hours estimate for windows replacement

[DKirkpatrick]

Could somebody give me a good guess at the number of hours required to replace the windows in a Cessna 172N? all rear and side and windshield>>> would appreciate the coaching. THANKS

 

[Stewartb]

Hmm. Tough question. Lots of riveting and touch-up painting. Bucking rivets is a two man job. Accessing rivets requires disassembly. I’ve participated in a total window change in my Cessna but we already had the panel and interior stripped out for replacement so it’s difficult to estimate, but I’d guess 32-40 hours of labor. I’d like to hear what a shop says.

 

[bonefishpete]

Do a strip and paint then interior along with windows replacement.
Heck add new avionics while your at it.

 

[Jdm]

A buddy and I replaced ALL windows in a 172M in a weekend. Both A&P’s. Worked 2 long days. This included all paperwork, sign offs, and clean up. I’d say 20 hours would be reasonable for the whole job. That’s 2 mechanics both working 20 hours!
This does not include labor for replacement of the plastic interior around the rears that will likely break into pieces when removed.

 

[bonefishpete]

So

A buddy and I replaced ALL windows in a 172M in a weekend. Both A&P’s. Worked 2 long days. This included all paperwork, sign offs, and clean up. I’d say 20 hours would be reasonable for the whole job. That’s 2 mechanics both working 20 hours!
This does not include labor for replacement of the plastic interior around the rears that will likely break into pieces when removed.

So 40 hours at $150 shop rate equals $6000? labor plus windows & materials?

 

[TCABM]

So

So 40 hours at $150 shop rate equals $6000? labor plus windows & materials?

You can price windows/windshields here: https://www.knots2u.net/categories/...s/cessna-172-models/s-n-59224-thru-72884.html

For the windshield, there’s a hundred or so rivets that have to be drilled out. Then, there’s some hand fitting that has to occur. At least there’s an alternate method to fix the new one in place with screws. We’re doing that at our next annual in our 172.

 

[Lama1125]

Common misconception, no rivets need removed for the windshield. I've replaced several. The hard part is trimming it down and all the installation and removal during that process. There are some rivets for the door windows and rear but not too many. I would quote 40 hours as a worst case scenario and probably come in under it. Oh, and our shop rate is $135, not sure about where you are.

 

[TCABM]

Common misconception, no rivets need removed for the windshield. I've replaced several.

Interesting. I’ve talked with two shops that do a couple of these a year each. The first didn’t know about the AMOC for screws instead of rivets. The second one is a part 145 shop that uses the screw AMOC, which I understand is one of a couple of AMOCs listed in the service manual.

For my education, is your technique covered in the service manual?

 

[DKirkpatrick]

thanks for the input. So... budget 40 hours, plus some misc paint and plastics repair/replace. Thanks alot.

 

[Lama1125]

Interesting. I’ve talked with two shops that do a couple of these a year each. The first didn’t know about the AMOC for screws instead of rivets. The second one is a part 145 shop that uses the screw AMOC, which I understand is one of a couple of AMOCs listed in the service manual.

For my education, is your technique covered in the service manual?

Not really sure. It's a method I learned while I was a young AP. Just take the wing covers off, scrape the sealant and push from the inside. If you do it correctly, you don't bend the metal strip. I've never taken that lower strip off.

 

[Jdm]

So

So 40 hours at $150 shop rate equals $6000? labor plus windows & materials?

Possibly. Shop rates vary and your shop might be able to do it faster. We were working out of a remote hanger with limited access to supplies. They could also use a shop worker rather than 2 A&Ps to help reduce costs. $6K does sound a bit steep.
Let us know what they quote.

 

[Pinecone]

I am putting new glass in my Mooney. Shop estimate was for 40 hours. They expect less, but have run into a few recently that needed a lot of trimming and fitting. They said windshields are coming with a lot of extra material to trim.