A few months ago, I posted a thread about replacing my windshield, and I expressed concerns about not wanting to give up my OEM glass, damaging my brightwork and seals, and even harming the fabric strip between the glass and dash.
The original thread can be found here:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1593538-upcoming-windshield-replacement-unsure-about-pillar.html
I finally made the decision to have the glass replaced. Safelite auto glass did the work in my garage, and due to the car being a "specialty" vehicle, they sent one of their most skilled technicians who did a fantastic job. I removed all the brightwork myself prior to the arrival of the technician. It was very simple to do. The A-pillar drip guards were a bit more challenging to remove, as they each have 4 screws, 3 of which are hidden underneath the rubber seal, so you need a tool to hold the seal back while you unscrew. Once you get the drip guard loose, you have to carefully pull the rubber seal out of the groove of the inside of the front window rail. I had to be careful with mine since they were a little brittle. Re-installing these drip guards was harder than removing them. I recommend having a friend help.
There was some good discussion on the original thread about the complexity of the job, and how long it would take. Ultimately, the technician took about 1.5 hours to do the entire job, so it wasn't too bad. He was able to remove the original glass without any damage, so I kept it just in case.
I was worried that the old adhesive would stick to and ultimately rip the fabric strip, but it ended up coming off with no problems, and no damage.
I documented the job in order to share it here. Let me know if you have any questions.
====================
Cutting through the old adhesive
A closeup of the old adhesive with the brightwork removed
A better look at the dirt and bugs trapped after many years of service
It came out easily.
A good look at the dash without the glass
The old adhesive came off very easily.
A great opportunity to clean everything.
The old adhesive has been removed. You can see the fabric is stained a bit from it.
A closer look at the fine detail of the fabric strip
Another view from the top corner
Another look from up top
The top channel
A wider view of the bottom
The driver's side a-piller with the VIN plate
Applying a primer (i think that's what it was)
Masking the edges of the new glass to apply primer which protects the new adhesive from the sun.
Spacer is in.
Applying adhesive with a battery powered caulk gun.
A closer look at the bead shape
New glass going in.
The original thread can be found here:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1593538-upcoming-windshield-replacement-unsure-about-pillar.html
I finally made the decision to have the glass replaced. Safelite auto glass did the work in my garage, and due to the car being a "specialty" vehicle, they sent one of their most skilled technicians who did a fantastic job. I removed all the brightwork myself prior to the arrival of the technician. It was very simple to do. The A-pillar drip guards were a bit more challenging to remove, as they each have 4 screws, 3 of which are hidden underneath the rubber seal, so you need a tool to hold the seal back while you unscrew. Once you get the drip guard loose, you have to carefully pull the rubber seal out of the groove of the inside of the front window rail. I had to be careful with mine since they were a little brittle. Re-installing these drip guards was harder than removing them. I recommend having a friend help.
There was some good discussion on the original thread about the complexity of the job, and how long it would take. Ultimately, the technician took about 1.5 hours to do the entire job, so it wasn't too bad. He was able to remove the original glass without any damage, so I kept it just in case.
I was worried that the old adhesive would stick to and ultimately rip the fabric strip, but it ended up coming off with no problems, and no damage.
I documented the job in order to share it here. Let me know if you have any questions.
====================
Cutting through the old adhesive
A closeup of the old adhesive with the brightwork removed
A better look at the dirt and bugs trapped after many years of service
It came out easily.
A good look at the dash without the glass
The old adhesive came off very easily.
A great opportunity to clean everything.
The old adhesive has been removed. You can see the fabric is stained a bit from it.
A closer look at the fine detail of the fabric strip
Another view from the top corner
Another look from up top
The top channel
A wider view of the bottom
The driver's side a-piller with the VIN plate
Applying a primer (i think that's what it was)
Masking the edges of the new glass to apply primer which protects the new adhesive from the sun.
Spacer is in.
Applying adhesive with a battery powered caulk gun.
A closer look at the bead shape
New glass going in.