Replacing my truck passenger window

October 22, 2006 9:00 AM

A laptop theif (grumble grumble) knocked out the passenger side window to my 1996 Ford Ranger. I only have liability and the YMCA where I was parked won't cover it, so I think I want to change the glass myself.

I have gotten the panel off the door and can see the window mechanics. From a layman's point of view, it looks like I clean out the broken glass slide the window in from the top and attach to the chassis.

A couple of things. The old window (or at least the last little bit) is attached to the raising mechanism with two strangly flanged screws. These screws face away from the inside of the door where I am looking from, but I am assuming they require some sort of specialty tool. The head of the screw seems to be in a + shape with the tines angled different directions. Any suggestions?

More basic, will a standard junkyard, umm auto salvage location, usually have this window or am I going to have to check out several?

posted by spartacusroosevelt to Travel & Transportation (10 answers total)

I kind of doubt that junkyards would have replacement windows. Try calling auto-glass places and ask them how much for just the window, with no no labor. They might tell you to buzz off, but it's worth a try. If not that, go to the local Ford dealership and have them order one for you -- the glass is never the expensive part in autoglass repairs, it's the labor. Er... the glass is not always the expensive part; the aftermarket guys can order generic replacement windows, which are relatively cheap, I dunno if the dealership would be more wedded to buying Ford brand parts.

Also while you're at the Ford store, ask about special tools you'll need for this repair. Or, go to a bookstore and browse through the Chilton's or Haynes DIY manual for your model; worst case scenario, they don't have it and you have to buy one online. This should not only tell you what tools & parts you need, but also give you a good schematic of the rest of your door before you bother taking it all apart.
posted by rkent at 9:25 AM on October 22, 2006

You might have to buy a whole door just to get the window.
posted by smackfu at 9:37 AM on October 22, 2006

I think a junkyard / salvage place is likely to have it, since Ford Rangers are really common. Reading the Chilton's or Haynes handbook will tell you how to handle the screw you're describing.

Also, if the way the glass gets inserted is anything like the way it was for my car (not a Ford), there was a certain spray to use. I don't know what it's called -- but it effectively greased the glass so it slides in. That spray made all the difference. (Some mechanic saw me struggling to put in the window outside the salvage place where I'd bought the glass, and he brought some spray over.)
posted by salvia at 9:39 AM on October 22, 2006

The last time I had to replace a window, it was $130 installed at an auto glass repair shop. It took an hour. Just something to consider.
posted by ninjew at 9:42 AM on October 22, 2006

In my experience with junkyards they won't part out a door - it's more valuable to them as one complete piece. So smackfu may be right. Not to say it isn't worth trying, but be prepared and know what the glass would cost you new.
posted by phearlez at 9:49 AM on October 22, 2006

I know quite a few people who have gone to a junkyard and bought used glass. The two individuals were both female, and the junkyard actually installed it for them!!!!

You will probably buy the glass with the mount attached to it, so I wouldnt bother cleaning it out too much.

Call a local JY, but all call your local glass replacement place. If its a $20 difference in price, it might be worth going new, or haggling with the JY a bit.
posted by SirStan at 9:50 AM on October 22, 2006

I have to reiterate what ninjew said. I've had this done at my house for right around $100 dollars. It was less then my deductible.
posted by bitdamaged at 9:53 AM on October 22, 2006

If you fail at the junkyard (which I doubt), call around and see if a glass shop will sell you the part without the install. You could still save a bit of money and have a bit of fun while you're at it! Note a Haynes manual is about $20 these days, and will show you how to do a lot of other cool things, so it's a totally worthwhile investment.

Also: look for internet discussion forums focusing on your car. Often there's a garage section where you can ask questions if you hit any snags.
posted by drmarcj at 11:11 AM on October 22, 2006

Second the above: auto glass replacement can be cheap and quick, so unless you really want to do it yourself, you might just let a pro do it.

If the screws you mention look like a six-pointed star they're probably torx screws (google torx screwdriver).
posted by jellicle at 11:18 AM on October 22, 2006

Something else to consider is the mount that the glass sits in. You might need to replace that as well, otherwise your new glass could pop out of the mount and fall to an untimely death.

I just went through this. Some turkey smashed out my window in Oakland, ransacked my 94 Explorer, and stole my CD player. *sigh*

The new glass & parts was about $150 installed on site.
posted by drstein at 9:23 PM on October 22, 2006