I Cracked My Windshield!

warment · 08-19-2002, 05:00 AM

Over the weekend I reinstalled my rear glass in my 73 911. It was a royal pain, but I got it in there fine.

I then tried to install my windshield. I really was not pushing on the windshield that hard when I heard it crack! I guess these things get brittle over time?

I will have a professional install a new one within the next few weeks. Does anyone have any idea what a new one might cost me? Thanks for any help...

Bill

Joeaksa · 08-19-2002, 06:55 AM

Bill,

I found a good one used at a junkyard for $100, then paid them another $50 to install it. Well worth it especially if you hear the "crack" noise!

Joe

HawgRyder · HawgRyder's Garage

If you do go the "used" route....check the glass very carefully for spawls or small dings.
When there is a ding in the glass...the crack has a place to start.
And yes....have a pro put it in for you...I did...cost me about $100...but well worth it (took 4 of them about 45 mins to get it in).
Bob

dtw · 08-19-2002, 07:38 AM

Bill, I've seen non-OEM windshields go for less than 200 bucks. Yes, they do get brittle over time. I've installed a new one and we applied considerable force- no damage.

Did you have a buddy to help you out? I can't imagine doing it alone.

-d

warment · 08-19-2002, 07:48 AM

I had my dad help me with the install. We used soap and water to lubricate the seals. It is a pretty tight fit though.

Stressfull too!

Bill

thrown_hammer · 08-19-2002, 07:59 AM

Mine was about $400 installed. Did you feel like throwing up when it popped? I know I did.

tops911 · 08-19-2002, 08:50 AM

I have a windshield I'll sell for $100. I put a new one in my 911SC , but there is nothing wrong with it. It even has the rear view mirror attached. I just wanted to stop a windshield leak and was told to use OEM glass. I paid a total of $650, including $178 for shipping. Let me know if you would like the windshield. I'm located at Fort Bragg.

Jim Sims · 08-19-2002, 09:23 AM

I've heard about 25% of the time an "experienced" windshield fails upon reinstallation. I suspect it is a combination of less expert installation and the effect of all the accrued damage (pits. scratches, etc) that a used windshield has. Cheers, Jim

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Here in LA they are about $200 installed...

-Wayne

john walker's workshop · 08-19-2002, 01:32 PM

4 guys to install it? i do them by myself in 5 minutes. (the actual install). you just need long arms.

HawgRyder · HawgRyder's Garage

True John....4 guys....and lots of grunting!
However..I did use the new style of gasket (no aluminum trim).
That may have made a difference.
Bob

Bill Douglas · 08-19-2002, 03:26 PM

I'm sure it didn't crack when you put it back in. Rather, it decided to crack a few days later when parked in the sun on a particuarly hot day...

And make sure the insuarance company give an OEM windshield as a free replacement.

Jack Olsen · 08-19-2002, 03:45 PM

You can get aftermarket ones (with tinting) for about $160. OEM ones (inferior glass, I've been told, but more :correct") is maybe twice that.

surflvr911sc · surflvr911sc's Garage

I know a mobile glass installer/repair and when he saw the small ding in my windshield he said he would do it for cost at $90. I still haven't done it, five years latter it hasn't cracked. (Fingers crossed) I’m sure this wasn’t OEM glass but it sounds like they are making a killing on labor.

beamonk · 08-19-2002, 07:44 PM

We just installed my front glass and my friend cracked it while pushing down on it making sure all of the corners fit well. We were too tired staying up all nite to cuss much. I got another one pretty cheap and the crack repair guy said he'd do both front and rear for $50.00. Has fifteen years experience doing VW glass, hopefully it won't crack?!
John

sammyg2 · 08-20-2002, 08:59 AM

I picked up a near perfect used windshield in the recycler www.recycler.com for $75 and installed it myself. Wasn't hard at all, just had to make sure it was perfectly centered left to right.
I used 1/4" rope and plenty of dishwashing liquid/water at 1/10 mixture. i used a new OEM seal, the hardest part to the whole job was getting the aluminum trim seated into the seal and keeping it in place during the install.

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

I installed two in about 3 hours. The first one was from a mid-eighties Carerra and cracked when I was pushing on it to make sure the seals were all the way seated. I've done the job several other times in VW's which use the same method. Why did I do this when it was already sealed? Dohh!

Anyways I picked up a 993 windsheild for $50 at a local glass shop, the kind where the guy lives in the front and grows vegtables on the side yard. I guess low overhead?

My conclusion is the older windows just become too brittle and should be avoided. Through in a couple more bucks and go with a newer, or new, one. And don't push on the windsheild! If the seal is in place why tempt fate?

Neilk · 08-20-2002, 09:27 AM

So a 993 windshield will fit earlier 911s from '65 on? What's the difference between a early windshield and a 993 one, beside the built in antenna?

warment · 08-22-2002, 04:19 AM

I was just given a quote of $263 for a new windshield and installation costs. Not a bad price. The price however, does not include a new seal. I installed a new seal on my now cracked windshield, so I am going to reuse that one...

As an added benefit, the new windshield comes with some tint at the top.

Bill