Windshield Replacement Question

gsmiller · 08-15-2011, 09:37 AM

The windshield on my 02 S has a crack and I'm planning on having it replaced. I've noticed there is a thin copper looking wire running vertically in the middle. Can someone tell me what that is? I want to make sure the shop doing the windshield replaces it with glass that has the wire... assuming it's important. Thanks!

faverymi · 08-15-2011, 10:19 AM

antenna for the radio

BYprodriver · BYprodriver's Garage

I have heard about poor fitting non-OEM windsheilds. I would try & get OEM brand glass. Please update with your experience

ProjectM96 · ProjectM96's Garage

Hello. I am not sure about the copper wire, but it is most probably for the radio. I replaced my plastic window 2 months ago for $300 with labor. It was a DOT approved plastic window. I think they did a pretty good job. No leaks so far. I did not have a copper wire in my 00 Box.

Here is a picture of my new plastic window.
Picture is too large, so just go to links.
IMG_4190 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
All sizes | IMG_4166 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Incase they forget to tell you. Do not wash the car or use the top for the first 24 hours and let it sit in the sun. At the same time, make sure the electronic top does move when you hit the switch so you know they installed it right.

ronster · ronster's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProjectM96

Hello. I am not sure about the copper wire, but it is most probably for the radio. I replaced my plastic window 2 months ago for $300 with labor. It was a DOT approved plastic window. I think they did a pretty good job. No leaks so far. I did not have a copper wire in my 00 Box.

Here is a picture of my new plastic window.
Picture is too large, so just go to links.
IMG_4190 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
All sizes | IMG_4166 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Incase they forget to tell you. Do not wash the car or use the top for the first 24 hours and let it sit in the sun. At the same time, make sure the electronic top does move when you hit the switch so you know they installed it right.

I think the original post is asking about the windshield, that is in the front, not the rear window you are showing.
The wire is the antenna and you want to make certain your windshield has one and it is connected up. The connection for it, as I recall, is on the passenger side and the mistake that is commonly made is the wire gets cut instead of disconnected then you have to install a new wire and connector from the radio. Make certain it is a shop that knows what they are doing.

gsmiller · 08-15-2011, 04:23 PM

Thanks for all the advice and info. I will update back here once the windshield has been replaced and I see how it goes.

Dale_K · 08-16-2011, 10:16 AM

I'd like to know how much it winds up costing you. My windshield is 12 years old and it's pretty bad when I'm driving into the sun. I don't drive in traffic enough to get a rock in the windshield and put it out of its misery.

lilredpo · 08-16-2011, 10:37 AM

I have an '02 S and the S should have an ~ 1/4" silver trim insert in the windshield rubber.

You may want to have the installer replace the trim wihle they are in there. Most don't notice the difference between the S and non, but when it is new it looks good.

ProjectM96 · ProjectM96's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronster

I think the original post is asking about the windshield, that is in the front, not the rear window you are showing.
The wire is the antenna and you want to make certain your windshield has one and it is connected up. The connection for it, as I recall, is on the passenger side and the mistake that is commonly made is the wire gets cut instead of disconnected then you have to install a new wire and connector from the radio. Make certain it is a shop that knows what they are doing.

Oh wow, I can't believe I did not notice that. Long day at work for me. haha.

Speaking of which, any idea how much it costs to replace front windshield? I also have a crack as well as some sticky stuff that does not want to come off even with a razor and alcohol.

gsmiller · 08-17-2011, 12:34 PM

Just to update...

Had the windshield done yesterday and it came out nice. Not sure on the cost. To elaborate, I picked up the car from a small independent German car dealer and part of the deal was him paying for a new windshield. So he took the invoice directly so I'm not sure the cost. I did overhear him on the phone with the guys and it sounded like roughly $400.

The new glass has the antenna and I made sure they got it all connected up. It's definitely nice having the new glass.

So far no notice of leaks/noise around the seal but I will update again when I've had a chance to drive it a bit more.

Thanks again for everyone with the heads-up on the antenna.

Dale_K · 08-18-2011, 11:09 AM

I was at the Dent Doctor today for some hail repair on my new Chevy Cruze and I saw a display inside that they do windshields so I asked about my 2000 S. It was going to be $390 installed plus tax. This price was for a windshield with an internal antenna. I think I'm going to do it at that price. I don't care if it's a Porsche branded windshield or not as long as it meets Federal standards.

ITR81 · 08-22-2011, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale_K

I was at the Dent Doctor today for some hail repair on my new Chevy Cruze and I saw a display inside that they do windshields so I asked about my 2000 S. It was going to be $390 installed plus tax. This price was for a windshield with an internal antenna. I think I'm going to do it at that price. I don't care if it's a Porsche branded windshield or not as long as it meets Federal standards.

I feel your pain. I'm going to look into this as well. I think the prev. owners must have left the windshield wipers on all the time rain and shine because mine looks almost etched in when the sun hits it.

ronster · ronster's Garage

If you guys are getting quality windshields installed for $400 I'd jump all over that in a heart beat. The least expensive price I've gotten in the Bay area, from someone I'd trust, is $750.

Alphaboy1 · 08-23-2011, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronster

If you guys are getting quality windshields installed for $400 I'd jump all over that in a heart beat. The least expensive price I've gotten in the Bay area, from someone I'd trust, is $750.

I believe my insurance coverage for my Porsche does cover my windshield replacement. I know for my other cars and trucks they try to do a repair but always ask for a new windshield and they do it.

ChrisJP · ChrisJP's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by ITR81

mine looks almost etched in when the sun hits it.

Did you could try to clay it to see if it looks better?

ITR81 · 08-24-2011, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alphaboy1

I believe my insurance coverage for my Porsche does cover my windshield replacement. I know for my other cars and trucks they try to do a repair but always ask for a new windshield and they do it.

No I haven't. Ill have to give it a shot. Beats buying new glass down the road.

ronster · ronster's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alphaboy1

I believe my insurance coverage for my Porsche does cover my windshield replacement. I know for my other cars and trucks they try to do a repair but always ask for a new windshield and they do it.

Mine does not. They only cover chip repair.

teamwenz · 08-25-2011, 10:19 AM

Griots garage sells window clay as well as glass polish and pads. That is if you have a random orbital. I just did my windshield (Boxster S with 102,000 miles) The results are amazing. The clay really helped but the polish made the difference.

Davidh0430 · 09-07-2011, 02:39 PM

I had mine replaced before moving to FL. Safelite did it in Wiscsosin for $400.00. It was an Porsche windshield too. The prior owner never replaced the wiper blades!

newlife · newlife's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronster

Mine does not. They only cover chip repair.

Ronster,

I am an insurance agent with Farmers in Southern California. Farmers offers glass deductible buy back coverage for windshield cracks and replacement. I'm sure most other insurance companies offer the same coverage. But, it covers the entire Porsche windshield if its cracked beyond repair and the damage is caused by a covered loss. I think if its more than a chip the company will replace the whole windshield. The deductible is $100.00 and it is considered a comprehensive loss and therefore no up-charge in your premium when you submit the claim. The most absolute incredible benefit of all is... it costs me $10.00 ! a year for this coverage. You have to have comp and collision on the car in order to carry glass buy back coverage. However, I put it on as many clients car's as possible. It sure is nice to be able to help someone when they come in with a broken or chipped glass windshield. FYI

Rod