windshield replace
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Linton Indiana
windshield replace
Hi all!! Like many of you I like to do most of my own work, and sometimes I get in over my head. My question is, should I try to replace the windshield in my 85 Corvette coupe. I called a glass installer and they wanted over $500 to do this. I think I can buy a windsheld much cheaper than that. How much trouble is it? :chevy :chevy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa CA
Re: windshield replace (oldjoe)
Good Morning!
C4 windshields are big and heavy. It's really a two man job first off.
Second, it takes special tools to cut the caulking away so the old shield can be removed. You can buy those from the Eastwood Company but that's even more cash outlay. Then the new windshield has to be installed securely to avoid air and water leaks or fly out, heaven forbid. It's not an easy job that you can learn as you go, IMO.
I do almost all my own work on my car but there's 3 things I won't or can't do. A complete engine overhaul, wheel alignment and a windshield installation. And I'd even attempt leather work rather than pay the upholstery thieves who want $550 EACH to redo my seats.
$500 sounds pretty high. I'd check around a bit more. Another alternativfe is most class places will get you a real nice used windshield for cars when a new one is so expensive. I've gone that way before with other cars I've owned.
Good Luck,
BIG JIM.
C4 windshields are big and heavy. It's really a two man job first off.
Second, it takes special tools to cut the caulking away so the old shield can be removed. You can buy those from the Eastwood Company but that's even more cash outlay. Then the new windshield has to be installed securely to avoid air and water leaks or fly out, heaven forbid. It's not an easy job that you can learn as you go, IMO.
I do almost all my own work on my car but there's 3 things I won't or can't do. A complete engine overhaul, wheel alignment and a windshield installation. And I'd even attempt leather work rather than pay the upholstery thieves who want $550 EACH to redo my seats.
$500 sounds pretty high. I'd check around a bit more. Another alternativfe is most class places will get you a real nice used windshield for cars when a new one is so expensive. I've gone that way before with other cars I've owned.
Good Luck,
BIG JIM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: St Louis MO
Re: windshield replace (oldjoe)
I replaced my own windshield; I didn't think it was too bad. I used a couple of guitar strings (the wound type) and a helper to "saw" through the less accessible areas of sealant, especially around the bottom.
There is a difference in the quality of different brands, I went with a cheap one, there is a slight distortion when you look through the glass near the edges, and the actual edge of the glass is rough, like it was broken off instead of cleanly cut. I now wish I had spent a few extra bucks and got a better quality part.
There is a difference in the quality of different brands, I went with a cheap one, there is a slight distortion when you look through the glass near the edges, and the actual edge of the glass is rough, like it was broken off instead of cleanly cut. I now wish I had spent a few extra bucks and got a better quality part.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
From: Toronto ONTARIO
Re: windshield replace (Klamath Stoogie)
Anyone know how heavy the windshield is? Im considering a lexan one. it would save some weight off the front end. I only drive my car on weekends in good weather so it shudnt be a problem. thoughts?
:cheers:
:cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: St Louis MO
Re: windshield replace (Klamath Stoogie)
BTW, I bought one of the "specialized tools" from a body supply store and had no luck with it. A hacksaw blade and the aforementioned guitar strings worked much better for me. Expect to break a bunch of strings if you try that method.
[Modified by Klamath Stoogie, 4:24 PM 6/8/2003]
[Modified by Klamath Stoogie, 4:24 PM 6/8/2003]
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Re: windshield replace (DieL)
I don't think that Lexan would be DOT approved so if you care about legality then you might want to check into it. Maybe in the DMV handbook for your state. Also, the Lexan would scratch a lot easier than glass and after a while it might be difficult to see through. On the other hand, I'm sure it would be lighter.......but if your car isn't on a diet due to racing concerns then I'm not sure what the advantage would be to use Lexan instead of glass. IMHO
:cheers:
:cheers:
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa CA
Re: windshield replace (oldjoe)
Yes, scratching will be a prob with Lexan. Lexan is a polycarbonate which is VERY easily ruined with lacquer thinner, acetone, M.E.K. or other strong solvents. And you have that Gov. Approval thing.
BIG JIM
BIG JIM
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 871
Likes: 1
From: Westland MI.
Re: windshield replace (oldjoe)
If your insurance company won't cover it, I would still lay out the money to have it replaced. I just had mine redone this past month and while it's not hard, if something goes wrong the installer will make it right. A big chunk of glass like that just wants to break.
Also, add up all the cost+time and your almost to the cost of having it done.
Also, add up all the cost+time and your almost to the cost of having it done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: Chandler AZ
Re: windshield replace (BIG JIM 54)
Besides a huge weight savings and CG lowering, there are 2 more good reason for Lexan:
1) impact resistance- when a piece (or wheel) off another car is flying at you it won't penetrate the windshield.
2) chip resistance- I get my windshield dinged almost every weekend I go roadracing. The slicks just throw up every little pebble on the track.
Percy's sells a coated polycarbonate version that is chemical resistant and can't be scratched by rubbing with steel wool. Highly recommended by 4x4 off roaders who have the same trouble with cracking glass:
http://www.percyshp.com/speedracwin.html
1) impact resistance- when a piece (or wheel) off another car is flying at you it won't penetrate the windshield.
2) chip resistance- I get my windshield dinged almost every weekend I go roadracing. The slicks just throw up every little pebble on the track.
Percy's sells a coated polycarbonate version that is chemical resistant and can't be scratched by rubbing with steel wool. Highly recommended by 4x4 off roaders who have the same trouble with cracking glass:
http://www.percyshp.com/speedracwin.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
Re: windshield replace (oldjoe)
Out here in Sacramento, CA most glass installers will waive your deductible up to $250.00 and one will waive up to $500.00, so it could end up costing you no out of pocket money.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Linton Indiana
Re: windshield replace (Rick86)
Thanks for all the input, guys, I'm still not sure I'll install it myself. If I do I'll let you know how it turned out!! Take care ....Joe :chevy :chevy
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 1
From: New Albany IN
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'06-'08-'09
Re: windshield replace (oldjoe)
IMO....do it yourself if you like the challenge and it's not your everyday driver. Just remember to leave the windows down when you let it dry overnight....the pressure inside the car may cause it to "push out".
Everyone I talked to told me not to attempt to rebuild my own tranny...but I wanted a challenge...and it's 2000 miles strong still...if you want to try it...do it...
Everyone I talked to told me not to attempt to rebuild my own tranny...but I wanted a challenge...and it's 2000 miles strong still...if you want to try it...do it...
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: tigard oregon
Re: windshield replace (DieL)
please don't run a lexan windshield on the street, for your safety and mine. the weight savings are not worth the advantages of the safety glass in an accident!!! :nonod:
