Has anyone replaced a windshield because of pitting and wear?

[89911]

Driving the other day in the direct sun, it became distractingly noticeable that my windshield is pretty bad. Seems the cleaner I got it, the more the problem shows. 20 plus years of track days has taken its toll but I don't recall other older cars I've driven having the same amount of problems. For those that have replaced them, who, how, and what was the best means. Wait till it "breaks"?

[Walko]

I put a new one in each year as my Insurance covers it and i get lots of stone chips.

I tried the aftermarket guys but reckon the genuine ones seem to be that bit better
Michael

[fred cook]

I replaced the windshield in my SC just for that reason. Lots of small scratches and a couple of chips. However, since it was not "broken", I paid for the replacement rather than charging the insurance company.

[GothingNC]

Replaced mine and made a big difference, especially in the rain.

My Insurance with zero deductible on comprehensive covered the glass, seals and trim all supplied by the local Porsche dealership about 3 years ago.

Claims under comprehensive coverage do not affect the rates on my policy.

[Grady Clay]

Has anyone replaced a windshield because of pitting and wear?

All the time - more often than for cracks.

Clear vision under adverse conditions (driving into the sun or oncoming headlights and rain) will save your life and your 911.

Best,
Grady

[tirwin]

Interesting comments. Mine is pitted and the corners have near the wipers have started to get a milky/cloudy haze. It annoys me but when I've mentioned it to others people have told me I shouldn't change it. Hearing these answers I'm not quite sure why I would get that advice.

[twistoffat]

I had those micro scratches/pitting too. I considered a new windscreen but decided to try Rhodite Glass polish. Have to admit is was a pain covering the whole car and a bit messy but it worked a treat.

[Grady Clay]

I see no downside to regular replacement (when needed).
A ‘pro’ won’t damage your 911.
This is an opportunity to clean and protect from rust damage at the bottom corners of the windshield opening.
This is the opportunity to also keep the gasket new and supple (so it seals water).
If the aluminum trim gets too badly pitted, it is easy to replace now.
The cost is not prohibitive (for ‘normal’ windshields) and is about the same for all (old) cars.

When the windshields start including antennas, heating elements and more ‘high tech’, the cost becomes a consideration (and a case for simplicity).

Best,
Grady

[kramer747]

Originally Posted by Walko

I put a new one in each year as my Insurance covers it and i get lots of stone chips.

I tried the aftermarket guys but reckon the genuine ones seem to be that bit better
Michael

What kind of insurance do you have that electively replaces a windshield every year!!??

[Walko]

Kramer747
I have comprehensive and my windscreens usually end up with a major chips or crack during the year.
Our insurers usually have one free glass breakage per year

You must remember I live in Australia

Michael

[m110]

Changing out the windshield provides one of the most satisfying maintenance jobs I can think of on an old car (behind new tires and recovered/padded seats). It will really make an old car feel restored; safety issue too in terms of rain or night visibility.

[DaveA]

I've used the Eastwood polishing kit on a number of windshields to clean them up - works well.

R/Dave

[Ofishbein]

I replaced mine because the pits were annoying, especially when driving with the sun low in the sky. I understand pitting on these cars is common. I don't know if the glass is "soft" of it's the more upright stance. I paid $600 installed, but my guy is in Los Angeles, sorry.

I'd be careful with any glass polish because you can end up with a "prescription" windshield if you aren't careful. Probably best left to a professional.

[tirwin]

These glass refinishing kits... What kind of problems do they help with? Just pitting? I was under the impression that the cloudiness isn't fixable. Would be interested in trying one of these kits if they'll help. Got nothing to lose!

[89911]

Just checked my insurance policy $250 deductable if cracked or damaged. No coverage for anything else. Anyone want to toss a rock my way?

[twistoffat]

Originally Posted by tirwin

These glass refinishing kits... What kind of problems do they help with? Just pitting? I was under the impression that the cloudiness isn't fixable. Would be interested in trying one of these kits if they'll help. Got nothing to lose!

They basically cover light pitting and scratches. The come with a pad and a tub of powder.
You mix up a very wet paste put it on the pad and away you go. My windscreen before treatment in low sunlight looked like someone had sprinkled glitter on it what with all the pitting. Used the Rhodite glass polish kit and hey presto...gone.

Here is a set of videos which show the process and the results before and after

YouTube - ‪CAR GLASS POLISHING 1‬‏

YouTube - ‪CAR GLASS POLISHING 2‬‏

YouTube - ‪CAR GLASS POLISHING 3‬‏

YouTube - ‪CAR GLASS POLISHING 4‬‏

YouTube - ‪CAR GLASS POLISHING 5‬‏

YouTube - ‪CAR GLASS POLISHING 6‬‏

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Walko

Kramer747 You must remember I live in Australia

I lost a windshield a year in Alaska on my cars. Not every car every year but among three, one was going to catch a big stone.

[bodde911sc]

89911,
You know that if you follow to close to the back of a black 911 around mid ohio to many times, you will get a "pitted" windshield, not my fault. Hope all has been well in the Pittsburgh area. Don't drive much anymore but have seen you on this forum and enjoy your comments. The red car looks great ,love the things that you have done to it.

[ODDJOB UNO]

Originally Posted by 89911

Just checked my insurance policy $250 deductable if cracked or damaged. No coverage for anything else. Anyone want to toss a rock my way?

my amigo was driving down the road one day, minding his own biz, when all of a sudden out of NOWHERES................came this 16oz stanley ball pein hammer! not a harbor freight 16oz ball pein hammer.


he said and i quote "it was uterly amazing how this stanley 16oz ball pein hammer could come flying out of NOWHERES and SUDDENLY HIT in the "exact" spot where i got a rock chip a year ago."


hmmmmm.

[MH911]

I had mine replaced because of chips and leaks. Insurance covered it, minus my $150 deductible.