How to Remove Scratches on a Memphis Shades Windshield

Memphis Shades is a brand of customized windshield specifically geared toward motorcycles. Memphis Shades windshields are made from Lucite, which has proven to be weather resistant and have excellent clarity; but the downfall is they scratch like any other type of glass or resin windshield does. You can repair a scratch in a Memphis Shades or Lucite windshield with the help of a scratch removal product and just a few household items.

Instructions

1

Clean the Lucite windshield with a solution of mild detergent and warm water, using a soft sponge. Dry the windshield with a soft cloth and allow it to air dry.

2

Shake the bottle of Novus Fine Scratch Remover 2 very well before opening and applying.

3

Soak a dry cloth with the Novus Fine Scratch Remover 2, then wipe it back and forth over the area that is scratched. Wait a few moments for it to dry.

4

Re-soak the cloth, and polish the Novus Fine Scratch Remover 2 into the scratch by rubbing it in a circular motion over the surface. Allow about a half an hour of drying time.

5

Buff the repair with a dry, soft cloth by rubbing it over the repair in a fast back-and-forth motion.

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How to Replace the Windshield Trim on a Mazda Miata

The Miata is a small, lightweight roadster produced by Mazda. It is a rear-drive car popular in autocrossing and road racing due to its near 50/50 weight distribution characteristics. The standard Miata comes with a five-speed manual transmission, though, for an additional cost, you can purchase an automatic transmission. Like most roadsters, the Miata has a convertible top. Over time, especially if the exterior trim is not taken care of, the exterior trim molding around the windshield can---and will---fade and crack. This can be an eyesore, but it can also compromise the seal around the end of the windshield allowing water, dirt and debris to get behind the molding. To prevent this from happening, replace the windshield trim if it is damaged.

Instructions

1

Clean the windshield with Windex before starting. You do not want dirt or debris to get lodged into the pinchweld area or underneath the new molding.

2

Fold the windshield wiper arm up away from the windshield until it locks into a vertical position.

3

Remove the nuts holding the wiper arms in place and pull the wiper arms off.

4

Slide the tip of the trim removal tool between the trim and the windshield. Work the tool all around the outer edge of the windshield until the trim comes off.

5

Install the new trim. The new trim is installed in the opposite way the old trim was removed. Orient the trim so that it fits tightly between the frame and the windshield. You may need to use the removal tool to align and adjust the trim as you move along the perimeter of the glass. Force the trim into place with your hand.

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How to Repair a Clamshell Chip in Windshield

A clamshell chip in a car windshield looks just as it sounds. A small shell like indentation in a windshield causes both limited vision and a distracting obstruction. Below are instructions on how to repair a clamshell chip using professional glazing equipment.

Instructions

1

Use a small drill tool such as the kind used in hobby work to shade in the interior of the clamshell chip. This is a soft circular motion to even out the indentation. The surface of the glass will feel rough to the touch when you are finished.

2

Apply a sufficient amount of resin into the indentation to an even level. Use a dabbing motion to avoid spilling out too much. This glass resin is available at department stores or online.

3

Apply a sufficient amount of pit resin over the top of the resin in Step 2.

4

Place the resin patch that comes with the resin over the top of the clamshell chip. Push it down gently to balance out all the resin and mixing the two types of resin together in the process.

5

Allow resin to cure (in accordance with the instructions on the back of the packet) before scraping off with a small clean razor blade. Be sure to push along and not into the glass as you remove the resin from the surface.

6

Wipe across the surface of the now smooth and level glass surface with a little window cleaner and a soft cloth. This should remove any remaining resin residue.

7

Polish the glass either by hand or with a polishing tool to finish off the repair.

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How to Install an Older Model Auto Windshield

Classic car restoration is popular with both professionals and amateurs. Hard to find parts, such as windshields, are readily available for a price. Home mechanics might wonder if windshield replacement on older model cars is a feasible job for amateurs. This job requires a good deal of patience and persistence, but it is not impossible as long as you have the right parts and tools.

Instructions

1

Place the new windshield on wooden blocks or sawhorses, with the inside surface facing up. Optionally, squeeze a bead of flow grade butyl sealant around the inside edge of the new windshield gasket with a caulking gun. Install the rubber gasket around the windshield.

2

Insert a piece of 3/8-inch nylon rope into the outside edge of the windshield gasket, beginning and ending at the bottom center of the windshield. Leave about 1 foot of rope dangling out of the gasket and cut any excess rope to length. Tape the tails of the rope to the middle of the inside of the windshield.

3

Set the windshield into position on the outside of the car with the help of an assistant. Have your assistant gently push on the outside bottom edge of the windshield.

4

Pull on one of the rope ends from the inside of the car, working toward a bottom corner, while your assistant gently pushes from the outside. The rope will cause the rubber gasket to wrap around the metal frame to the inside of the car. Pull on both rope ends, first the bottom edge, then the side edges and then the top edge of the windshield gasket. Pull the rope completely out to finish the job.

5

Inspect the rubber gasket fully, inside and out. Straighten out any kinks with a small screwdriver or a cotter pin tool.

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Windshield Removal Installation Tools

Windshield removal and installation require a number of tools. The tools are not necessarily difficult to use, but experience, patience and caution are needed for anyone attempting to work with windshields. Installing or removing a windshield is a difficult, time-consuming task, and should only be done by an experienced person. Before making use of any of these tools, make sure you are wearing proper eye protection.

Trim Removal Tool

The trim removal tool is used at the very start of removing a windshield. This helps you to remove the stainless-steel clips holding the glass of the windshield in place. The trim removal tool will also help you to remove the windshield wipers.

Cutting or Utility Knife

A utility or cutting knife cuts the windshields seal. The knife is carefully used in order not to scratch or break the glass. When cutting the seal after removing the trim, the knife should be pointed upward and the action of cutting done slowly to prevent damage to the glass.

Cotter Pin Tool

The cotter pin tool is a pointed screwdriver with a hook at the end of it. This instrument aids the pull rope, which is used for grabbing seal when installing the windshield. This metal tool can easily damage the glass and must be used cautiously.

Other Tools

Other tools you may need for removing a windshield include a cold knife, a putty knife and a windshield wire kit. For installing a windshield, you may need nylon rope, butyl ribbon sealer and urethane adhesive.

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How to Remove Town Car Windshield Molding

The windshield molding on a Lincoln Town Car covers the outside edges of the cars windshield. It is made of rubber and helps to seal out debris and water. If this trim molding cracks or dries out, it will need to be replaced. However, if youve never removed the molding before, it can be challenging. Expect to spend between 30 minutes and an hour if youve never done this type of job before.

Instructions

1

Wedge the teeth of the trim removal tool (see Resources) underneath the molding that surrounds the windshield. Start on the upper drivers side portion of the windshield.

2

Pry up on the molding with the removal tool.

3

Grab the slack created by prying up on the molding with one hand and continue to pull the molding out of the windshield. This is the hardest part of the job. The molding may appear to be stuck, but keep pulling up on the molding and continue to work the trim removal tool underneath any molding that is still seated against the windshield.

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