Windshield replacement for my 1998 C5
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 657
Likes: 181
From: Houma Louisiana
Windshield replacement for my 1998 C5
Those of you that have had your windshield replaced which company did you use? Were new moldings used? The reason I ask is because I need a new windshield for my 98 coupe, I called my insurance (Progressive) and they scheduled Safelite to come out. The Safelite tech calls me today and says he will not replace the windshield because he can't get new moldings. He says they are discontinued, is this true? He stated it will not seal right using the old molding so therefore he will not touch it. Called another local auto glass shop and they told me the same thing. Called a 3rd shop and they said they did them before but it's been years, still waiting for a call back. Spoke with a 4th shop and they are looking to see if they could do it. Any advice is appreciated!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: BEST Corn-Nation
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Last one I had changed they billed my insurance as if they replaced the seal. They used the old one and it seemed to seal okay. The tech kid installed the windshield tolow so I had them come back out and move the windshield up about a 1/4" because they left a gap at the top that the seal didn't and couldn't cover. Had them use a new seal that time for sure. It's been a few years now but they were able to get a new one so I can't say if they're sold out or can't get them anymore, but if the old seal is fairly pliable and not torn anywhere I'd think they'd be able to use it again. They were going to on mine.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2021
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I just had mine changed this week. You are correct that the windshield molding is unavailable. Luckily the local glass shop that did mine was able to reuse all the original moldings. I did contact Corvette Rubber and spoke with a rep that told me they were in the process of obtaining the molds for production of the windshield molding, and he hopes to have them for sale in the coming months.
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Yes, I have heard the moldings are discontinued. Hopefully the company that does the work will be careful and not damage the moldings.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 657
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From: Houma Louisiana
I just had mine changed this week. You are correct that the windshield molding is unavailable. Luckily the local glass shop that did mine was able to reuse all the original moldings. I did contact Corvette Rubber and spoke with a rep that told me they were in the process of obtaining the molds for production of the windshield molding, and he hopes to have them for sale in the coming months.
Safety Car
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 657
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From: Houma Louisiana
The good news is that I spoke with Corvette Rubber and they are getting ready to manufacture the windshield seal. Worst case scenario is I will wait until they have that part available and then get my windshield replaced.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 780
Likes: 291
From: Middleton, Id
Start melting down those rubber bands and make you a moulding lol. There are some things that would be hard to make yourself and this seems one of them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: West Virginia
My C5 will be 25 years old this summer. My expectation for "off the shelf" parts availability is basically zero. GM is not Mercedes, who will provide any part essentially for their cars for ever - at an appropriate price of course. Making one-off parts is a very expensive proposition.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
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From: Redondo Beach CA
Hopefully this challenge is eased with computer modeling, but I have heard of it costing millions before computers to get good seals when developing a car. I am told that seals are one of the problem areas that keeps kit cars sounding inferior and cheap as compared to factory cars. I would hope a silicone seal from a tube could be skillfully applied on a windshield.