About Glass Shop for Collision Repair

Removing windshields and stationary glass is often necessary to complete repairs elsewhere on the vehicle. So, for your collision repairs to be their most effective, it’s important to stay as up-to-date in the glass shop as in any other part of your operation. 3M has long provided products for auto glass work, including windshield installation as well as installing stationary auto glass. To go along with them, we also offer resources including standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical tips developed to help you get the most out of your glass shop.

Standard Operating Procedures for the Glass Shop

3M has assembled these SOPs to help clarify the process for auto glass and windshield removal and installation. We provide steps, products and techniques for glass work that can require specialized skill and is often crucial to the overall collision repair job. Included are recommended 3M glass adhesives, primers, applicators and abrasives.

VIEW STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
Technical Tips for the Glass Shop

Here are helpful tips designed to make auto glass and windshield removal and installation faster, better and more efficient. Our technical team can provide knowledge and information on the use and application of the latest urethanes and primers as well as valuable techniques for glass repairs that match OEM specifications in appearance and performance.

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Important Note

There are of course many factors and variables that can affect an individual repair, so the technician and repair facility need to evaluate each specific application and repair process, including relevant vehicle, part and OEM guidelines, and determine what is appropriate for that repair.

3M Standard Operation Procedures for the Glass Shop

Windshield Removal and Installation

These SOPs provide clear, step-by-step procedures for removing and installing front windshields as well as windshield removal tools. Included are procedures for pinch weld preparation and the application of 3M™ Single Step Primer and 3M™ Fast Cure Auto Glass Urethane. They also include related 3M products such as masking tape, primer daubers and our 3M™ Flex Pack Heavy Duty Applicator Gun.

English Download: Windshield Removal and Installation (PDF, 130 KB)
Stationary Auto Glass Removal and Installation

These step-by-step SOPs detail the process for effectively removing and installing stationary auto glass. Along with glass removal and installation, they cover surface protection, masking, applying primer to pinch welds and urethane application. They also include recommended 3M products including masking paper and abrasives as well as primer and urethane.

English Download: Stationary Auto Glass Removal and Installation (PDF, 155 KB)

Get more process guides. Download the full SOP books for these three areas.

Technical Tips for the Glass Shop

For every step of auto glass installation and removal, our technical team can help. These technical tips can help you ensure that your glass shop is operating at its smoothest and most efficient.

Learning About Auto Glass Safety Training
- Customer Challenge: Where can I find more information about auto glass replacement and safety?
  
  Technical Tip: The Auto Glass Safety Council™ (formerly the AGRSS Council) is a not-for-profit organization that offers training and certification for auto glass professionals. Affiliated with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Auto Glass Safety Council was founded and is supported by companies in the auto glass replacement industry and other stakeholders who keep safe installation as their primary goal.
  
  For more information, visit the Auto Glass Safety Council website
Preventing Corrosion in Pinch Welds
- Customer Challenge: What can we do to prevent corrosion after glass replacement?
  
  Technical Tip: If the pinch weld shows severe rust, pitting or perforation, the job should be sent to the metal shop as all areas must be repaired back to OEM specifications before continuing the glass replacement procedures. Minor cut-throughs or nicks can be repaired by priming with 3M™ Single Step Primer. Larger bare metal areas must be primed with a two-part epoxy primer, fully cured and lightly abraded to scuff the surface and then primed with 3M™ Single Step Primer. Any existing urethane on the pinch weld should be cleaned with water using a damp cloth and let dry.
Installing Encapsulated Glass
- Customer Challenge: Do you recommend different products or procedures for bonding to PVC encapsulated glass?
  
  Technical Tip: Encapsulated glass is bonded to the vehicle body with the same urethane adhesives used to bond non-encapsulated stationary glass. The encapsulated materials are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and are molded to the glass. During the molding process, release agents can be added to assist with removing the piece from the mold. When bonding to PVC, first wipe the bonding area with a VOC-compliant surface cleaner to a clean towel and wipe the area. After wiping the PVC with the surface cleaner, the surface should be scuffed with a maroon Scotch-Brite™ pad. Make sure to abrade the glass surface next to the encapsulation. Mold release agents can appear there as well, and this extra abrasion will provide more surface area for adhesion. Clean the surface again before priming the bonding area with 3M™ Single Step Primer and allow to dry.

Need Help Finding the Right Solution?

These 3M resources are meant to help you save time, save money and get the most out of your collision repair operations. If you have additional questions about glass removal, glass installation or anything related to 3M collision repair products and solutions, we’re happy to help. You can send us a message to the right. Or, if your needs are more immediate (or if you just want to talk shop), we’re ready to chat. We look forward to working with you!

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