How to replace my rear window...

[ajbremer]

I removed the rubber seal and cleaned all the glass chips out of it from the rear hatch of my 1990 Ford Festiva. How do I change my rear window? I have searched youtube and this forum and asked a few of my Festiva friends but I thought I would ask on this forum to get the best answer.

Here is my 'guess' so far (from what I've read and heard):

When I removed all of the chipped glass out of the old rubber seal, it still looked real good so I'm pretty sure I can use it again.

First I put a cord (.080 - .120 in diameter) inside the inner-grove of the rubber seal and go all the way around it and let 6" or more come out the top-middle. Then I work the seal onto the glass. Then I apply a little dish-soap all the way around the inner flap of the seal to lessen the friction between the cord and the rubber seal.

Next, using a friend, we lay the glass right over the hatchback and pull the cord so that the inner flap works it's way onto the inner frame of the car. Then pull the cord so as to get that inner flap all the way around the inside of the hatch frame.

Is that right? I don't know. This is just what I've read from putting a few different sources together. It has also been said that I should not exert to much force from the outside while trying to get the inner flap on the inside or it could break the window.

Can anyone help me further of let me know if I'm on the right track?

[Lil-Red]

I have seen that same method used. I didnt have any luck. I just used a screwdriver and a friend. Took some time, but if you have patience it will work . Just becareful not to slip and scratch the paint or the window!

[ajbremer]

I'm still asking you guys to give me advice on whether or not I'm on the right track. But, just as a side note, I replaced my windshield 2 days ago and for the guy to come out and remove my broken one and put in the new one cost less than $200 - that's a pretty good deal I think. BUT, I just called the same people and it'll cost $250 for them to do the back - wow - it doesn't seem like the back window should cost more than the front...oh well. I'm still looking for the glass.