Anyone DIY replace windshield?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 115
Do you want to replace it yourself because you like working on your car and learn new things or you are trying to save a few bucks?
I’ve had my windshield replaced twice in three years the last one just two days ago. I watched a very experienced glass guy replace the windshield and I can say it’s like watching a doctor perform surgery. There are a lot of things you have to take off just to get to the point of removing the windshield. Replacing the windshield can be a PITA to a novice. Just getting the correct urethane adhesive amount and consistency is no easy task although my glass guy has done so many C7s it’s second nature to him but a newbie will be very challenged to get it right the first time. Then the real magic starts, setting the window exactly in the correct location without misaligning it and not mess up the adhesive while getting the top correctly aligned with the transport top.
Given it only cost $200 in labor for the installation I would have paid twice that!
BTW, the GM HUD windshield cost $700.00.
I’ve had my windshield replaced twice in three years the last one just two days ago. I watched a very experienced glass guy replace the windshield and I can say it’s like watching a doctor perform surgery. There are a lot of things you have to take off just to get to the point of removing the windshield. Replacing the windshield can be a PITA to a novice. Just getting the correct urethane adhesive amount and consistency is no easy task although my glass guy has done so many C7s it’s second nature to him but a newbie will be very challenged to get it right the first time. Then the real magic starts, setting the window exactly in the correct location without misaligning it and not mess up the adhesive while getting the top correctly aligned with the transport top.
Given it only cost $200 in labor for the installation I would have paid twice that!
BTW, the GM HUD windshield cost $700.00.
I like to learn things when I can, obviously with a Z06/Z07, not really looking to save a few bucks as you don't buy these cars to save bucks.
I would never do anything engine wise, I'm not that talented, but body work, from what I've seen on these cars, isn't overly complicated, and with Winter coming up soon here in Wisconsin, there's lots of down time for a Corvette in the garage to practice and learn.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 607
Likes: 330
From: Fredonia Mountain, TN
I just had Safelite replace my windshield (insurance paid for it) Took them a day to get it, would not do it on-site only in their shop. first windshield they got had some minor optical flaws along an edge, they showed it to me and asked if it was ok for me to come back so they could order a new one as they didn't think I would be happy with the first one. Very upright shop.
Have you considered just finding out what they want to install your OEM windshield. Might be cheaper than buying the tools.
Have you considered just finding out what they want to install your OEM windshield. Might be cheaper than buying the tools.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 115
Thank you one and all for all the suggestions for me to have someone else install my windshield, I know and realize I could take it elsewhere, just as I could take my car to a full service gas station, have someone else pump my gas, or wash my car, etc... We have very long Winters here in Wisconsin, the car sits almost 6 months not doing anything, i.e. lots of time for me to do my own work on the car if I can learn how to. Since I will be tracking my car more often, I expect more windshield replacements in the future, I don't always want to take it somewhere else, I'd like to learn to do it myself if possible. If I try once and fail, I'll take it somewhere, but I'd like to try at least. Just as I've learned to put my own XPEL on my car, and yes I realize it's not the same as a windshield, I enjoy learning, if I don't get too frustrated.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 448
Likes: 29
From: Regina SK
That is an expensive car to have had a non-oem windshield put into as what sounded like a back yard deal and now have to fix. I'm all for doing my own work so good for you for trying to attempt this yourself. Keep this in mind: installing a windshield isn't just about having no leaks, a windshield contributes approx. 40% of cabin structural integrity and an even higher percentage in a rollover. It is a major structural component. If you do not do it right, you are seriously compromising your car. If you are going to attempt this, do your homework. This is not a common expertise.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,670
Likes: 24,663
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Do you want to replace it yourself because you like working on your car and learn new things or you are trying to save a few bucks?
I’ve had my windshield replaced twice in three years the last one just two days ago. I watched a very experienced glass guy replace the windshield and I can say it’s like watching a doctor perform surgery. There are a lot of things you have to take off just to get to the point of removing the windshield. Replacing the windshield can be a PITA to a novice. Just getting the correct urethane adhesive amount and consistency is no easy task although my glass guy has done so many C7s it’s second nature to him but a newbie will be very challenged to get it right the first time. Then the real magic starts, setting the window exactly in the correct location without misaligning it and not mess up the adhesive while getting the top correctly aligned with the transport top.
Given it only cost $200 in labor for the installation I would have paid twice that!
BTW, the GM HUD windshield cost $700.00.
I’ve had my windshield replaced twice in three years the last one just two days ago. I watched a very experienced glass guy replace the windshield and I can say it’s like watching a doctor perform surgery. There are a lot of things you have to take off just to get to the point of removing the windshield. Replacing the windshield can be a PITA to a novice. Just getting the correct urethane adhesive amount and consistency is no easy task although my glass guy has done so many C7s it’s second nature to him but a newbie will be very challenged to get it right the first time. Then the real magic starts, setting the window exactly in the correct location without misaligning it and not mess up the adhesive while getting the top correctly aligned with the transport top.
Given it only cost $200 in labor for the installation I would have paid twice that!
BTW, the GM HUD windshield cost $700.00.
Good points. I'll continue to let a pro do any windshield replacements on my cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,982
Likes: 1,039
From: Georgetown CA
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
With the tracking you are doing and the expectation of future windshields you may want to consider a protective film on it like you did for your car.
And as others have stated, consider adding that insurance. A $10p deductible plus the additional cost you tour insurance may be well worthy it.
And as others have stated, consider adding that insurance. A $10p deductible plus the additional cost you tour insurance may be well worthy it.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 115
With the tracking you are doing and the expectation of future windshields you may want to consider a protective film on it like you did for your car.
And as others have stated, consider adding that insurance. A $10p deductible plus the additional cost you tour insurance may be well worthy it.
And as others have stated, consider adding that insurance. A $10p deductible plus the additional cost you tour insurance may be well worthy it.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 115
That is an expensive car to have had a non-oem windshield put into as what sounded like a back yard deal and now have to fix. I'm all for doing my own work so good for you for trying to attempt this yourself. Keep this in mind: installing a windshield isn't just about having no leaks, a windshield contributes approx. 40% of cabin structural integrity and an even higher percentage in a rollover. It is a major structural component. If you do not do it right, you are seriously compromising your car. If you are going to attempt this, do your homework. This is not a common expertise.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
Non oem glass is used probably 80%+. Most insurance companies discourage oem due to cost. The install is the same, however the cost of the glass is significantly less and maybe available for same day replacement. GM warranty replacements are always GM glass, the GM emblem should be visible on glass. Dealer who sell 3 or more of the same part number windshield may stock it under a GM inventory program. Hopefully, it not because your the one buying 3 + per year.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 910
Likes: 430
From: MN
About 20 years I had a non-OEM windshield installed on my A4 and for some inexplicable reason the wind noise seemed to be worse afterwards; it was hard to pinpoint where the noise came from, but it seemed to be from the wind hitting the new windshield directly. There was no indication of a leak around the gaskets. Perhaps the non-OEM unit was thinner? Or had different coatings or layers? Beats me, but after that experience I decided to stick with OEM if possible.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 778
From: Indiana
I used to work for a glass factory that made windshields. At the time we made every piece of glass for full size GM trucks and SUV's plus OEM glass for several windshields. We also did 'nag; or replacement windshields.
I can tell you from memory spec allowance for nags vs OEM were quite different. Even though it would be run on the same bending fixture, it could be allowed greater spec just due to its part number. Granted, this was 30 years ago and very little was digitized then, but... An OEM windshield might be allowed 20 thou (.040 total) in either direction when placed on a QC fixture. A nag might get .040 in either direction. There was one I recall that got .080. I believe it went into the Chrysler Concorde. That windshield was huge.
I can tell you from memory spec allowance for nags vs OEM were quite different. Even though it would be run on the same bending fixture, it could be allowed greater spec just due to its part number. Granted, this was 30 years ago and very little was digitized then, but... An OEM windshield might be allowed 20 thou (.040 total) in either direction when placed on a QC fixture. A nag might get .040 in either direction. There was one I recall that got .080. I believe it went into the Chrysler Concorde. That windshield was huge.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,357
Likes: 3,253
From: Hartford WI
I used to work for a glass factory that made windshields. At the time we made every piece of glass for full size GM trucks and SUV's plus OEM glass for several windshields. We also did 'nag; or replacement windshields.
I can tell you from memory spec allowance for nags vs OEM were quite different. Even though it would be run on the same bending fixture, it could be allowed greater spec just due to its part number. Granted, this was 30 years ago and very little was digitized then, but... An OEM windshield might be allowed 20 thou (.040 total) in either direction when placed on a QC fixture. A nag might get .040 in either direction. There was one I recall that got .080. I believe it went into the Chrysler Concorde. That windshield was huge.
I can tell you from memory spec allowance for nags vs OEM were quite different. Even though it would be run on the same bending fixture, it could be allowed greater spec just due to its part number. Granted, this was 30 years ago and very little was digitized then, but... An OEM windshield might be allowed 20 thou (.040 total) in either direction when placed on a QC fixture. A nag might get .040 in either direction. There was one I recall that got .080. I believe it went into the Chrysler Concorde. That windshield was huge.
Seriously, what does the acronym stand for? IDK about now and the tolerance but I had an experience with a Safelite glass that perhaps you know the answer to. After it was installed, my rain sensor stopped working and so it was in "High" as a default. They swore that they never saw something like that and it must be the sensor. I had MB check the sensor and while they paid for it, they didn't believe me. Manager told me that he has been working for almost 20 years and there is no problem. It is the same as OEM without the 3 pointed star and price. Finally, I made a bargain with him. We get the OEM one from MB and we replace it. If it works, he will eat the cost. If it doesn't, I pay for it less install. Guess who ate it? He still doesn't believe it and swore he has never heard of something like that. You should have seen his face when the MB glass was installed and we tested the rain sensor.
Question, why was such a thing possible? Could it be that the glass tolerance wasn't the only thing that was different?
Roadster Madness. 😠
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 2,336
From: Ventura Co Ca
SoCal Regional Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '13, '20-'21
I replaced the Weatherstripping on my C4 Convertible Top. Everything, except for the strip around the windshield frame and the Window Wipe was easy. Those three items were a little stressful.
Getting the Weatherstripping removed, the adhesive spread around the Windshield Frame, and trying to situate the new Weatherstripping, was a little daunting. Remember, the temperature of the repair area also effects the time it takes to dry. A hot area will make the adhesive dry very fast!
Good luck!
Getting the Weatherstripping removed, the adhesive spread around the Windshield Frame, and trying to situate the new Weatherstripping, was a little daunting. Remember, the temperature of the repair area also effects the time it takes to dry. A hot area will make the adhesive dry very fast!
Good luck!