Safelite is coming to replace my 94 convertible windshield Friday. I would like this to turn out to be a pleasant experience. Any advice from anyone who's had this done recently? It has about a 4" crack along the bottom just above the bottom tint area from a rock or some other object.

 

Quiz the installing company before the install and make sure the installer is experienced with C4 Corvettes and that the install will include a new weatherstrip with the GM being the preffered! You don't want to be the installers first "victim" in this case. Ask questions Wednesday - don't wait for the day of the install. There's every reason to be concerned! You need an experienced C4 installer.

There should be experienced installers in your area for sure! Safelite is a national chain and might be a little short on the "experience" with older windshield installs.

 

Is it the weatherstrip across the bottom near the dash that is the concern? It looks a little cracked already. Or are you saying it needs to be replaced all around?

 

The complete surround across the header and down both pillars! The molding removal requires substantial patience. It's not a "drive-by" install for sure. If it was scheduled for an "onsite" install there's cause for concern. It needs to be in your garage/shop or theirs.

 

I was going to get a new ws put in my 64 Impala SS. I called and talked to the boss telling him I wanted a guy with experience in old cars. He said no problem. Here comes an 18 year old kid and his first question was What kind of car is that? I sent him back home.

 

Take it to a shop that is experienced in Corvette windshield replacement and don't settle for cheap aftermarket weatherstrip.

 

Also, make sure they are carefull not to damage the metal trim.

 

Yes, if the installer is "Careful" the bottom foam weatherstrip can be cut from the windshield and reused.

Windshield replacement is not very difficult but, does take time and patience.

Here's the procedure, I used.


1) Remove Targa Top.

2) Remove the weatherstrip from the metal channels and also, remove the two plastic "A" pillar pieces and top center header piece inside the cabin. The rearview mirror might also, have to be removed.

3) Unscrew and remove the three weatherstrip metal channels away from the edge of the windshield glass, (being careful not to bend them).

4) Cut the windshield out of the frame being careful not to cut the bottom foam piece unless a replacement is going to be installed.

5) Cut the old windshield adhesive down as much as you can to get a level surface and also, check for any rust on the frame. Install new bottom Foam Seal (if needed).

6) Test fit the new windshield making sure everything lines up correctly before laying down the adhesive.

7) After installing the new windshield, reinstall the metal weatherstrip channels making sure too use Silicone underneath along the entire length, (very important or leaks will develop).

8) Reinstall new weatherstrip and replace Targa top. Check for any leaks.


That's it! Total time should take around 4-5 hours.

 

Hey - You seem to imply that the seal at the windshield base is the "concern" but then in step (8) mention weatherstrips "plural". The install requires MORE than just the lower seal. Your procedure seems to indicate that but your first comment to the OP is the reuse of the lower and it's the only concern. Clarify please that it requires the header and pillar weatherstrip mentioned earlier by everyone.

Yes a quality install saving moldngs and proper preparation should be maybe 4 - 6 hours.

 

safelite just waisted my time. I told them I wanted them to come and replace my windsheild and they needed all materials I had none....


the day of my appointment they guy calls and says do you have all of the weather stripping ready for me? Aaaaaa dude I told your people you were to provide that well I cant do that you need to buy the parts then call back.

I went with another local shop that did it that day! for 1/3 the price

 

Sorry, the Top weatherstrip is actually One piece which covers both the "A" pillars and Top. I described it as three pieces. I'll edit my post.

The windshield weatherstrip can be reused if it's in good shape and is not siliconed down in the channels. It should just peel right out of the channels.

So, all you'll need is the Bottom Foam seal and the windshield weatherstrip if the originals are bad.

I didn't need either because my weatherstrip was good and I carefully cut the bottom foam seal away from the windshield glass and reused it.

I would order the weatherstrip and bottom seal beforehand because you don't know what kind of weatherstrip Safelite will use and it might not be of good quality. I would also, ask a Quality Body shop if they can do the windshield replacement because I don't trust any mobile glass company.

 

I'm convinced. I cancelled Safelite and spoke with a local glass replacement shop that does a lot of Corvettes. He quoted $1600 if everything had to be replaced. Mine is a low mile garaged car and the strip looks in great shape to me, but I'm not going to use a generic business to replace it. I'd rather look at the crack.

 

wow that is a ton of money.


the guy who ended up doing the work only charged me $80 after I got a new windsheild for $50 and weather stripping myself.

 

Safelite quote was $400. Corvette guy told me the old weatherstip would leak if not replaced once pulled off. Also the moulding would probably be wavy once removed.

 

The metal trim will only be wavy if its pulled or pryed off negligently.
Any experienced person with common sense can do the job with no problems.

 

My 90 coupe was to have the windshield changed this tuesday past for a long horizontal crack along the bottom,that morning Safelite called and said it takes two techs to change out a vette windshield and they could not come out that day due to manpower shortage. This upset
me, cause i had taken the day off and also had the car disassembled
down to the windshield. I cancelled them and found a local shop
with Vette experiance they told me that safelite dont use a good qualitiy
glass, The shop is replacing windshield and installing my new willcox
weather strip for $300. adjusting targa top and water leak check included.

 

I took my 92 to the local Safelite shop to see if they could fix a small chip in the windshield. They said that the chip could not be fixed and started to add up the price to replace it. I stopped them when the hit $850.00 to do it. I will check around.

 

I paid a $100 comprehensive deductible and my car insurance paid the remaining $700.