Question on windshield install
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta Georgia
Question on windshield install
I called reputable Corvette dealership and they referred me to a company that does all their cars. They say it will not need new molding which bothers me because almost every post I searched I'm this forum is saying molding should be done along with install.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 204
From: Calabash, NC
My understanding is that the molding can be damaged if not removed properly thereby requiring replacement. I you have someone that knows what they are doing there should be no need to change it.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Damage is always a possibility, so in the event that a piece of molding is damaged, the installer should have the appropriate moldings to fix the repair. It should be in writing that a complete repair includes not only the windshield itself but any moldings that are damaged and would be replaced before final acceptance.
I would have that typed up and have them sign it and date it before I would let them touch my car.
I would have that typed up and have them sign it and date it before I would let them touch my car.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,499
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
Just replaced my windshield with Nelson Glass dealer from Safelight . . . the guy was very considerate and carful - - reused the existing trim with no problem and no damage.
Guess it depends on condition of trim and how careful the installer can be . . .
Guess it depends on condition of trim and how careful the installer can be . . .
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Yeah I just had my windshield replaced - German company - the guy had 20 years experience and was really careful taking the moldings off. Nonetheless, I don't see how it would be possible to get everything apart without damaging them. The molding support rails ended up getting bent a little since everything had to be pried apart and the molding on the passenger side already had a crack so it didn't survive the removal well. Anyway, there was a lot of adhesive and something like a thin foam seal on the rail - all of which was ripped apart and he didn't put any new adhesive or sealing strips back on. I didn't care since I was tired after 4 hours of watching him work. So I am going to order new rails and reveal moldings, caulk strips and adhesive and do everything myself to make sure it doesn't leak, which Im sure it would right now if it were left out in the rain.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I have had 4 windshields replaced in the last few years, two in my truck, one was in my C3 Corvette and one in my wife's car. Never had a problem with any damage. Just make sure it's a reputable company and tell them it's a Corvette so they send their most experienced technician. It is what they do so they should know what they're doing.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
I had the windshield replaced on my '98 two years ago. I also replaced the molding because I figured my car was 14+ years old at the time. If memory serves me correct, the molding was more than the windshield. 
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta Georgia
I just called the insurance company they say the windshield is 1084 and the molding is 600. This is such an awful way to start my year just because some one decided to be an *** and shoot a bb gun in the air.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta Georgia
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
It took him the better part of a day to do it. I decided to replace the windshield and moldings because they were old. My son worked for Chevrolet at the time, so I got a discount on the moldings.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,039
Likes: 2,592
From: Del Boca Vista FL
Had the windshield replaced on my 2000 convertible about two years ago by Safelite in Chesapeake, VA. Their Corvette guy said it was hit or miss on the moldings being reusable. Sometimes they come off clean and can be reused and sometimes they come off clean but the foam is destroyed and the moldings have to be replaced. They stock replacement moldings at their site. This location will not replace a Corvette windshield in the field. Only at the shop and they only had one Corvette guy. When he leaves/retires/dies they will have to find a new one. My experience with them was great. Replaced a HUD windshield and gave me the insurance company price as the windshield was less than my deductible.