Windshield
 

The delam has reached a point on my windshield that I want to change it. I know I will not get a NOS or replica, so I am looking at a standard C4 windshield. Safelite will install a new windshield with molding for around $350. I hav'nt priced one through the chevy dealer as yet. Anyone out there have any suggestions?

Thanks

John

Re: Windshield
 

Marc uses Safelite, and I followed his recommendation. But, I purchased my own rubber, and I ended up re-using the subframe OE; the ones they had provided were not correct (for some reason).

I went to their shop as they had a guy there familiar with the C4 windshield replacement. Took about an hour or so. and I'm very happy with the glass.

Re: Windshield
 

Safelite pay myself quick quote was $314.95. Includes all moldings and install in-store.

Paul, what was your source for the molding?

Thanks

John

Re: Windshield
 

I got it at Corvette Rubber. However, I'd suggest, instead you check with someone that has used .Wilcox as CR is slow to respond (customer service was horrible). Marc might have a good idea too.

Re: Windshield
 

I would do local calls looking for "experienced installer" speak to the installer and make a decision on the install/vendor based on that conversation. The "branding" of the glass I would think is second to the experience of the installer.

The mention of Safelite satisfaction doesn't speak for what you might experience in your own area.

I believe when you use the "quick quote" it's likely an assumed install with just a generic molding used in most applications.

I'd just price using maybe the NAGS DW1075GBN or DW1112GBN and seeing what's offered. LOF/PPG or what in branding. I believe that Safelite uses glass done only to their minimum specs and I wouldn't be surprised if it was all "offshore" sourced. That doesn't mean that LOF/PPG or whatever isn't but I believe it worth asking. The DW1075GBN is the most frequently used and the other was a '91 - '96 NAGS

Re: Windshield
 

Thanks for the info.

I have had Safelite install windshields in several cars and my Grand Cherokee to my satisfaction. I agree that the quick quote is probably lowball.

One thing I am concerned about is the tinting. Is there a windshield that will provide heat protection similar to the original.

Re: Windshield
 

This ain't your Cherokee or the other cars, this is a C4 Corvette and the "installer" makes or breaks the deal. I imagine double the quoted price minimum to correct the damage an inexperienced installer could inflict.

Most all windshields presently are "shaded" and noted in the windshield "bug" and that's another reason to be concerned about the source of the glass. You can sit off-shore glass side by side to the known branded product and see the differences.

Re: Windshield
 

So, has anyone from here had a bad install from Safelite? I understand issues regarding a bad install, but I havn't heard any negative remarks about Safelite either. I imagine they stand behind their work.

Has anyone heard of "Technaglass" or "Superior"?

Re: Windshield
 

I have read about distortion issues with Safelite glass but can't speak from experience. Years ago I did all the removal,cleanup on the WS frame and had I think Safelite come out and install meaning lay down the urethane sealer and drop the WS in the frame and I paid $125. I requested a LOF part and got a Pilkington which I was told by Safelite was a LOF part. The original trim can be reused but it takes care in getting it off the car. One benefit of using the original trim is the holes for the trim are drilled in the WS frame at the time the trim is attached meaning different trim holes won't line up. Anybody want to venture a guess as to what the 3 pieces of trim cost when you could still buy it? Try between $700-900 for the set. I've done this if anybody needs some tips.

Re: Windshield
 

Except for bolt-ons, my ZR-1 looks like a new car. It's hard to believe the difference new glass makes, even to a ZR-1 that was in like new condition to begin with. When my car was last at Marc's he had Safelite install a new windshield. It not only looks great but I notice no distortion in the glass or difference in the performance of AC cooling. I was and continue to be very pleased.

Re: Windshield
 

Thank you all for your input. I've talked to and done business with Marc in the past, and if he endorses it, I believe it to be good!

Thanks again,

John

Re: Windshield
 

What is the "branding" of your glass? I understand it was installed by Safelite but doesn't assure the branding. They actually might use something other than theirs as just a matter of economics and satisfaction. They might use different branding in different sections of the country. I believe branding is a matter of convenience, maybe a request or simply logistics.

Re: Windshield
 

Whoever winds up installing my new windshield, I will be sure to check branding.

Thanks,

John

Re: Windshield
 

Just an FYI, my wife's 88 C4 has an LOF windshield (all 4 pieces of glass, guessing it's OE) and it has some of the worst distortion I've ever seen in automotive glass. It's been in there since she bought the car in 1989, and no reason to believe it's been changed.

So I think for a car that's a "keeper", I'd want to see and approve any WS before install...

Did get a Pilkington in my ol' beater Lincoln, it was fine.
- Jeff

Re: Windshield
 

Being on hand when it is installed would prevent a WS having distortions in it, I would think. Anyway... Mine - all 3 of them, including the one in the Z are beautiful; distortion free (far as I can tell).

And, talk about distortion...to be completely rid of that delamination is a real plus. (Ya might be surprised at how much is hidden behind the A pillar and the delamination combination until the delam is gone!:thumbsup:)

Re: Windshield
 

Since the purpose of the tint was to reduce heat in the cabin my question to you guys that have gone to the standard C4 windshield is...can you tell a difference? Does your A/C keep up ok on hot days?

Re: Windshield
 

Just got off the phone with Safelite. $314.95 inslalled, less tax, includes molding. Safelite stated that they get the molding directly from the dealer and they guarantee everything. The glass is made in the USA by them. Also stated that all their new glass is "Solar" and has good protection from the sun/heat.

Re: Windshield
 

I would be ready with "stuff" to R&R the sub molding strips, in case the ones they provide aren't quite right...speaking from experience.

(Oh, and if you DO end up R&R'ing those pieces and reusing them, they will credit you the cost for the new ones, as I recall. Because I provided the rubber amd restored the sub molding pieces, my bill was about $250 installed with tax, IIRC.)

Re: Windshield
 

John, The original ZR-1 glass was made by Pilkington. I would suggest talking with the sales rep and asking if they can get Pilkington glass. You wont get the radar cutout, but you will get the correct glass.

Re: Windshield
 

Thanks. I have scheduled the install for next tuesday. I will call them tomorrow and inquire regarding Pilkington glass.

I am still trying to figure out what Paul means by "stuff". How about it Paul? By "R&R" do you mean "remove & replace" or "remove & restore"? By "sub moulding are you referring to "moulding garnish" as discribed in the FSM?

Thanks,

John

Re: Windshield
 

From what I understand the molding and the weather striping was discontinued years ago. The longest piece of the 3 pieces of trim, the one piece cost almost $300 when you could buy it. An NOS weather strip will cost $400 if you can find one. Where exactly are they getting the trim?I don't think Safelites getting anything from an OEM dealer.This should be interesting to say the least.

Re: Windshield
 

Cleaning stuff...to remove the old adhesive or rubber, etc from the various strips and pieces (you'll see) - to make it ready to reinstall and receive the seal and caulk, etc. (I had some 3M Adhesive Remover, wire brushes, scrapers, etc. with me and used them all to "R&R" the metal strips for reassembly.):)

Re: Windshield
 

I am planning to replace the windshield weatherstrip while I am at it. Checked Eckler's, $150 for the Made in USA rubber. Any comments?

John

Re: Windshield
 

Safelite installed the new windshield (DW1112) yesterday. Reused the moldings, no problem. Installed new weatherstrip from Safelite, fit great! Also, saved the old windshield (undamaged) for posterity! Job took 3 hrs and the tech was very neat. Total cost was $305! Windshield has "Solar Tint" for UV resistance. Only downside was Windshield was "Made in u guessed it". But what isn't these days! Looks great and havn't discovered any distortion.

John

Re: Windshield
 

I'd like to see it. Were you driving up U.S.-95 last week? I saw a red '90 on the road.
Ted

Re: Windshield
 

That wasn't me. !0 years ago there were around 15 ZR-1's in the Vegas area that I could account for. I don't know the current number.

I would be happy to show you anytime. I live near the 215 and Trop. (southwest).

Re: Windshield
 

Did you provide your own windshield or buy a windshield from Safelite?
What rubber did you purchase and what was the source?
What is the subframe OE......is this the molding John mentions that he reused?

Does Marc have Safelite install windshields he obtains from other sources?

Re: Windshield
 

on my to-do list for sure. A new windshield makes a massive difference. its the pitting/age that concerns me more than the delam because it makes the car look and feel brand new... Ok the delam sucks too but I definitely need one.

Anyone know of any experienced C4 glass installers around Buffalo/NY or Michigan near Detroit?

Re: Windshield
 

I have no had any issues yet on my 93' C4 regarding de-lamination but if I did, I would have someone do it for me. What a mess it would be for the DIY guy.

Re: Windshield
 

Hello John,

Thanks for sharing your experience. I need to do mine too and wondering if you found that there is no such thing as a "US" made windshield replacement for our cars? As much as I want to keep original, it really takes away from the car with the condition of the windshield and being asked what is wrong with it.

Re: Windshield
 

This Phoenix based glass shop summarizes the windshield choices and branding pretty well. If you research the brands that they mention you will have covered "most" of the quality replacement product out there.

Some shops have a contractual purchasing agreement and they install "what's shipped" - it's certainly suggested to shop this effort first.

http://www.bluechipglass.com/Not-all...ted-Equal.html

I have absolutely no knowledge regarding this facility but they explain it in a very short and direct fashion. I don't believe they leave anything unanswered regarding "branding". I've driven cars with lesser product and seen the issues, which is generally most noticed in night time driving, sometimes in only night time driving and an "onsite" replacement for my last truck windshield when quizzed as to brand they told me straight out "what's shipped", I declined and then was offered choices rather than me calling my insurance company and requesting a different vendor.

Pilkington has now I believe product that's not domestic production but it's said to be of no lesser quality.

Re: Windshield
 

Probably best for another thread but anyone know about or use a polycarbonate windshield ? Wondering how much weight savings there would be

Re: Windshield
 

Hi Craig. As I recall, all the places around here that I checked, were made outside the U.S. The one I got from Safelite was made in China, but appears good quality, has all the DOT approved markings and looks great on the car! Vision is great also as is the tint.
I took it on a trip in July in the desert heat with no problems.

John

Re: Windshield
 

Thanks. Good info and I wish there was a shop like this in the local area.


Mike, I came across a website last night when poking around for info and saw a company that sells polycarbonate for our cars. It sounds like for race cars only and they had different thickness, but it mentioned trim to fit. I guess not safety glass so not sure it can be ran on the street.

Thanks John. I suppose the quality control is there and outsourcing seems difficult to get away from these days. How can the US compete? I try to buy American made if possible so was asking and I guess no choice. It appears Pilkington's parent company is even owned by Nippon Sheet Glass from Japan.

Re: Windshield
 

The windshield has applications for cars that are 20+ years old minimum and where do you think the sourcing is ultimately going to end up. It's very simple for the manufacturers, look at previous 2 years sales and base production (quality and quantity) based on that. I seriously doubt anyone's "first line" production is doing the windshields.

Is there quality "classic glass" out there? Quite likely BUT who's willing to pay the price? The guy looking for a glass that the vendor will "date code" appropriately maybe but for just the everyday driver guy? Likely not.

Re: Windshield
 

Sorry it took so long to respond, Cliff.:o

Windshield provided by Safelite - a non-ZR-1

I bought the rubber from Corvette Rubber, per Robert DeMarco's suggestion.

Yes, the metal strips/moldings.

Safelite was ready to supply their own rubber and molding strips. The rubber was very hard, and the molding strips didn't fit right at all; the reason I cleaned the old ones up and reinstalled them.

Its been over a year now since it was installed. And, FWIW, I have since been through one of the worst rain downpours I've ever driven through - plus several other heavy rains too: No runs! No drips! No errors! (read: distortion) (as they say).

I like it...a lot!. No, it isn't a ZR-1 glass. But, the tinting is very nice and it has that 3 or maybe 4-inch darker tint region across the top edge to block sun. After looking through the delamination for 4 years (talk about distortion?), my undistorted view is a welcome sight!

Re: Windshield
 

Too bad we couldn't get Chevrolet or the General to replace these for us a safety hazard. My memory is foggy from over 10 years ago, but I remember a bunch of folks trying to write letters and calling Chevrolet to file complaints of this defect that should have been taken care of by Chevrolet. Not enough of us did or had issues to warrant it I guess. Some kind of class action suit would have been good.

Re: Windshield
 

Class action is not the correct legal term here.

It would have been a GLASS action. :-D

Re: Windshield
 

Yes! Let's do a Glass Action Lawsuit....sounds good to me. :fahne:

Re: Windshield
 

Well, after calling around 7 shops in the local area and looking at Yelp reviews, etc. I settled on checking out 2 in person. It was amazing to see how many have no clue about our windshield or the molding, etc. Price range was from $345 to $482 and brands were PPG, PGW, or XWG. One guy is very detailed and did research and called all over the country trying to find the best quality replacement. He said he found the actual part number available across the US and was going to have an in person inspection done by a partner company...so we'll see. I told him I doubt if it is the actual ZR-1 solar windshield and if so it might also be delaminated. In the end, I chickened out. I was supposed to take the car to show them the trim, get a feel for the shop/technician in person, etc. this AM. So I move my Lightning out of the way and uncover the Z. Then it dawned on me that this could turn into a nightmare looking at how pristine this car is. My delamination is not so bad (not like my 90) and just not worth the risk. I guess I am willing to keep the car original and look at a little delamination for awhile. Now if I get a stone or something while touring then so be it and meant to be. Thanks for all the info and considerations posted here for the future. :cheers: