Windshield randomly cracked. WTF!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 2
From: Kathleen FL
Windshield randomly cracked. WTF!
I was driving the Vette home from a friend's house through the back roads as usual. Then there was this black Ford Ranger that popped out of the middle of nowhere with no tail lights on and suddenly saw him right when I got near. He was towing a big trailer and doing like 30 mph in a 60 zone and I slammed my brakes as hard as I can and almost lost control but saved it. Now a huge crack from the pillar to the bottom suddenly became visible. So how the hell could this have happened? Any of you ever have this happen before?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 4
From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Was the top on the car? I guess when you hit the brakes, you twisted the body enough to crack the windsheild. I cannot say I have ever heard of something like that happening.
Sure a rock did not fly up and hit your windsheild? You may not have noticed, as you were pretty busy at the time.
Sure a rock did not fly up and hit your windsheild? You may not have noticed, as you were pretty busy at the time.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,381
Likes: 2,735
You want to make sure the "installer" is more than "JUST FAMILIAR" with a C4 windshield install. He "needs" to be experienced" or you need to make arrangements for another. This is "NOT" an in your "driveway" install. You should likely need "several" additional parts to go with the windshield.
You will likely need 5 moldings nearly $700 @ retail, 1 weatherstrip $330 @ retail, 1 seal to dash @30 and a "skilled" installer!
You will likely need 5 moldings nearly $700 @ retail, 1 weatherstrip $330 @ retail, 1 seal to dash @30 and a "skilled" installer!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 2
From: Kathleen FL
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,381
Likes: 2,735
The weatherstrip and the seal to dash are a "MUST"! I believe the moldings are a "MUST" also! You want to make sure before someone starts the job. Anyone short of a "skilled" installer could ruin even "new parts". Just ask reasonable questions!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: North Franklin CT
windshield replacement
Just had mine replaced today. Mine was covered under insurance, at no cost, but they wouldn't replace the moldings. If I went that route, it would go under a comprehensive claim, thus the insurance goes up. It did cover a new weatherstrip that went around the perimeter (door glass edges and top) though.
I did some research first and heard about the horror stories some of the forum members have encountered. My insurance company recommended a few shops (but I could use anyone I wanted). I called a few shops to get some insight as to wether they have done work on Corvettes and also the quality of their glass. I was very comfortable with the guys I used up in my area. They were able to save the moldings with no problem. They also cleaned and primed a couple area's that had showed surface rust.
Definitely recommend using someone that is knowledgeable and have done Corvettes (not just trained on them). Another forum member recommended I contact a local Corvette Club. They probably have some insight to good shops.
Good Luck...
I did some research first and heard about the horror stories some of the forum members have encountered. My insurance company recommended a few shops (but I could use anyone I wanted). I called a few shops to get some insight as to wether they have done work on Corvettes and also the quality of their glass. I was very comfortable with the guys I used up in my area. They were able to save the moldings with no problem. They also cleaned and primed a couple area's that had showed surface rust.
Definitely recommend using someone that is knowledgeable and have done Corvettes (not just trained on them). Another forum member recommended I contact a local Corvette Club. They probably have some insight to good shops.
Good Luck...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 2
From: Kathleen FL
Got the windshield replaced and kept a scrupulous eye on the installer. He did a great job and needed no guidance as I was expecting. All my moldings and seals were in great condition so we just reused them. Glad to know this was all paid for by the insurance!
