Windshield replacement
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Windshield replacement
Final details of wrapping up my car at the bodyshop are nearing.
My 89 windshield has a couple of chips in it. One is in the black strip and the base. I could have the upper chip filled for $45 even though it's been there for a few years.
When I asked about replacing the whole thing, they quote $190 installed. Now I find out that doesn't include the upper trim piece (that they say is usually damaged). Also, the weatherstrip apparently must be removed and replaced. I asked if they could get the side trim pieces if they were damaged as well. They're checking.
I said O.K. when I heard $190 to get a new windshield on my newly repainted ride. Now, with the extra requirements, I bet the price could exceed $500. (w/s $145 @ Corv. rubber, $190 ws, $90 upper trim piece + ???)
I have a couple of questions....
1) Does the main weatherstrip around the windshield always get damaged and need replacing -- with a w/s replacement?
2) Are all w/s metal trim pieces readily available? How much? $$$
2a) What's the best source for the metal trim pieces?
3) Even though I'm already replacing the rest of the weatherstrips, the w/s piece still looks pretty good. Should I skip the whole thing and leave it as is (for now)?
(w/s = windshield)
My 89 windshield has a couple of chips in it. One is in the black strip and the base. I could have the upper chip filled for $45 even though it's been there for a few years.
When I asked about replacing the whole thing, they quote $190 installed. Now I find out that doesn't include the upper trim piece (that they say is usually damaged). Also, the weatherstrip apparently must be removed and replaced. I asked if they could get the side trim pieces if they were damaged as well. They're checking.
I said O.K. when I heard $190 to get a new windshield on my newly repainted ride. Now, with the extra requirements, I bet the price could exceed $500. (w/s $145 @ Corv. rubber, $190 ws, $90 upper trim piece + ???)
I have a couple of questions....
1) Does the main weatherstrip around the windshield always get damaged and need replacing -- with a w/s replacement?
2) Are all w/s metal trim pieces readily available? How much? $$$
2a) What's the best source for the metal trim pieces?
3) Even though I'm already replacing the rest of the weatherstrips, the w/s piece still looks pretty good. Should I skip the whole thing and leave it as is (for now)?
(w/s = windshield)
Last edited by GREGGPENN; Jul 26, 2006 at 01:52 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: Waterbury Connecticut
Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
Final details of wrapping up my car at the bodyshop are nearing.
My 89 windshield has a couple of chips in it. One is in the black strip and the base. I could have the upper chip filled for $45 even though it's been there for a few years.
When I asked about replacing the whole thing, they quote $190 installed. Now I find out that doesn't include the upper trim piece (that they say is usually damaged). Also, the weatherstrip apparently must be removed and replaced. I asked if they could get the side trim pieces if they were damaged as well. They're checking.
I said O.K. when I heard $190 to get a new windshield on my newly repainted ride. Now, with the extra requirements, I bet the price could exceed $500. (w/s $145 @ Corv. rubber, $190 ws, $90 upper trim piece + ???)
I have a couple of questions....
1) Does the main weatherstrip around the windshield always get damaged and need replacing -- with a w/s replacement?
2) Are all w/s metal trim pieces readily available? How much? $$$
2a) What's the best source for the metal trim pieces?
3) Even though I'm already replacing the rest of the weatherstrips, the w/s piece still looks pretty good. Should I skip the whole thing and leave it as is (for now)?
(w/s = windshield)
My 89 windshield has a couple of chips in it. One is in the black strip and the base. I could have the upper chip filled for $45 even though it's been there for a few years.
When I asked about replacing the whole thing, they quote $190 installed. Now I find out that doesn't include the upper trim piece (that they say is usually damaged). Also, the weatherstrip apparently must be removed and replaced. I asked if they could get the side trim pieces if they were damaged as well. They're checking.
I said O.K. when I heard $190 to get a new windshield on my newly repainted ride. Now, with the extra requirements, I bet the price could exceed $500. (w/s $145 @ Corv. rubber, $190 ws, $90 upper trim piece + ???)
I have a couple of questions....
1) Does the main weatherstrip around the windshield always get damaged and need replacing -- with a w/s replacement?
2) Are all w/s metal trim pieces readily available? How much? $$$
2a) What's the best source for the metal trim pieces?
3) Even though I'm already replacing the rest of the weatherstrips, the w/s piece still looks pretty good. Should I skip the whole thing and leave it as is (for now)?
(w/s = windshield)
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: CA
I just had a new W/S on my 85 installed and it was around $200 too...and they reused all the parts you described. However the windshield stress cracked twice, and had to be redone twice. Turned out the metal strips were the culprit and should not have been reused (in my case anyway).
The top metal piece was over $200 and the 2 sides were $170 each (ouch)
. the glass placed located the OEM parts...but i did verify the crazy high price on the only web site I could find them on:
http://www.artscorvetteparts.com/par...d-dba222dcf779
BTW, The rubber weatherstrip was removed and reinstalled 3 times with no problems...which was good because OEM for that listed for over $300.
That is about it. My W/S problems seem to be behind me..good luck with yours...normally it should not be this hard or expensive.
The top metal piece was over $200 and the 2 sides were $170 each (ouch)
. the glass placed located the OEM parts...but i did verify the crazy high price on the only web site I could find them on:http://www.artscorvetteparts.com/par...d-dba222dcf779
BTW, The rubber weatherstrip was removed and reinstalled 3 times with no problems...which was good because OEM for that listed for over $300.
That is about it. My W/S problems seem to be behind me..good luck with yours...normally it should not be this hard or expensive.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,110
Likes: 6
From: Red Sox Nation! RI
I had the windshield in my 86 replaced a few months ago with a new one. Cost was $215 and they re-used my seal. The installer told me if the windshield had not been replaced in long time that he might be able to re-use the weatherstrip. He said the type of adhesive that was used years ago wasn't that great and makes it easier to remove the seal w/o destroying it.
Can't answer any of your other questions. Although I've read comments on the forum from guys who say to stay away from the cheap rubber/seal kits--that they're junk. I've no idea if that's the case or if it's just a few being overly **** about it.
Can't answer any of your other questions. Although I've read comments on the forum from guys who say to stay away from the cheap rubber/seal kits--that they're junk. I've no idea if that's the case or if it's just a few being overly **** about it.
