How much would it cost to get the windshield on my 76 replaced??

I have the soft tint date coded glass and Ecklers said the windshield alone would be somewhere like 499. The Glass replacement company quoted 220 for windshield and installation.

 

Reputable auto glass company in my hometown says it can be replaced for $299 out the door.

 

Unless you want the correct dated windshield, let the pros do it. They will have the old out and the new installed in no time.

 

The OP reminds me that eventually, I need a replacement also. It's apparent that the last time my car's PO had a replacement, the installer cracked it from the side while replacing the surround (trim) as the crack start location coincides with a trim clip location; probably a lesson learned at my expense.

I've heard that replacement windshield glass for our cars has been found with a thinner laminate and therefore, doesn't fit the frame correctly. I expect that the correct glass mirrors the dimensions of OEM so how do we ensure we choose that over a cheap Chinese knock-off?

Think I'll do some CF searching but please feel free to enlighten me or the OP, unless he already knows. Thanks Guys.

 

Safelite did mine this past February for about $300 at my place. Service was great with no issues and fast too. I took pics & measurements and then removed the trim myself before they came to make sure I understood how it goes together and that it went back in place in the exact same position.

New windshield is amazing how "clear" the glass is to see through. Did not realize the old windshield (while looked great) must have had a ton of minor scratches in the glass.

 

Many places will come out to your house and replace it for under $300. Screw that numbers matching BS.

Just pray that when they remove the old glass that you still have a windshield frame under there. Definitely be there to watch.

 

I had good results buying glass from Pillkington, they bought the original LOF glass.

Maybe check with 427SIXPACK, he just had his replaced, think he used the same.

 

My 77 got a new install two weeks ago for $207.11 done right at my house. National company but not a suporting vendor... PM me if you want the name. Glass is "no name" but fits the opening well and does not exhibit the waviness/distortion commonly seen in imported glass. Be certain you supply the tech with the trim if you removed it yourself... the top edge on mine is set a bit deep... the installer did not have access to my trim though. It will be OK after I tweak on it a bit.

 

I Had mine done at a proffesional glass place for 320.00 abd they even sent out my trim and had it poweder coated for me in black. it came out awesome. No gaps at all.fits like orig.
I also went with a newer style glass with the black around the edges, looks great.

 

$220 seems like a good price.

 

I paid $300 plus change and tipped the guy for being extra careful by putting blackets over the car, vacuuming out the misc crud in the wiper tray, etc on the 74 coupe.

Still on the original on the "73, but it's been sandblasted over the years . . .

 

If you're going to replace the windshield, have a look at the moldings on the extreme right and left of the upper windshield frame that have the pin holes for the T-Tops/Convertible top. With the windshield out they can be easily replaced.

On any car that's been driven a lot the windshield can pick up small pits due to sand damage. Driving into a sunrise or sunset, can cause the windshield to diffuse light so you can't see...it's like the windshield has a Gilbey's Gin Bottle frosting to it.

My 68 has a new windshield. It's really clear. I was invited to drive my 08 with some other Corvettes to Palm Springs. Didn't go. On a windy day theres a lot of sand being blown in the air. Didn't want to get the windshield sand blasted.

There are some little steel clip like devices that hold the stainless steel windshield trim on. They sort of look like upside down triangles. They were common in late 60's and early 70's cars. They can rust. When you go to take off the stainless steel trim, these things can break off. They are available at some of the vette vendors, They have a little base plate that has to be riveted to the windshield frame.

 

You got to get that date coded glass, you don't want to lose value on that ultra rare 76.

 

I am a little confused. How can you get a dated windshield on a new one? Or are you thinking they would etch it into the glass to make it appear original? Or am I completely lost on the whole "dated windshield"?

 

The windshield is dated to appear as the original. Kind of like restamping but this seems to be OK...

 

CORRECT:

if you want the right glass, with the right fit, made with the original L.O.F templates contact Pilkington. They will also date code it if you want / your choice. DONT buy thin made in China CRAP you will be sorry !!! It might work but the fit wont be 100%

Also i'm not certain I would trust just any place like "SAFELITE" i'm positive they don't use BUTEL / & they don't install VETTE glass too often, or often enough to be an EXPERT. You need an old time glass guy that knows what to do, especially on my car that had all the chrome around the shield. Also pray that once removed they dont find any rust issues. There are plenty of places that sell windshields, & plenty of places to put them in, but that doesnt mean DONE CORRECTLY !!!PM me if you need / want help.

ZIXXXPACK / THE ONLY WAY TO FLY !

 

As with everything else, "You get what you pay for." If you NEED a correctly dated windshield (or just want one really bad), spend the money. If it is a daily driver or weekend warrior, save some buck$.

I have had Safelite work done in the past (not on my Corvette), but I was impressed with the quality of the windshield, the quality of the installation, and the reasonable price. There are many other options. But, one I don't particularly think I will be doing is replacing it myself.

 

I figured as much. Thanks for the clarification.