Replace or Not Replace Original Windshield

[jkevinc]

Greetings,

I recently purchased a nice 1989 911 Coupe (stone grey metallic) and have been contemplating some changes including possibly replacing the assumed original windshield since it has a vast array of chips that make viability less that optimal with sun glare and at night.

This 911 newbie would appreciate input as to:
1) Does replacing the original windshield diminish the overall value to the majority of potential future buyers,
2) If replacing the windshield is a reasonable exercise for increased viability, is the aftermarket glass acceptable given the apparently huge difference between the aftermarket price and OEM, and
3) If aftermarket glass is okay, any specific suggestions.

I have been told a new gasket is a must if I aim to replace.

[mspirito]

Put in new glass and a new gasket. It won't alter the value of the car. You may be able to see better.

[lyonsfin]

Has anyone tried a glass polishing kit on their windshield?

[robhamster]

I had the original windshield in my '84 changed out last year. It was an amazing change. The fog was lifted. It did take the guys about 4 hours to change the windshield to get the rope to pull out properly around the entire windshield. They had it in and took it out about 7 times before they got it right. This was a Safelight store in Denver and the guys claimed they had done many 911's before.

[turbo3six]

Some aftermarket glass has fitment issues...(read leakage here) water/moisture trapped between the seal and body can result in rust issues. Also need to consider the integrated antenna.
IMHO... after market glass = Cheez Whiz.

[vulcan300]

I believe the right windshield will be Sigla or Sekurit. The replacement window that the previous owner put in my car is Sigla and I don't think it cost a fortune. Buy a genuine Porsche seal for sure. I installed my front window in an hour after repainting my car. It's not too hard if you follow the advice in some of the window install threads here. Good luck.

[MH911]

Check with your insurance company. They may cover it. Mine did.

[jkevinc]

Thank you for all the input and direction. Did not realize that it could be a DIY project.

[Neel]

Originally Posted by robhamster

I had the original windshield in my '84 changed out last year. It was an amazing change. The fog was lifted. It did take the guys about 4 hours to change the windshield to get the rope to pull out properly around the entire windshield. They had it in and took it out about 7 times before they got it right. This was a Safelight store in Denver and the guys claimed they had done many 911's before.

These guys apparently didn't know what they were doing.. This is not a bad DIY job.. You will need a helper.. When you get the windshield out, inspect for any rust around the lip.. This needs to be addressed before you install the new one.. As referenced earlier, make sure you buy a Porsche factory gasket.. Let us know where you're from and there may be someone close by who is willing to help you..

[bugmeat]

I just replaced mine and it's a tricky job but definitely doable (DIY). The toughest part for me was removing the aluminium trim without bending it too much, and re-installing it correctly. Check out this thread - some good info here: Gap between Rubber Windshield Seal & Body

[m110]

Your 1989 (assuming it is a last of the 3.2s) might have a plastic trim around the windshield and not aluminum. This often gets destroyed on the way out. You can replace it with a factory aluminum piece from an 87 and earlier or the same plastic one available from the dealer (cheap).

I have never regretted changing a windshield on a car that is ever driven at night. If pitted, polishing won't work adequately.

[Brorag]

Just remember, if you crack it, you buy another one. If the glass people crack it, they buy another one. And it can be tricky--there's definately an art to it.
Safelite just did mine--they had a guy who did all 911's in the area, so he had lots of practice and got it right the first time.
generally glass replacement does not affect your insurance rates--I paid the deductable.
jd

[vulcan300]

Reinstalling the back window in the Targa is the work of the devil! The front window is an cake walk in comparison. It is definitely a DIY kind of thing if you are up for the challenge.

You will want to get a pair of suction cup handles from Harbor Freight or local equivalent for handling glass (around $15-$20). Having someone to help you with the install is a good idea and can usually be had for the cost of a few cold beers. You will also want a role of nylon cord which has a high tensile strength, the glass of your choice, a genuine Porsche rubber seal, and new locking trim if the old plastic/metal stuff gets too damaged as you remove it.

To remove the old window safely and to preserve the trim you can use a sharp xacto or utility knife (use a new blade) to cut through the seal just in side the locking trim. Carefully cut through the seal until you reach the edge of the glass. Once you have cut through the seal all the way around the window you can push it out from the inside without stressing it. Set it aside in a safe place as you'll need to remove the rear view mirror later.

If your window has the embedded antenna there will be a wire on the lower edge of the window on the passenger side. You will need to disconnect this inside the car before lifting out the window. Since you are discarding the glass you can cut this wire before lifting the window out.

With window out you should be able to spread open the channel in the seal holding the locking trim and carefully extract it. Set it aside in a safe place where it won't get bent or damaged.

Next pull the remains of the old seal out and discard it. Inspect the rim for any rust or damage. Clean and repair as necessary with a little rust encapsulating paint.

Place the new glass concave side down on a padded surface. I used a rolling work card with some foam padding on top. If you have metal locking trim you will have to ensure that the contour of the trim matches the contour of the new glass as closely as possible. Place the trim against the glass and slowly bend until you've achieved a good fit. This is the most important step to ensure the seal will fit properly and will keep the water out.

Once you're happy with the trim you can place the seal on the new window. My old seal had a slot cut in the back for the antenna cable but I found that this wasn't necessary due to the design of the attachment point of the wire to the window. Once the seal is in place you will snap the locking trim in place.start at one end and apply firm pressure until the seal snaps into the groove. A little spray silicone helps a lot. You can also use a heat gun on low or a hair dryer on the hot setting to make the rubber a little easier to work with. Once you have the first trim piece in place you should install the two trim cover pieces that hide the gaps in the center at the top and bottom of the window. Then install the second trim half.

Now you're in the home stretch. Have a beer to take the edge off.

Grab your nylon cord and start feeding it into the groove that will be pulled over the metal lip in the window opening. You can lubricate this cord with a bit of silicone grease or equivalent to make the process a little smoother and increase the chance of success on the first pull. I put two pieces of cord into the groove so that if the first failed to pull the lip of the seal over the metal lip the second would finish the job. You should mark the second cord with a piece of tape as you'll want to pull it first. If you start with the first one you will likely pull both out of the channel.

With the cords in place you can put the suction handles on the window and have your friend help you guide the glass into the window opening. You will apply pressure at the edges and get the glass and seal seated evenly in the window opening. As long as you're pressing on the edges of the glass your chances of cracking it are close to zero.

With the glass and seal nicely seated in the window opening you're ready to pull the nylon cord starting with the one you marked. Have your friend apply even pressure on the outside of seal where you begin the pull. This will ensure the cord pulls the rubber seal over the metal lip. Strong even pressure on the cord helps. Pulling the cord towards you at an angle perpendicular to the glass also helps. If you pull at a sharp angle the cord tends to slip out of the groove. As you pull the cord around be careful that you don't damage the wire for the antenna. Also make sure that you feed this wire through the hole when you seat the window in the opening as it probably isn't possible to do it after the fact.

If the both cords fail to pull the seal over the metal lip don't despair. Have a little more beer, breath deep, and carefully put the window and seal back out of the opening. Set the cords in place and try again.

Once finished stand back in awe of your fabulous work. Drink the remainder of the beer.

Unfortunately I didn't have to remove the rear view mirror as I was just reinstalling my old glass. You'll need to ask others for help with that. I'd assume it involves melting the adhesive with a heat gun though.

This whole process took me an hour from start to finish and I didn't have a helper. It was the first time I've even installed a front window. I did receive a trial by fire installing the rear Targa glass first though. I guarantee that you'll do a more thorough professional job than the glass guy will unless you can find one that has done quite a few vintage 911s and understand the nuances of the process. Good luck!

[wkbergman]

Righton, that Targa back window is satan's joy! But both front and back can be DIY. All the advice above is good stuff.
I'm keeping my foggy windshield so that, upon returning to the US, Customs will see my old Va. state and inspections stickers still there.
Cheers
WB