This summer my daughter tried to pull my hatch closed with the prop rod in the locked position and cracked the lens. I have the "glass" (acrylic or whatever) to replace it but am looking for some tips. I guess I didn't realize that the only thing holding the glass to the frame was the sealant. The plan is to cut out the old and remove the lens, but I have some questions.

1) Should I use regular butyl? Or is there something specific, obviously it has to be tacky.
2) Anything I should clean the surface with prior to applying?
3) General tips or advice?

I've looked up some some you-tube videos, but have not seen anything great.

Look at the videos on how to separate headlight lenses. I think that will help if you can make something like that work. Is the frame metal or plastic? I would go with an automative window sealant for reassembly.

Separating it won't be that tricky, the frame is metal. I didn't even think about using automotive glass adhesive/sealant…DUH. That's a great idea.