Frustration with longhood windshield replacement

[Sunroof]

I am in the process of restoring the interior on my 1973.5T/sunroof coupe. Since the glass has to be removed to replace the headliner, this would be a good time to replace the front windshield (tinted). My 40+ year old glass is pitted and old.

What a pain!!
This is not a concours car, just a beautiful well sorted Porsche 911T. Therefore I do not need to hunt down on the planet a SIGLA logo on the glass or otherwise to maintain originality.

What I am finding is that the original parts numbers are superceeded many, many, many times through the years, creating frustration in the search. Some vendors claim the windows are all the same from 1966 through 1984 (really?), that aftermarket glass like PGK (formally PPG) is $300 compared to Porsche glass ($1100). Shipping charges from several vendors exceed the cost of the glass. I have found that Porsche dealer parts departments know little about classic parts unless you provide them a part number, then it moves to a new parts number, and another parts number and then we have "two in the warehouse, but I do not know if they are clear or tinted"!

So, has anyone heard of PGK Glass? I am not reluctant to go aftermarket because the glass has to perform to strict DOT standards no matter the price, BUT a few folks have questioned the fit and distortion in old threads.

I have very few choices here in all my searches (I do not see glass on Pelican) and I have searched all the parts houses.

I did purchase from the Porsche dealer to ensure OEM quality and fit, the rubber window seals and the original aluminum outer trim pieces.

Can anyone offer any input on windshield replacement and where to buy?

Thanks
Bob

[Sunroof]

Has anyone had success with an aftermarket glass? I identified a windshield labeled PGW OEM with a DOT Number 563. Researching the DOT database, this windshield is made by Shenzen Automotive Glass Manufacturing in China.

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by Sunroof

Has anyone had success with an aftermarket glass? I identified a windshield labeled PGW OEM with a DOT Number 563. Researching the DOT database, this windshield is made by Shenzen Automotive Glass Manufacturing in China.

I’m looking for one as well, can’t find a clear one anywhere reasonable not made in china.

[Coastr]

@mfx just posted a video last week where he put 993 tinted glass in his 75(?) and said it fit just fine.

[RSTarga]

Pilkington Glass
https://www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk/automotive/classic-glass-for-classic-cars

[Jonny042]

Might be worth contacting Porsche Classic? They have a restoration center in Atlanta I think.

PS/Edit - windshields are the same for many, many years. IN 84 or 85 they added the radio antenna to the glass so any parts listing prior will fit.

[group911@aol.co]

As long as the glass fits, who cares where it comes from. The off brand stuff won't last as long but I'm assuming its not a daily driver so probably not important either.
Call around to your local glass shop and see who has the best deal.
Spend the money for the good seals.
And yes, 65 through early 89 are the same except 86 up had an antenna

[Otter74]

I recently put a new windshield in my SC. My car is a driver and I don't care about Sigla labels, etc, so I got an aftermarket windshield, probably Chinese but I don't care where it comes from as long as it fits, which it does. Cost $400 installed. I can ask the shop that did it where they got it, if you like.

[buster73]

Hopefully glass from brand name manufacturers should fit. I had to replace my 73.5 windshield for German registration because US replacement glass had DOT-markings, but was missing European E-markings . Used Saint-Gobain glass for ca. 400 $ and it fits well. However mirror mount was different and I had to modify for my 73 mirror. I would rather spend more money for an original rubber seal, because some repro-seals will make installation a challenge.

[Sunroof]

KOOLKATZGLASS near Cleveland, Ohio has been very helpful in providing info on Porsche windshields. Its operated by a husband and wife team and I was impressed with Beth's knowledge of Porsche windshield replacement choices. Yes, they are getting in a shipment of SIGLA (Made in Finland, Porsche OEM) windshields, but many of the restoration houses around the country buy them up. Great I guess if your into concours and every point counts on originality. They run abit north of $500.00 plus shipping.

I opted for the aftermarket PGW (was PPG) or FY both made in China and huge distributors in the USA for American (Ford) and Import cars. Their is a DOT site online that lets you scroll down all the DOT numbers which correspond to manufacturers and country. So, a FY tinted windshield with a slightly darker green band along the top is $229.00 + $129.00 shipping. Not bad........

One of the keys to a successful installation is using a new OEM Porsche rubber seal. Compared to aftermarket it's just a few bucks more and a MUST for tighter install. If you decide to replace the aluminum or chrome trim pieces (left and right) they are not costly either and should be used.

By the way Porsche dealer windshield costs are $1000.00 up and I have no idea who the manufacturer is. You can do your own research on the subject of windshields and you will see the choices out there are not many. Yes, Pilkington and Sekurit are other brands that I understand are quality replacements, but hard to find here.

The glass changes with the 1984 Carrera only because Porsche installed the antenna otherwise a 1973 windshield would fit just fine.

Good luck

Bob

[76dno]

Stoddard