motion. However, it is impossible to cut the urethane without sawing as it is an extremely tough material. It may be necessary to go back inside the car and cut some of the urethane from the inside as well, using an extended razor handle.
Tap gently on the glass to remove it from the casing. Since the '98 Dodge caravan is so large, you will need the help of a friend to guide the glass safely. Lay out several blankets and pillows in case you lose hold of the glass. Put the glass in a safe location.
Clean the pinchweld to prepare it for the new glass. You can vacuum it out or dust it out with old rags. You may need to use a damp cloth to clean out the dirtier areas. The area is now ready for the new glass.
