Windshield Seal - replace or new windshield?

[PeterC911]

I have a 78 911 with an original windshield. The seal need replaced and I have received quotes for a new windshield (with the blue vinyl strip) and to just replace the seal. The price for a new windshield and seal is only slightly more than replacing the seal only. Is there a market for an original, full clear windshield vs. aftermarket with blue vinyl?

Also, has anyone replaced their windshield on their own? Is it difficult, or should I just leave that to the "experts" at a standard, but reputable windshield replacement company?

Thanks Pelican

[Canada Kev]

When you are referring to the "blue vinyl strip", I am assuming that you mean the sun shading at the top of the glass. I suspect that there's not that much of a market for an almost 35 year old, used wind shield. I'd just keep it for a spare in the event you suddenly and unexpectedly require one. Or if someone local(ish) needs a replacement for cheap. They're incredibly expensive to ship and are likely to get damaged.

As for replacing the thing yourself, it's fairly easy and there are a number of threads here that cover that exercise.

[porwolf]

From what I remember there were a few discussions about windshield installations and seals here at Pelican's. I have once seen myself how professionals installed a new windshield in a 72 911, or it could have been a 68T. Anyway, the professionals popped out the old windshield by sitting in the seats and pressing the feet against it. Since it was the original one no glue was involved. Installation then was pretty straight forward. They put a rope into the rubber channel, started inserting the glass/seal assembly at one point and slowly worked along the rim of the windshield by pulling out the rope and making sure the rubber seal properly engages along the body rib aroutnd the opening. Like I said, it was quite some time ago but it looked like it could relatively easily replicated by anyone with some mechanical skills and a helper. Try to find some posts here at Pelican's.

Here is one post:

911 windshield repair, Not!

[Canada Kev]

Use two ropes, smaller ones, or just heavy cord, maybe like some 550 para cord or similar. Invariably the first one won't manage to pull the rubber over the window frame. Having the second backup rope will help reduce some swearing and work to get the rubber lip over the metal, or having to start over again. It's not difficult, and even possible to do alone, but way easier to have someone applying pressure on the glass from the outside when you're pulling the rope out.

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by PeterC911

I have a 78 911 with an original windshield. The seal need replaced and I have received quotes for a new windshield (with the blue vinyl strip) and to just replace the seal. The price for a new windshield and seal is only slightly more than replacing the seal only. Is there a market for an original, full clear windshield vs. aftermarket with blue vinyl?

Also, has anyone replaced their windshield on their own? Is it difficult, or should I just leave that to the "experts" at a standard, but reputable windshield replacement company?

Thanks Pelican

Just a few words of caution. If the price of a new windshield and seal is only "slightly more" than a seal alone, I'd be very suspect of the quality of both, and I'd ask many direct questions regarding the manufacturer of the seal and glass, the thickness/size of the glass relative to original. I could be way off base here as I've never had to source a windshield but I have read threads which discussed some problems with after market glass.

One thing to be made certain is the seal must be factory OEM to guarantee proper fit. Do not accept anything else. Also, be sure the "standard but reputable windshield replacement company" answers your questions about quality and source of seal directly and completely to your satisfaction (ask here, if you're unsure of the information.)

Finally, be sure they are experienced with installation of 911 seals, glass, and trim. Don't be afraid to ask about their step-by-step procedure as insertion of the trim into the seal before installation is required and the trim is necessary for proper fit/sealing.

[PeterC911]

+1 ossi
I was concerned about the low price of the windshield. The quote was ~ 330 for a new one and ~ 200 to replace the seal. I will ask more pointed questions on the follow up.

Anyone know where to find specs on OEM windshield thickness?

I do consider myself pretty handy with a good mechanical aptitude, but for some reason, replacing a windshield sounds like it could be a very frustrating process.

[tirwin]

I just took my glass out of my '83. There is probably not much of a market for the old glass because it will eventually have the same problem mine did which is that it starts getting cloudy. What happens is that the glass is actually two layers with some kind of laminate in the middle. Eventually due to age or the prescience of moisture, the two layers begin to separate in the corners. This allows moisture in and which makes the glass look cloudy.

I am having a very hard time sourcing good quality glass right now. The price you're being quoted is probably for the aftermarket Chinese stuff that is crapola from what I hear.

I'm finding a lot of glass places are in the volume business and could care less about an old Porsche. They're happy to sell you whatever shows up in their computer inventory but beyond that you can pound sand.

I posted a question through the local PCA and a guy offered to sell me OEM glass at his wholesale price + 5% margin. That's the best I've been able to do. I haven't got back to it because I've been so busy with other stuff on the car.

[KNS]

I had the windshield replaced recently on my '84 and they used Pilkington glass - great quality and clarity! Pilkington is used by many of the manufacturers as replacement glass. In fact, the replacement windshield on my BMW has the Pilkington name and the BMW logo right next to it.

[Reifle]

Glass doesn't fatigue but it does get sand-blasted and can create some issues. I recently replaced my windshiled and installed a new seal. I went one step further and replaced the trim inside the seal. The trim was fading and appeared like it has spider cracks within. All tolled it was not very expensive and the car looks much better! It is great to look through a new windshield as well. I had a local pro do the install - watching him using the rope etc... was very interesting. I also had the rear seal replaced - the glass was good and just needed the edges thoroughly cleaned as it was sitting in the same rubber/weather for over 35 years. I say get a new windshield while replacing the seal. BTW - the rubbers were both quite brittle. As well, Mercedes recommends replacing a windshield about every 5 years or 160,000 Kms.

[Mitch Leland]

In April of 2010 I had Glass America replace my W/S. It had a a green tint/blue shade. I paid $247.00 for the glass and install. I had previously purchased a factory gasket for the install. IMHO, I look at the W/S as a wear item, just like tires. I got a quote for a factory W/S, nearly $700 with a 10% PCA discount. I don't think a factory W/S is any less acceptable to a rock being throw up by an 18 wheeler than a cheaper glass.

Only use a factory gasket...

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by KNS

I had the windshield replaced recently on my '84 and they used Pilkington glass - great quality and clarity! Pilkington is used by many of the manufacturers as replacement glass. In fact, the replacement windshield on my BMW has the Pilkington name and the BMW logo right next to it.

That gives me one more name to search for. My windshield was Sigla and all the rest is Sekurit.

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by Mitch Leland

In April of 2010 I had Glass America replace my W/S. It had a a green tint/blue shade. I paid $247.00 for the glass and install. I had previously purchased a factory gasket for the install. IMHO, I look at the W/S as a wear item, just like tires. I got a quote for a factory W/S, nearly $700 with a 10% PCA discount. I don't think a factory W/S is any less acceptable to a rock being throw up by an 18 wheeler than a cheaper glass.

Only use a factory gasket...

Agree on the gaskets.

I have heard/read that some of the aftermarket glass (Chinese) has poor fit and you can see waves in it. I hear you about it being a wear item BUT I had rust in the corners when I took out the old windshield. It seems hard enough to get the OEM stuff fitted properly so I wouldn't want it to be any worse! Just my $0.02.

[PeterC911]

Thanks everyone. I will look into other manufacturer's and try to find out where it comes from. So far I have heard Sigla, Sekurit, and Pilkington. Does anyone know who the OEM supplier was? Thanks again.

[geshaghi]

Most glass sold today by large glass installers is of Chinese origin. If you current windshield is in good shape (no pits, cracks or cloudiness), there really isn't a reason to change it. If you need to replace the seal, you'll be much better off with an OEM seal over an aftermarket. The aftermarket seals seem to have more problems fitting in the corners.

[dshepp806]

When it comes to seals, I get 'em from Porsche!!!!

Doyle