Windshield WILL break and other paint advice...

[jjcollier]

I am about to work a paint and body guy to get my '79 SC back into shape. Right now it's about three shades of white and I want to have a look at a few small rust bubbles while we're in there.

Here are my two questions:

-He's told me that according to the glass guys he works with, they have a hard time getting older 911 winshields (and even back windows) out without breaking them. While my assumption was that, as body guys, they're always quickly removing broken windshields, I wanted to see if there was any truth to this.
The back window surprised me even more. Paint jobs cost enough without having to replace a bunch of glass.
Please advise.

-Second, I'd like to get this thing as close back to the original white as possible.
My paint guy is an absolute perfectionist. He paint jobs look you'd fall inside the paint if you leaned on the car. That said I don't want some really modern bright white if my car was born with a more subtle (or even off white) shade. So what was going onto '79 Euro SCs back in the day? Or what shade of white were Porsche racing with in the late 70's?

Much appreciated.

[scottb]

I've heard the frond windshields can be tricky. What condition is it in? If it's anything like my 84, it's pitted and hazy. If so, it's a good time to bite the bullet and just replace it.

[jjcollier]

In fact, it's a new windshield. The previous owner had essentially just had it replaced. I should have mentioned that, but I have Singapore jet lag from a week ago and more text would only have led to more typos...
Thanks for the feedback.
J.

[scottb]

If it's not the factory glass, you probably have a good shot at getting it out without breaking it. Work slowly and be careful. If, after taking precautions, it breaks, ***** happens. At least you gave it your best shot.

[GeorgeK]

I have taken out 5 or 6 windshields, the oldest being 30 years old, without breaking one. I even saved the seal each time which was pointless since I replaced it every time because of the waterproofing goo there was on it.
For the rear window, you'd have to be a real brute to break it, unless you try removal with a hammer. Get on your back in the car, put your 2 feet squarely on the window and push it out.

[Bobboloo]

I think it's hard to get them out without breaking if you don't cut the seal but I'd rather cut the seal than risk breaking the glass. Besides, I would want a fresh seal anyway.

[Moses]

When I had mine painted, the paint guy told me he would likely break my windshield getting it out. I used to work in a body shop, so I figured I'd pull the glass at my house before I brought the car to the shop. It didn't take me long to break my own windshield.

The drive to the shop was interesting without a windshield. I was worried about popping out the Targa glass in the back the whole time.

[fredmeister]

Had my window trim repainted by a great body shop and they broke my windshield putting it back in the car......got it out ok.
Apparently it can be tricky.
See if your insurance will cover this work, might be worth a shot if you have glass coverage.....or maybe he can work out a deal with you on getting compensated back if it breaks.....

[john70t]

The front windshield with trim was easy to take out with a razor blade and patience. Cut straight downwards with light pressure along the trim to peel off a lip at a time and it'll pop out.
Don't wear a belt or the fender will get scratched up.

[toolman]

I had a glass pro remove mine and it was a breeze. He took a long utility blade and put it flush against the glass and slid it under the seal, then cut the seal. This removed the inner from the outer seal and the window pushed out with little effort. My wife and I installed all the windows ourselves with the "rope trick" and some car wash soap.

[ausdilecce]

Just cut the old seals, you will not be reusing them anyway. ( and if you do, you will wish you didn't )

[Jim Smolka]

Though you are painting the car, it is a good idea to put some masking tape around the paint to prevent a scrach while cutting the seal

[304065]

I had the windshield R&R'd on my '88, they didn't break it.

Then again, I had a friend who had a new windshield put into his '80 SC, and the shop broke TWO windshields trying to put it in.

As far as the original paint color goes, what's the original paint code?

[atlporsche]

as far as getting the windshiled out...I did my '67...just cut the seal and allot an hour to do it.

if you're repainting, the string trick works great...just cut all the way around and the glass pops right out...

sjd

[afterburn 549]

If they cant get that little windshild out with out breaking it......I dont think I would trust them on anything.If it is a new seal, pc of cake -old seal like said just cut it.
It realy is simple and so is the rear, wish you were here and I would show ya.

[NoLift911]

Any glass man worth a damn knows about 911 windshields...if they don' run.

Some old school installers can remove the glass and seal with no damage, breaks etc. Basically the best.

Better ones will cut the seal and replace with a new one.

Bad ones will comment on how hard it is do do both of the above and have not actually done one themselves.

Painting a car without removing the winshield (if that is the area being painted) trim is a hack IMO. Earl Sheib and Maaco come to mind.

-Jeff

[sushinav]

Glass guy broke my front, but didn't break the back one removing for paint. He did both without cutting the seal, so I'd say cut the seal if you want to keep the shield.

[limble]

If someone says it's hard to remove a windshield from a 911 without breaking it then they've never done it. As what most have said cut up the old seal.
I've removed a windshield three times. One thing though I used a non factory seal and it leaked the other two were factory and didn't. Might be the installer, N=3?

[Yellowbird RS]

remove the windshield is easy just do it well & carfuly.
about the color try Grand Prix white.

[jjcollier]

Much appreciated on all the feedback.
J.