Replacing a rear windshield takes patience and the right equipment. It will also take research to determine how the moldings on the glass are held in place. If they are rubber moldings, which most newer vehicles have, they will have to be cut out when the glass is removed. New moldings will have to be purchased from an auto glass company. Some vehicles use chrome trim, and special trim removal tools will need to be used to prevent molding damage.
Remove the back glass moldings. Using a windshield removal draw knife, cut through the urethane rubber that is holding the glass to the frame. The most common knife is set at a 90-degree angle and has a short, flexible cable attached that is pulled by a handle. A good amount of force is needed to pull the knife through the tough urethane. A long straight-razor knife is also used to quickly work through straight cuts.
Clean the old urethane out of the glass frame. Windshield urethane is tough. It will take a sharp blade and patience to remove.
Pump in new urethane with a caulk gun. Windshield urethane comes in metal sleeves and is available at auto parts stores. Clean the new glass and apply a bonding agent to help the glass adhere to the urethane.
Install the back glass. Install the rubber molding at this time if it is called for. Have an assistant help position the glass, lower the bottom into place on the glass stops, and gently tilt the top into place. Press down on the glass to seat it into the urethane. Install the chrome moldings if the vehicle is so equipped.
