Is it worth replacing the rear large-windshield glass on 2007 Prius myself?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by priuslyfe, May 6, 2025 at 8:56 AM.

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  1. priuslyfe

    priuslyfe Member

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    yeah this has "stupid" written all over it. have to imagine MANY have even gotten 90% finished with a window replacement and then suddenly the glass breaks or even if they complete the job...the window leaks.
     
    #21 priuslyfe, May 7, 2025 at 3:30 PM
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  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I've watched them break at last of trim install . But that's any of them I saw affordable glass put three in a Cadillac to get it right
     
    #22 Tombukt2, May 7, 2025 at 7:32 PM
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  3. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Some "jobs" are easy to learn on the fly...some require a little training/help from someone who already learned. The decision one has to make is the differential cost of f-cking it up. Good luck...whatever you decide.
     
    #23 frodoz737, May 7, 2025 at 7:33 PM
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  4. priuslyfe

    priuslyfe Member

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    UPDATE:

    - Used the tool below to try to get a window out. I do not advise this because you have to be patient and lucky IF you can get the window out undamaged after all the work. The window corners make this very difficult as the wire really doesn't reach completely. Furthermore, the cost of the sealant and additional needed-supplies are around $50 on top of the cost of the tool below which was around $20 from Harbor Freight.
    [​IMG]



    - Ended up buying an entire Prius hatch assembly that didn't match my car-color but they gave me a Mother's Day deal of $50. Took it off myself in the junkyard but you need a dolly to take it back to your car its heavy and awkward to carry. I have another working 2004-2009 Prius that I drive and the entire hatch slid into the back which I secured with rope.

    - Asked a friend to help me install as you NEED another person to help you because the door is heavy to hold still and usually I prefer working alone but there was a huge risk of the glass breaking when I tried to prop it up myself with whatever crazy object I had laying around.

    Conclusion: Just buy the entire door. Window removal is basically impossible.
     
    #24 priuslyfe, May 12, 2025 at 6:57 AM
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  5. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Wait a minute I'm a little guy I carried my hat from the black car over to the gold car put a 2x4 that I had pre-cut laid the hatch literally on a U-Haul blanket on top of the car just like it's supposed to be on the car set the two by four on the ground actually it was a 2x6 and set it in the center of the hatch while using my other hand to stretch out and literally set the hatch where it's supposed to go but yeah all that I'm glad you got your hat buddy 50 bucks is a good deal.
     
    #25 Tombukt2, May 12, 2025 at 10:09 AM
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  6. Classic Car Guy

    Classic Car Guy Active Member

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    Glad that you were able to get your car fixed in somewhat. At least the car is running again.
     
    #26 Classic Car Guy, May 12, 2025 at 6:13 PM
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  7. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Even the most experienced "Window Guys" will not guaranty removing old glue-ins without damage. Taking off and putting in is relatively easy..if you're installing "new" glass. Your "solution" worked and was cheap, so I'm glad your fire's out. Next.
     
    #27 frodoz737, May 12, 2025 at 6:20 PM
  8. Classic Car Guy

    Classic Car Guy Active Member

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    Just for the future. If you have the tools, it generally takes practice to install the glass the right way. You might be able to get it the first time but there might be possible leaks and misalignments, headliner curls and rips which come with the territory.
    You will get it the 2nd time. you need 2 guys. one is outside gently pushing the window in position while another one is inside pulling the strings.The silicone sealer will act as a leak sealant and will slide the installation ropes easier. you'll have to clean the silicone out fast before it dries up, sets and seals.
    You can practice this on a smaller glass window, when you get the hang of it, its exactly the same as the bigger ones.
     
    #28 Classic Car Guy, May 12, 2025 at 6:27 PM
  9. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Next go around is the multi-tool blade pretty much one-handed no pushing no funny business at least the windshield shop is using a tool seems like that would be the way to go. I already owned the multi-tool so getting the blade seem to be well kind of a no-brainer at least we'll get to see
     
    #29 Tombukt2, May 12, 2025 at 8:40 PM
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