Hello all. Before I explain my situation I would like to mention that I have searched extensively on this forum, on the 'tex, and on google for an answer to my question. I would also like to mention that I am having a horrible day.
I have 2 cars and only one parking spot, so usually the GTI sleeps inside and I park the Jetta on the street. Yesterday morning I came outside to see the Jetta's driver side vent window smashed in. Apparently the thief/crackhead then used the opening he created in the vent window to roll down the driver side window and gained entry through the window ala Dukes of Hazzard (my driver side door doesn't open without the key- the pin is no longer connected to the lock mechanism). Anyhoo, I cursed quite a bit, took inventory (a$$hole took about $5 in change and 1 gallon of Rotella 5W-40), then put the Jetta in the garage and drove the GTI to work. Seeing as the Jetta still had a broken window, I left her in the garage last night and parked the GTI on the street. I awakened today to find the GTI driver side window smashed in. I think the thief/crackhead made off with even less this time. Luckily he didn't check the trunk and nab my audio gear. I'm not sure if I have an enemy lurking about or if I'm terribly unlucky.
There are more reasons I'm having a horrible day, but they are not car related so I shall not mention them here.
I called a few places and they want ~$200 out-the-door to replace the vent window. The car is 1981 2-door Jetta Special Edition 1.6 N/A. The vent windows are fixed, but I believe they were originally the hinged/opening style from the factory. I'm hoping someone can tell me how difficult the fixed vent windows are to replace. I'm confident in my mechanical skills, but I've never worked with glass. I was able to find the glass and the seals at 1stvwparts.com and ecstuning.com and they can be had for less than $75 all together. Do I need to replace the seals? They appear undamaged. Do I need any other parts aside from the glass and the seal?
I really appreciate any and all guidance! Thanks!
Not too hard, you will have to remove the door panel, window and winder i believe. Then the window guide.
Yeah it's pretty easy, remove door card and there's some bolts inside that loosen the guide. I think under the door seal there's a screw that holds the top of the guide.
Sorry about all the break in's, some people are just scumbags I guess
Thanks for the replies! I found a kit in the Parts Place Inc. catalog for $49 (includes glass, bracket, and seals), which looks like a good deal. Unfortunately I needed to make a last minute business trip so I paid almost 3 times that much to have an auto glass shop do the install same day. I was nervous, as this is the first time someone other than me worked on the car, but he did a great job.