Someone smashed my car window, how easy is it to replace myself? how difficult is it to install a new door?

Question

if it's not too difficult, what tools do i need for replaces either the window, or the whole door?

it is a standard renault clio, 1996

the car is old and not worth more than £100, so i want to do it as cheaply as possible

Answer 1

with broken glass you should be able to replace just the glass unless they damaged the mechinisms inside. i would not go as far replacing the door unless its cheaper. in the US i would see if i could pay for labor on replacement only and buy the glass myself.

For the real do it yourself, i would review several auto manuals like 'Chiltons' and see if there is any special layman's tools i would need to do the job.

A friend of mine tore open a 97 Saturn and fixed the window. it looked simple enough but he also does it for a living. one thing i noticed is that he needed another guy's help for extra set of hands.

Answer 2

Replacing the glass is simple enough if you take your time. See if you can find a new glass at a salvage yard and remove it yourself. That way you know how everything comes apart. The biggest thing to remember is to CLEAN ALL THE GLASS FROM THE CHANNELS! One little piece of glass left in will cause the window to explode.

Answer 3

you only need to replace the window glass, but being a renault you probably need a heap of special factory tools to do it.

if you're unsure about doing it yourself i would say take it to a mechanic or you could be in for a world of pain.