How much will cost me to replace the windshield glass?

The mirror attaches to the inside of the windshield using a small metal "button" that is glued to the glass. The mirror assembly slides onto the button, and is secured with a set screw.

If the metal button comes off of the glass, you will need to re-attach it. Autoparts stores sell glue kits specifically made for this purpose. Make sure the glass and button are completely clean before starting (I like to wipe them both with a little rubbing alcohol to make sure there is no grease or oil on them as well), and follow the directions on the glue kit's package.

If the metal button is missing, you may be able to find one at the same auto parts store where you find the glue. If not, check with any GM dealership's parts counter.

If there are also other issues with the windshield glass, you can get the entire windshield replaced by a glass company. The new windshield will come with the button already installed. Your auto insurance may cover the cost of the replacement (check with them first).

The windshield can only be repaired with the sealant
used by an auto glass shop

There is only one procedure for glass replacement &
you can't do it & anything you attempt to add to any place
on the glass will not work

Wait on the glass people to resolve

its a good idea to just call a glazier, usually the installation is included in the cost and they guarantee the window for up to 2 years from leaks and some types of crack damage.

If you still are decided on going hte self installation route you will need the following tools;

Glazier's knife
Flat head screw driver
Philips head screwdriver.
RTV compound or some kind of window adhesive
1/4in. socket set with driver
the process.
1. remove the windshield wiper arms.
2. remove window trims around the windshield
3. using the glazier's knife cut the old window adhesive around the windshield.
4. clean the adhesive off the windshield perch (that is the area around the windshield on the car)
5. carefully apply new adhesive to the windshield perch.
6. set the new windshield in place and press firmly around the borders of the new windshield you can tell when the windshield is set by the 'squished down' appearance of the adhesive.
7. replace the window trim and wiper arms. allow the adhesive to set for a few hours before allowing the windshield to take on water.
8. not necessary but i like to do this confirm the windshield does not leak by allowing a hose to run freely over the windshield.

***BE WARNED THE EDGES OF TEH WINDOWS ARE SHARP AND CAN CUT YOU VERY SEVERELY, ALSO THE GLAZIER'S KNOW IS SHARP AS WELL***

Removal & Installation

You'll need Windshield Installation Kit E0AZ-19562-A, or equivalent urethane installation kit, and a helper.

1. Remove the windshield wiper arms.
   
2. Remove all windshield exterior mouldings and retainers.
   
3. Using a electric knife, T70P-42006-A or equivalent, insert the blade under the edge of the glass. Cut the butyl seal as close to the inside surface of the glass as possible. Wear gloves. Have your helper sit in the vehicle, place his/her feet against the top of the windshield and gently, but firmly push outward while you support the glass.
   
4. Temporarily position the replacement glass in the windshield opening using spacers to prevent glass to metal contact.
   

Adjust glass side to side to the best glass-to-A-pillar weld flange overlap position and adjust the lower spacers if necessary for proper positioning at the top. A minimum butyl tap-to-glass contact of 3/16 inch (4.8mm) on A-pillar, 3/8 inch (9.5mm) on header and cowl is required around the perimeter to assure proper retention and a waterproof seal. Mark this location with a crayon on the outside surface of the glass and a corresponding point of the glass opening. Remove the glass and clean the inside surface thoroughly.

To install:

1. Start at the side of the glass opposite the original butyl splice and place the 5/16 inch (8mm) butyl furnished in the kit on the top of and in a position that assures the 3/16 inch (4.8mm) minimum contact with the glass on the existing butyl remaining on the pinch weld flange.
   

Do not allow the new butyl to overhang the edge of the existing butyl and do not stretch the butyl or bridge the corners of the windshield opening.

1. Carefully splice the two loose ends of the new butyl. The cut line of the splice must taper downward toward the outboard side of the vehicle.
   
2. Using a clean brush, apply the glass primer (supplied with the kit) around the cleaned inside surface and the edge of the glass in the area that will contact the butyl seal. Allow at least 5 minutes drying time.
   
3. Place the glass in the opening aligning the crayon marks.
   
4. Firmly press the glass against the butyl with hand pressure and check to assure that the 3/16 inch (4.8mm) contact between glass and butyl is achieved. A dull spot indicates an area where the butyl is not contacting the glass surface. Apply additional pressure to seal these areas.
   
5. From outside the vehicle, apply liquid butyl sealer around the entire edge of the glass.
   
6. When the liquid sealer has has skinned over in approximately ten minutes, water test the installation.
   
7. Install the moldings and wiper arms.
   

Windshield sealers, 1980-86

Windshield exterior moldings, 1980-86

Windshield moulding removal tool, 1980-86

Butyl tape installation, 1980-86

Butyl tape installation, 1980-86

It should be replaced. The windshield actually will provide protection in a roll over crash, keeping the roof from caving in and crushing occupants. So you want it to be crack free for the strength to be there to protect you. The only repairs that can be made are much smaller than what you describe, and in hot and cold weather the glass will continue to expand and contract, and crack further.

Some insurance companies will replace the windshield for free. call up your insurance company and tell them is broken. Get the phone book and call a few auto glass companies, they can come to you and replace it right there.

about $300

I usually start with the blade as well, the arm can be bent in a method to make it arch high higher in the middle of the arm - forcing more downward pressure onto the windshield. The real problem however, could be your windshield. Not that I believe that all Ford vehicles should have the "Carlite" stamp on the glass, there are other good brands of glass. But, some glass manufacturers have poor quality control and their glass molds produce some parts with flat spots, low spots, high spots and many other distortions in the glass. Does your windshield have a Carlite stamp at the lower part of the windshield? If you can't adjust the wiper to work, you may want to consider the glass instead.

Erm windshield not fitted properly. Take it up with the company who replaced them. The seals around the shield may have been distorted when glass was replaced. New seals should do the trick.
If cost is a problem a little rubber weld at the right point if you can locate it will stop the damp

replacing the windshield is a job best left to a experienced glass tech. the windshield is held in with urethane and has to be applied properly, the windshield is a big part of the vehicles structural strength in the event of an accident. sorry I know you didn't want to hear that but your friends safety should come first. ( if you already have the glass check around and see if a glass shop will install it for you or if a tech will do it on the side.)