How hard is it to put in a new rew window?

[fields_mj]

Well, I've been planning on building a small removable headache rack out of some 2x and OSB. Just something to use when I put the rails on the side of my bed and haul wood. Just haven't gotten around to it yet. Well, now I get to replace my rear window. The good news is that I already have most of the old one out

Can anyone tell me how much of a pain it is to put one of these things in? I found a new sliding rear window on ebay, and I'm trying to decide if I should get it and put it in on my own, or just take it to a body shop and let them do it. Breaking a new window while trying to install it does not sound like much fun....

Thanks,
Mark

 

[ADV]

I have replaced a few rear windows. If you have the 2 part gasket its easy.

 

[flareside_thun]

If you have the one part gasket and an extra set of hands it's easy. You'll need a piece of wire however long to make it comfortable. You feed one of the bottom corners in then apply pressure onto the window in that corner and work the wire back and forth in a sawing motion all the way around until it pops in. These windows are fairly flexible as well. I've only had to do this because a floorjack went through the back window of my previous truck.

 

[Matrix37495]

I trick i saw once was to lay a piece of rope in the grove the glass sits in. As you're holding the glass up against the truck, you slowly pull the rope out which pulls the lip around the glass and the glass drops into the groove. I've done this on a poly window, but i assume it'd work the same for glass...

 

[Knuckledragger]

X2 on the cord trick.

It is actually very easy to install the window with a little bit of patience. You wrap the gasket (seal) around the window and lay a cord (rope is a bit large in diameter) inside the groove that mates to the truck cab opening. Slowly pull the cord out and the window gasket will grab the cab lip. Make sure there is a loop or handle at the end of the cord, it gets tough to pull it while the window is going in. You can spray a little WD-40 in the groove to make the process easier, it won't hurt anything. You can use monofilament (weedwhacker) line if you have some, it is plenty strong.

 

[typ4]

baby powder makes great lube for the rubber, a back window on these trucks is super easy.

 

[riotwarrior]

K most of the responses provide most of the info....one thing I can say, is make sure your rubber is for a slider they may be different than a solid window, I'm not sure.

You will need!

Good cord 3/16-1/4' diameter enough to wrap completely around the circumference of the window seal where the seal and the metal of the cab meet.

I don't like using WD-40 or any other petroleum based lube for installing windows, I much prefer a strong solution of dishwashing liquid and water...nice n slippy!

wrap the cord around the rubber gasket beginning with laying it across the top portion first! drape if over the ends and then continue to wrap around the bottom edge meeting in the middle and having a slight passing of ends, you should have about a foot extra on each end after they overlap.

one person in the cab.....one out of the cab...the outer guy handles with window, the inner one handles the cord!

set window in place bottom first with the two cord ends draping inside he cab, while the outer guy presses the window against the cab; on the edges of window frame for sliders or where rubber meets glass on fixed

Once lower portion is in as best as can be, draw one cord along bottom edge till you get just around one lower corner drawing in the window lip as you go, then proceed to the other side doing same, work up to top corner next, the over to other bottom corner and continue to draw that cord up around to the top corner. Once you are past both upper corners continue to draw cord out until the entire upper lip is installed.

Hope this helps...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaSVkbogXNk

This is about how easy it is and I have done lots, the trick...they don't mention is getting a windshield out without cutting...anyone can cut! but sometimes you need to save that seal....

 

[fields_mj]

Thanks for all the info guys. I found a rear slider on fleebay for $170 shipped. There are a few available at some salvage yards in the area, but by the time I drive there to get them, the cost difference doesn't pay for my time and fuel. I thought about it pretty hard, but it would be me and the wife putting it in, and I'm not convinced that the money I saved would have been worth the arguments that would have resulted.

I spoke to the shop who did my ring and pinion gears, and he directed me to a small body shop about 2 miles from the house. He put one in for $210.50 tax and all. Also gave me an estimate of $250 for putting a new bed on her. I'm going to hold off on the bed, but I am having him keep his eyes open for a tailgate. Mine is completely shot. So, while it sucked to break the window, I did get to put in a slight upgrade, and I did find a good place to get some work done for a pretty reasonable price. All in all, not bad. Now I need to make that headache rack