Windshield Replacement
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 696
Likes: 18
From: Jenkintown PA
Windshield Replacement
My '91 windshield is pitted as a result of sand and bits of dirt hiiting in on the highway. With 72K and 15yrs it's time to replace.
I was surprised to learned tonight that I can get it replaced for $221 plus tax by a national company. I was thinking it would be around $400.
So if you have been putting up with glass as described, this number sounds pretty good to me.
SAVE THE WAVE!
I was surprised to learned tonight that I can get it replaced for $221 plus tax by a national company. I was thinking it would be around $400.
So if you have been putting up with glass as described, this number sounds pretty good to me.
SAVE THE WAVE!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17,640
Likes: 1
From: Lenoir City TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Is that just the glass? When the insurance did mine they replaced everything, including all the moldings and they used GM parts, get this they charged the insurance company $1100 
it took them three days to do the work, they said normally it took two but one molding came in bent and they had to wait for a replacement. It has a lifetime warranty against workmanship and parts.
Bob
it took them three days to do the work, they said normally it took two but one molding came in bent and they had to wait for a replacement. It has a lifetime warranty against workmanship and parts.Bob
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 12
From: New York
I just replaced the windshield in my 1991 Tuesday. Check the weatherstrip seal at the base of the windshield, if it is cracked, now is a good time to replace it. It was only $23.00 through my local Chevy Dealership.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,599
Likes: 34
From: Grand Rapids Michigan West Michigan Crew
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09
when they do it watch everything they do. that way they do a good job, with you standing there watching every move, the job will probably be done better there are alot of hacker glass shops out there.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 696
Likes: 18
From: Jenkintown PA
The regular price was about $458 but with a special discount it's $221 installed. Did not give me any options for moldings. But $1,100 even at the highest price ($458) plus cost of moldings seems much too high....but what do you care the insurance company paid!
I will check the bottom molding as well as the others to see,if there is a problem.
And good point I will be there with the installer, even on my death bed!
Thanks for your comments.
SAVE THE WAVE!!
I will check the bottom molding as well as the others to see,if there is a problem.
And good point I will be there with the installer, even on my death bed!
Thanks for your comments.
SAVE THE WAVE!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: MidOhio
Search the C4 forums-there was a good discussion on here somewhere a few months ago about windshield replacments. Things like cut paint causing rusted out frames, cheap/non-spec glass, etc, etc. I'd be a bit leery about $250 for this job!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,599
Likes: 34
From: Grand Rapids Michigan West Michigan Crew
2015 C5 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09
Originally Posted by tonymax2
Search the C4 forums-there was a good discussion on here somewhere a few months ago about windshield replacments. Things like cut paint causing rusted out frames, cheap/non-spec glass, etc, etc. I'd be a bit leery about $250 for this job!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 1
From: sd
After hitting a pheasant going 92mph on the highway I just replaced my windshield in my 85. All of the molding had to be replaced. Progressive forked out a check for a total of $974 when it was all said and done. No leaks or squeaks, looks better than ever, and to top it off the shop owner has been a C4 owner for over 20 years. The moldings were more expensive than the windshield itself. Go figure???
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 125
From: Birmingham AL
Stay away from cheap glass! You will regret it for sure if the glass came from the other side of the world. This happened with my last Vette and I will never buy the cheap crap again. The glass was not shaped properly and left a huge gap at the top molding. Never again. I will not do that to my current car.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Hollister CA
I hope it's OK to say this here... if not, please delete this post, as I don't want to break any rules.
I've had several windshields replaced by SafeLite, they are an OEM supplyer for many makes and models. The guy that does it (same guy out of Salinas every time - very talented installer) always comes to my home or our shop and does the swap in my driveway, although I usually back the Big Rig out of the shop and give him a shaded area to work. When doing the large commercial windshields, they always send 2 techs out to handle the big glass.
I've done one of my Town Car Limos, two of our International 4300 Flatbed Tow Trucks, the owners F250, a customers VW sedan, and others.
They have done an incredible job each time, and the price has always been substantially lower than any of the Glass Shop or Body Shop quotes that I have gotten locally.
Warranteed as long as you own or lease your car.
You can get a quote or make an appointment on-line at http://www.safelite.com
I have no affiliation with them, I am just a satisfied customer, many times over.
Jim
I've had several windshields replaced by SafeLite, they are an OEM supplyer for many makes and models. The guy that does it (same guy out of Salinas every time - very talented installer) always comes to my home or our shop and does the swap in my driveway, although I usually back the Big Rig out of the shop and give him a shaded area to work. When doing the large commercial windshields, they always send 2 techs out to handle the big glass.
I've done one of my Town Car Limos, two of our International 4300 Flatbed Tow Trucks, the owners F250, a customers VW sedan, and others.
They have done an incredible job each time, and the price has always been substantially lower than any of the Glass Shop or Body Shop quotes that I have gotten locally.
Warranteed as long as you own or lease your car.
You can get a quote or make an appointment on-line at http://www.safelite.com
I have no affiliation with them, I am just a satisfied customer, many times over.
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by tonymax2
Search the C4 forums-there was a good discussion on here somewhere a few months ago about windshield replacments. Things like cut paint causing rusted out frames, cheap/non-spec glass, etc, etc. I'd be a bit leery about $250 for this job!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,196
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I understood that much of the pilars had to be replaced.
Mine was around $1200 when the Ins company replaced it (cinder block through the windshield by vandals). They replaced the glass, all the seals, the retainers on the side, etc. It looks brand new!! No more leaks either
Mine was around $1200 when the Ins company replaced it (cinder block through the windshield by vandals). They replaced the glass, all the seals, the retainers on the side, etc. It looks brand new!! No more leaks either
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 125
From: Birmingham AL
Originally Posted by AnniversaryJim
I hope it's OK to say this here... if not, please delete this post, as I don't want to break any rules.
I've had several windshields replaced by SafeLite, they are an OEM supplyer for many makes and models. The guy that does it (same guy out of Salinas every time - very talented installer) always comes to my home or our shop and does the swap in my driveway, although I usually back the Big Rig out of the shop and give him a shaded area to work. When doing the large commercial windshields, they always send 2 techs out to handle the big glass.
I've done one of my Town Car Limos, two of our International 4300 Flatbed Tow Trucks, the owners F250, a customers VW sedan, and others.
They have done an incredible job each time, and the price has always been substantially lower than any of the Glass Shop or Body Shop quotes that I have gotten locally.
Warranteed as long as you own or lease your car.
You can get a quote or make an appointment on-line at http://www.safelite.com
I have no affiliation with them, I am just a satisfied customer, many times over.
Jim
I've had several windshields replaced by SafeLite, they are an OEM supplyer for many makes and models. The guy that does it (same guy out of Salinas every time - very talented installer) always comes to my home or our shop and does the swap in my driveway, although I usually back the Big Rig out of the shop and give him a shaded area to work. When doing the large commercial windshields, they always send 2 techs out to handle the big glass.
I've done one of my Town Car Limos, two of our International 4300 Flatbed Tow Trucks, the owners F250, a customers VW sedan, and others.
They have done an incredible job each time, and the price has always been substantially lower than any of the Glass Shop or Body Shop quotes that I have gotten locally.
Warranteed as long as you own or lease your car.
You can get a quote or make an appointment on-line at http://www.safelite.com
I have no affiliation with them, I am just a satisfied customer, many times over.
Jim
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 935
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
One job was $1100 and yours will cost less than $400,sounds like you will be doing it twice.Ive heard nothing positive about Safelite,nothing but junk.At least with the windshield stay with an OEM part.And you might want to check the frame,when I did mine last year I found some rust in the frame and I live in CA and Ive had this car since 87 and as far as I know the windshield I pulled out of it was the original.If your a masochist try doing the job yourself.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 935
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
As far as the trim goes,I had planned on replacing the trim but when I got it,$500 for the three pieces it looked so nasty I returned 2 of the pieces,I had to keep the one I opened.I repainted my originals.You can get them off without raping them but it takes some time.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 0
From: Denver CO
I'm almost sick of going over this.
1. DO NOT stand over the installer, watching his every move.
-you are being a huge A-HOLE when you do this. All it does is make the installer feel uneasy while he works. Let him concentrate on what he is doing.
2. DO NOT use Safelite. Their glassis not OEM for any car.
3. Use PPG or Pilkington galss they are OEM
4. The big prioce differences are if you replace the weatherstripping that runs up both side of the door glasses and the top of the roof. That part is 300 buck from GM and I use only GM on that part.
5. Call you chevy dealer and see who they use for Vettes.
1. DO NOT stand over the installer, watching his every move.
-you are being a huge A-HOLE when you do this. All it does is make the installer feel uneasy while he works. Let him concentrate on what he is doing.
2. DO NOT use Safelite. Their glassis not OEM for any car.
3. Use PPG or Pilkington galss they are OEM
4. The big prioce differences are if you replace the weatherstripping that runs up both side of the door glasses and the top of the roof. That part is 300 buck from GM and I use only GM on that part.
5. Call you chevy dealer and see who they use for Vettes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
I got my 85 done for $125.00
C&J Glass out of Salinas Ca. We've used this company for 15 years without a problem.
I've used them on my own cars without a leak, or a stratch, or a fit problem.
I live in a rural area and the aholes with the pellet guns cause anywhere between (last year) $300.00 and the year before that $700.00 in damages.
We simlpy couldn't afford $1,100 for a new glass every year.
C&J Glass out of Salinas Ca. We've used this company for 15 years without a problem.
I've used them on my own cars without a leak, or a stratch, or a fit problem.
I live in a rural area and the aholes with the pellet guns cause anywhere between (last year) $300.00 and the year before that $700.00 in damages.
We simlpy couldn't afford $1,100 for a new glass every year.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 12
From: New York
As I stated above, mine was replaced this past week, it cost $225, and that included tax. The glass was LOF which is what came out of the car. If somebody is paying a $1000.00, they better be replacing all the weatherstripping, and channels because that's a ridiculous price.
The installers actually didn't mind me being there as I had removed the old weatherstrip, and channels for them, because I had new pieces coming so I needed to get all the old glue out. They also didn't mind not handling the glass top.
They were pretty cool about it, and explained what they were doing, but I also stayed out of their way, especially while the old glass was being removed. I wanted to get a good look at the frame as I have heard stories about these rotting out. Mine was extremely clean, and they commented on the fact that most of the time these cars had issues.
The installers actually didn't mind me being there as I had removed the old weatherstrip, and channels for them, because I had new pieces coming so I needed to get all the old glue out. They also didn't mind not handling the glass top.
They were pretty cool about it, and explained what they were doing, but I also stayed out of their way, especially while the old glass was being removed. I wanted to get a good look at the frame as I have heard stories about these rotting out. Mine was extremely clean, and they commented on the fact that most of the time these cars had issues.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 2
From: East TN
Stay away from Safelite, I had my windshield replaced by them about a year ago and it was a disaster. I asked them numerous times about how many Vettes they have done like mine and if they knew what parts to order. Of course they didn't order all the parts needed, the molding around the windshield looked like a 4 year old replaced it, and the windshield now sticks out of the frame higher than it did before and doesn't look right. The only good thing that came out of it is that the windshield doesn't leak. I had to spend about a week fighting with my insurance company to use OEM moldings (that cost more) as other people have had leaks with aftermarket brands.
I was told to fix the way the windshield looks (sticking out, and moldings not fit right) would require removal of the windshield and ordering more parts
I was told to fix the way the windshield looks (sticking out, and moldings not fit right) would require removal of the windshield and ordering more parts