Repair 7

There are a number of different ways to upgrade and modify your vehicles exhaust system. By swapping out your cars muffler with a glass pack muffler, you can affect the noise level and performance abilities of your vehicle. You should consider all the possible side effects of altering your exhaust system before you put a glass pack muffler on your car or truck.

What is a Glass Pack?

Glass pack mufflers are designed to allow air to flow directly through the exhaust pipe and reduce back pressure. The exhaust channel of a glass pack muffler contains a fiberglass barrier, which helps muffle the exhaust noise. Glass pack mufflers do not contain baffles, which slow airflow through the muffler. Glass packs typically do not muffle as much sound as stock vehicle mufflers, so installing a glass pack will probably make your vehicles exhaust system louder.

Availibility and Cost

Glass pack mufflers are widely available from a variety of different manufacturers. In terms of exhaust modifications, glass packs are a relatively inexpensive modification. In most cases, you will be able to purchase the glass pack itself for less than $50.

Pros and Cons of Glass Packs

The main benefit of installing a glass pack is that you may be able to improve exhaust flow and reduce the amount of back pressure in your exhaust. Back pressure is created when the flow of exhaust through a muffler is restricted. Depending on the type of vehicle and engine, reducing back pressure can improve performance by allowing exhaust gases to flow out of the vehicle more quickly.

Legalities of a Glass Pack

The laws governing automobile exhaust modifications will vary, depending on the area in which you live. You should check your state and local laws before swapping out your cars muffler for an aftermarket glass pack muffler. States where emissions testing and inspections are done are the most likely to have laws affecting the modifications that can be done to an exhaust system. Failure to obey exhaust and emissions laws can lead to fines and even the loss of the ability to drive your vehicle on public roadways.

Auto glass, or a car windshield, is the front window of a car that protects occupants of a car from the elements. Auto windshields are typically made of tempered glass designed to break into many small pieces without sharp edges. Removing and replacing a windshield is not a difficult job, but it is a job that can be done better by professional installers. Nevertheless, the determined DIYer can follow a few steps.

Instructions

1

Remove the windshield wipers, using a socket wrench. Seal any vents in front of the windshield with masking tape to prevent dirt and debris from falling into the vents. Cover the front seats with old cloth to protect them from debris and dirt. Cover any other vents on the cars dashboard to prevent glass and other particles from getting inside the vents.

2

Unscrew the trim at the base of the windshield with a screwdriver. Pry off any other trim around the windshield. Embed the pointed tip of a windshield removal tool into the rubber seal along the edge of the windshield, but make sure you do not hit the glass. Following the manufacturers instructions on how to safely handle the windshield removal tool, cut the rubber seal at the edge of the windshield by dragging the cutting tool all the way around the windshield several times. Apply enough pressure on the windshield removal tool while cutting to ensure that the cutting tip penetrates deep into the rubber seal.

3

Recline the cars front seats. Lie back in the drivers seat, place a foot against each side of the windshield, and gently push the windshield outward, but do not kick the glass. Have a helper grab the glass to prevent it from falling, and to remove it. Pull away the remaining rubber seal around the windshield frame. Remove old sealant along the edge of the metal frame with a putty knife. Clean the edges of the metal frame with a rag.

4

Prepare the glass by applying primer specially matched to the urethane adhesive on the black band around the perimeter of the windshield. Apply a consistent bead of urethane adhesive around the metal edge of the windshield frame, using a caulk gun. Mount the glass carefully onto the opening and align the top, bottom and sides of the windshield to the metal frame. Press the windshield down gently to allow the bead of adhesive to spread slightly.

5

Let the adhesive set for the recommended time, then reinstall the trim pieces. Note that the adhesive must completely cure before the vehicle can be driven. Replace the windshield wiper, and clean the windshield.