The time came to replace the windshield and it came at a not so good time, paying tuition for my daughters college education. I had a small star shaped ding in the glass and had it repaired 9 years ago and last month it turned into a 16'' crack. So, onto the internet, I was gagging at the prices for a HUD replacement glass( $850-1,200) and finally decided to put a non-OEM non-HUD unit in, well, it worked out great, no more pits or glare. Really happy with the mobile service tech sent, but realized upon removal that the new glass (PPG) didn't have the antenna in it, crap! Came to find out that there was no wire lead for it anyway, Hmmmm, Oh well, radio still works as it did. The best part of this was that it only costed me $ 178.00 dollars including tax, and by the way, HUD display still shows clearly, I'm stoked !! If you live in So. Cal and need a windshield and are not picky about having the OE 'AP' logo, you can't go wrong with it !! PM me for the number, I'm not sure if I can post his business phone #, hope someone lets me know if it's okay to post his # and share this. 'I can see clearly now', after putting up with that old glass for so many years !!

 

Happy to know that non-hud glass works fine. You did good!

 

So everything was reused in the new install except for the old glass? I had understood there was a significant cost other than the glass need for a windshield replacement.

 

I was too under that same impression when it came to changing out the windshield. I pre-prepped the installation by removing the side trims, wipers, cowl cover before he showed up so he didn't have to. Plus I needed to fix the leaking drip rail issue as well at the same time. I thought that there was a window rubber seal that possibly needed to be replaced depending on it's condition, but having a FRC model appears to be maybe a different issue as compared to coupes or convertibles ( not totally sure of this). The windshield does not fit into any rubber seal other than the top roof window seal strip and the glass is set entirely on a bead of urethane sealant, and mine was in good condition. The installer was going to replace that seal with a new one at no additional cost. The new seal that was going to be used though, did not have the OEM look and was slightly smaller, so I asked that the original one be re-used. Maybe somebody can chime in on model differences for windshields. I originally wanted to video the process and share it, but I didn't want to slow the guy down being that he still had several appointments after me. Still would like to post his phone number upon clarification.

 

If you still have the FRC listed in your profile, you didn't have an antenna in the windshield. Only the coupe did, not the FRC, Z06, or convertible. They all had rear fender mounted antennae.

 

Thanks 65GGvert for the update on that issue, it validates the technicians statement, he said to me that the windshield had been replaced before at one time, must have been from the first owner !!

 

I'm happy to hear about the HUD display. My windshield is pitted and hazed-up, but the cost of a HUD windshield, especially a GM HUD windshield, is insane, so I've been waffling on a replacement. Glad you mentioned the glass manufacturer, PPG. I might go the same route as you. Thanks for the tip.

 

Having done a little research on windshield glass before I pulled the trigger was understanding what you personally want. You can choose OEM (original equipment manufacturer), OEE (original equipment equivalent, Aftermarket/Safelite), or OE (original equipment,a.k.a. Dealer glass). PPG/PPW, Pilkington, or AP Tech are brands that are used world wide and most car manufacturers change glass suppliers like we change socks. What was in your 2004' car is probably not the same for a 2007', same model. It gets a little confusing, but overall most glass is the same in specifications set by car manufactures other than aftermarket, do a little "Google' research. Myself, I just had to get past the idea that my car now has a PPG logo rather than AP Tech, Oh Well !! Just get rid of your junk glass and get a new one, it's just so nice to have a clear windshield to look through, it will put a smile and new attitude on you every time you drive it. The big thrill was that my HUD display looked clear, 'slightly' smaller in it's projection image, but clear and not blurry !!

 

Damn that's a good price. I got a quote from Safelite for $1168.95 for a HUD Windshield. Granted My deductible is $500 but still....

 

With research you can find reasonable prices for replacement glass. You at least have a advantage in that your insurance carrier will pay a portion or all of the costs. Of all the insurance carriers in Calif., mine (Mercury Ins.) is the 'Only' carrier that will NOT cover any replacement costs. I'm currently looking to find a different insurance company. Good luck with your search, you will really appreciate the clear view once installed !!

P.S. Safelite is like going to a GM dealership, they will feed you a line of you have to have 'this' and 'that' in order to replace glass, not always true !! By the way, most insurers do not use the 'full deductible' for windshield replacement, it's considered a safety issue !!

 

Fate finally reared its ugly head two days ago on the way up I-29 headed for Sioux Falls Corvette rally. Anyway, caught a rock or piece of concrete on the upper right hand side of my windshield. The star shaped damage looks too extensive to attempt the "fix"

The OP's story looks like a terrific option.... anyone else tried regular (non-HUD) glass? I don't want to give up the HUD, but "clear, just a little smaller" would work for me. Mine is a 2002 convertible.

 

Sounds like the OP got a great deal on the replacement windshield and still can see the HUD clearly. Win-Win.

 

Personally no, but I've heard non HUD glass works great from other members.

 

The receipt for my '04 'vert said about that price. Luckily the insurance covered the whole thing and Satellite used a new GM windshield and weatherstripping.

Only thing is that they won't do a 'vert unless you bring it in to the shop.

 

Insurance covered mine too plus the weatherstripping!
Paid $200 to cover a $2,000 bill!