I called several glass shops regarding my cracked windshield. Average replacement is @ $225 but they are also adding what's called an "inner frame seal" for and additional $250. I looked in my FSM and it says the glass is attached to the pinch weld frame. So I'm assuming that the install is similar to many other installs. However, I did notice that the winshield frame outer seal must be removed. When I painted my car I replaced this seal and indeed it seems that if the existing one is rotted then the installer would simply rip it out and replace it. Is this the item the glass shops are referring to? If so, mine is in perfect condition and I'm positive I can remove it without damaging it. I installed it so I could easily remove it because I knew I would probably replace the windshield eventually. That time is now. Thanks in advance.

 

That sounds like the seal and those numbers are about what is cost me to have windshield & seal replaced last year.

You need to have a discussion with the potential installer and explain the situation to get his feedback. Maybe he will cut you some slack if his guys take the time to save the almost new seal that you put in.

 

Thanks for the quick response. I can remove and install it myself however I'm not sure if the glass shop would let me. One, they might tell me it needs to be installed to hold the glass in place while it's curing. Two, maybe they're just going to scam me to get more money saying it has to be replaced. I have been working on Corvettes for over 20 yrs. I've done all my own engine, trans, mechanical, electrical, body and paint. I'm very protective of my cars and have very high expectations of others working on my car. Unfortunately, few have met my expectations. I'm going to take it to the glass shop and hopefully they can replace the glass without the additional seal. If I remove it and install it I see no difference in whether it helps or hinders the install. The seal only seals the door glass and the roof. It seems that with your install the seal in question is the same one I'm referring to. Thanks again.

 

It is non of my business, but why not involve your insurance company under your comprehensive coverage ($100 deductible?)? Plus, you will have warranty protection for leaks, etc.

 

I'm not sure whether there were changes to the windshield and
its hardware between your '85 and my '89 but here is a list of
the parts that I replaced when mine was done. I think I posted
these numbers before - if there is a variance it is because I am
converting at what I recall was the exch rate at the time and I
might be using a slightly different factor.

These prices should reflect trade price at a local GM dealer,
Superior Chev and others may discount more aggressively.

1 pc - pn# 10236368 SEAL W/S___24
1 pc - pn# 14049243 RET ASSM___39
1 pc - pn# 14049244 RET ASSM___39
1 pc - pn# 10268887 W/S RF/LI__316
1 pc - pn# 14049033 MLDG_____209
1 pc - pn# 14049031 MLDG_____150
1 pc - pn# 14049032 MLDG_____150

Oh, glass and installation is extra.

You might be able to reuse the seals but then
you run the risk of leaks. Getting the trim off
from the perimeter without kinking it might be possible
the first time but installers apparently use so much
sealant that this becomes nigh impossible on subsequent
replacements.

Here, I found the thread I participated in before

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=528142

Until I looked at it just now, I had forgotten a suggestion I made
at the time. if you want to check out another resource with how-to
information for replacing windshields, have a look at "Corvette
Water Leak and Wind Noise Solutions" by Michael Davis.






[Modified by Slalom4me, 11:22 PM 7/4/2003]

 

I can think of several good reasons why NOT to do this. One of which is
that I am not interested in subsidizing YOUR new windshield through
increases in MY premiums.

You want to play? Then you ought to pay... Insurance is high enough
already, thanks.



[Modified by Slalom4me, 11:36 PM 7/4/2003]

 

When I painted my car I replaced every seal on the car. I recall installing each piece and what a pain some of it was. I'm always trying to save a few $$s when working on my car. If I can re-use my old seals since they are in perfect condition I'm sure going to try. I dropped my Comp and Collision on the car years ago since the value kept dropping. I wouldn't be surprised that if I totaled it the insurance company would consider $3500 a settlement. My car is in excellent condition and am proud to drive it. It really looks like new in and out. So now I'm stuck paying for this windshield so I'm trying to figure out why the glass shop wants so much to fix it. I've been told and am sure you've been told it's because it says "Corvette". But some things are no different between cars and I think the windshield is no exception. Thanks for all the support and replies. This forum is great. Next week I'll find out what's going on and follow up. Any replies are appreciated.

 

I think because of the 'cross-over' in rising car complexity and the
anti-car sentiment of a decade or two ago, declining numbers of
people had any interest in developing the all-round skills necessary
to maintain these cars and so C4s may not have benefited from
owners such as yourself the way that earlier generations of 'Vettes have.

Now that the skills with FI and the rest of the electronics are becoming
wide-spread amongst the older set and younger people are venturing
their hand at mechanical and even body work again, teh newer cars
are getting shadetree TLC just like in the old days. Corvette or Ricer,
anything that prompts people to grab some wrenches (or their laptop!)
and start tweaking is going to be good for the future of my favorite
hobby.

I haven't done this myself, but there are appraisers who specialize in
muscle cars, hot rods, collectibles and so on. There are insurers who do
the same. If you have your car appraised and insure it appropriately
with a company that handles these kinds of policies, you will be covered
in the event that something bad occurs. Email me if you want me to look
back for some articles that have been published on insurance & appraisals
in enthusiast magazines. If you get a copy of Hemmings, there are going
to be advertisements about these services there.

 

-Mr. Renoman,

If you have done all that for the last 20 years, you sound capable of installing your own windshield as well. You might consider that as an option. I have had 3 C4's in the last 20 years and do most of my own work. However, I think installing a windshield is something I'd leave to the professionals so I understand if you don't want to entertain that alternative. But in the last 20 years of working on Corvette's (not as a living) I've made some valuable connections and would never pay full-retail or walk in cold to a glass shop. You are obviously worried about being ripped off and rightfully so.

I would bet if you think about it, you know somebody, who knows somebody that can help you out either by giving you a good price or alleviating your concerns about wasting your money. Sorry but I have nothing further to help you.

FWIW,

BIG JIM


[Modified by BIG JIM 54, 6:16 AM 7/5/2003]

 

Hi Slalom,

FYI, insurance rates are raised by outlandish law suite settlements and a poor driving record, not by a person filing a claim for a possibly justifiable, cracked windshield.

Like you should have said, if you're gonna play Corvettes, be aware of what you're really paying for.

BIG JIM

 

Yep, no arguement. But who is it that endorses these settlements and
seems to think that insurance is paid out from some bottomless pot of gold.
And what about the claimants. Answer - people like our friends and
neighbors, they're all around us.

I don't have an issue with legitimate claims, that is what we buy insurance
for. I'm just reacting here because I am reminded of shady things people
I know have pulled when it comes to insurance. Big settlement for a
so-called whiplash injury or a fraudulent claim for stolen custom wheels
(time to upgrade) - it all adds up.

On reflection, the post above is not advocating any funny business. "The
'shield is cracked, if you have the coverage then use it" is the message.
No problem with that. Dropping a ballpeen hammer on one that is pitted
(but otherwise intact) and then claiming that you collected a rock is another
matter - insurance is not for replacing maintenance items.

I still feel it isn't limited to Corvettes. The opportunists out there are
going to prey on us regardless of whether we're in a Celebrity, an X5
or a Ferrari. What you say about being "aware of what you're really
paying for" is the key no matter what you own.



[Modified by Slalom4me, 9:46 AM 7/5/2003]