Should I get a heated windshield or not?
 

My RSR replica will be a frequent driver as well as track car.

I've budgeted $300.00 for a new windshield plus installation (At this point lets stick with that number for arguments sake).

I have discovered that I can get a heated windshield for roughly $800.00 including shipping from England (plus installation).

Which one would you go for and why?
(I have added a poll so that you can vote)


===EDIT to add the source that I found===
http://heatedwindscreen.com

I didn't see any available through Pelican but I found this source.

I was quoted £205 for the screen.
Add the cost to Canada (but probably similar to eastern USA with ups for the freight and crate would be £310 .00
Estimated total = £515.00 then convert to local currency.

You can get two windshields for the price of that one. And why would you need a heated windshield? These cars generate enough heat to cook a prime rib on the defrost outlets!

Save your nickels, IMO.

Location and frequency of busted windshields would affect my decision. You mentioned it's a track car. Still have heat/defrost? As much as I'd love a heated w/s and it looks like you can get a good price, there are way too many rocks flying around here for me to drop the coin on a heated w/s. With my luck there'd be a star in it first week.

Funny my 04 Ford went 7 years before getting his. My wife seems to get a rock chip every other month. With the 911 you have low car and an upright w/s. That's begging to be hit.

J

For a project with headers I would go for the heated windshield. Where you live may make it more critical, but even in warm climates humid mornings would be a benefit.

For track days add a tearoff.

You mentioned this is also a track car. If you track, and enjoy chasing down the car in front, then a broken windshield is just a matter of time. I'd buy the cheapest window you can find. I keep extras in my mancave they get broken so often at Willow Springs Raceway.

Here is why I am considering a heated windscreen. The shot with the trailers is a typical morning at the track. Notice how beautiful the mountain is in the background at this time of day ;)

I'd also like to drive it on the street almost every day that I can. I have headers so am also looking at other heat alternatives.


(BTW, that is not rain on the windshield of my wife's car. I just took that pic this morning before she left, and it is turing out to be a nice sunny day).

The cracked windshield comments have me thinking though.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1347367707.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1347367731.jpg

Well... Maybe the way to think about it is this.... Do you have the necessary connections for the heating elements? I just replaced my windshield and didn't see any connections even though it was an option for my model year.

cheap window and a micro fiber towel (ROCK ON!)

Shaving cream rubbed into the inside of the windshield will stop the fogging on the inside for a good month or more. Can buy a lot of shaving cream for the extra $500 savings from the heated windshield....

Thanks Bill.

I would take advice on how to deal with damp weather from a Newfie anytime. In comparison anyone else would be an amateur I suppose ;)

Wayner, where are you located?

between Montreal and Toronto. That picture was taken at Mont Tremblent.

Your pictures just show condensation on the outside. Turn on your windshield wipers. Most of any condensation you get on the inside of the glass would likely be kept at bay with just air movement. Turn on your fresh air fan and direct the flow to the windshield. And open your side windows a crack. It looks like your rear quarter windows are also of the opening variety. If so, open those, too. Unless you're in a downpour, some or all of these suggestions will keep your glass clear. This worked for me when I couldn't use my heater driving over the Cascades in Washington state in the rain.

Now if it's below freezing, that's another thing entirely.

What did you decide to do regarding the windshield?

I kept the original one and carry a rag.

I'm certain that if I installed a new one it would get hit with a rock the next day

In Florida the law says your car insurance replaces your windshield with no deductible and no penally (i.e. raising your rates). Not sure how they cover the track use...that depends on the insurance you buy.

I really like the idea of a heated windshield

They also make clear sheet protection now that prevents damage. We have looked into it for our service trucks. Neat stuff.

Like the Xpel Film I have on my Turbo's headlights, and that I will be putting on the front of my cars (clear bra)?

This is one of the brands I have looked into for our trucks. Amazing stuff.

Invisible Windshield Protection Films and Screen Protectors - ClearPlex