4th Gen Windshield replacement....
#1
4th Gen Windshield replacement....
Well, I got my AC low port leak fixed at a dealership today and a car has thrown a rock and cracked my windshield 1/4".
I have scheduled Safelite to come out on June 10th and replace it, but I have been seeing some old discussion here about replacement windshields being distorted in some way. Things not looking right at night. I've also heard bad and good things about Safelite. Some discussions say that I may need to tell them to use OEM(GM) glass. Others say not to use Safelite at all.
Has anyone had a 4th gen windshield replaced within the last few years? If so, who did it and are you happy with it? Can they remove it without damaging any of the paint around the frame of the windshield?
The crack is something I could live with for now, but those things always seem to have a way of expanding quickly.
I may just get them to fill it with resin.
I have scheduled Safelite to come out on June 10th and replace it, but I have been seeing some old discussion here about replacement windshields being distorted in some way. Things not looking right at night. I've also heard bad and good things about Safelite. Some discussions say that I may need to tell them to use OEM(GM) glass. Others say not to use Safelite at all.
Has anyone had a 4th gen windshield replaced within the last few years? If so, who did it and are you happy with it? Can they remove it without damaging any of the paint around the frame of the windshield?
The crack is something I could live with for now, but those things always seem to have a way of expanding quickly.
I may just get them to fill it with resin.
Last edited by ACE1252; 05-17-2013 at 05:07 PM.
#2
Re: 4th Gen Windshield replacement....
Found this on LS1tech.
Who would be best to replace my windshield? - LS1TECH
Seems like I need to look for LOF on the bottom center of the windshield as a OEM replacement. Sure enough, my windshield has that bottom center.
This info is on Corvettes, but still good discussion the same.....
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...oem-glass.html
Who would be best to replace my windshield? - LS1TECH
Seems like I need to look for LOF on the bottom center of the windshield as a OEM replacement. Sure enough, my windshield has that bottom center.
This info is on Corvettes, but still good discussion the same.....
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...oem-glass.html
Last edited by ACE1252; 05-17-2013 at 06:21 PM.
#3
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Born on the Florida West Coast, now where can I retire?
Posts: 1,505
Re: 4th Gen Windshield replacement....
My 98 TA windshield was replaced several years ago with a Safelite product. I have had no problems with it since. No damage to paint or anything.
Do you have "comprehensive" insurance coverage? Do the insurance laws in NC require them to replace it without charging you a deductible? That's the way it is in Fla. Cost me nothing.
Do you have "comprehensive" insurance coverage? Do the insurance laws in NC require them to replace it without charging you a deductible? That's the way it is in Fla. Cost me nothing.
#4
Re: 4th Gen Windshield replacement....
I would actually be curious as to status updates and what you decide on this! I have a small chip on the windshield of my 97 Z. Now I should say that the chip is super small and is small enough to be repaired. HOWEVER, it is on the inside, and it is literally touching the metal mount for the rear-view.
Repair/replace? I don't know. Haven't had the time to get an estimate from anyone. Trying to avoid calling the insurance, as Progressive is known for wanting to take the car to one of their repair centers. I do believe if they heard my car and started poking around, they'd want to up my premium if they would cover it at all.
Side note. If anyone is parting out a 4th gen (hopefully a 97 camaro specifically) please let me know if you'd be interested in selling me your windshield.
Repair/replace? I don't know. Haven't had the time to get an estimate from anyone. Trying to avoid calling the insurance, as Progressive is known for wanting to take the car to one of their repair centers. I do believe if they heard my car and started poking around, they'd want to up my premium if they would cover it at all.
Side note. If anyone is parting out a 4th gen (hopefully a 97 camaro specifically) please let me know if you'd be interested in selling me your windshield.
#5
Re: 4th Gen Windshield replacement....
Interesting on the timing of this question. I was looking to replace the molding, as it is shot on the passenger side after 17 years. Actually loose. Turns out the molding, although separate, must be installed onto the windshield to be properly installed.
Really was not planning to replace the entire windshield just to replace the molding.
.
Really was not planning to replace the entire windshield just to replace the molding.
.
#6
Re: 4th Gen Windshield replacement....
Some of the Corvette guys comments make me feel better about using Safelite, but I'm going to talk with them next week on a lunch break. I think I will ask them to use an OEM glass and not the "Safelite" brand. They are only a mile or two from where I work. I'll keep updating on how this goes and if anyone else has windshield replacement experiences, please do share.
#7
Re: 4th Gen Windshield replacement....
some of the corvette guys comments make me feel better about using safelite, but i'm going to talk with them next week on a lunch break. I think i will ask them to use an oem glass and not the "safelite" brand. They are only a mile or two from where i work. I'll keep updating on how this goes and if anyone else has windshield replacement experiences, please do share.
#8
Re: 4th Gen Windshield replacement....
I had to replace the windshield in our ‘95 two years ago. Safelite did the work, and I was very pleased. It was better than new. I'll have to check to see what brand of window they used.
#10
Re: 4th Gen Windshield replacement....
I just checked. It's says PGW Solargreen.
Here's their site.
http://www.pgwglass.com/products/Pag...GProducts.aspx
Here's their site.
http://www.pgwglass.com/products/Pag...GProducts.aspx
#11
Re: 4th Gen Windshield replacement....
They were going to put a different brand in it other than LOF, but they can get the OEM LOF windshield for me at the same cost. So I'm getting the LOF windshield and am set for June 10th 8am to get this thing replace at their shop.
I'm nervous as heck about this as certain parts, if broken, are hard to come by or discontinued. I'm going to remove the cowl, A-pillar covers, and wipers myself. From there, I just need to trust them to do the work right and inspect it good afterwards.
I'll update this when the work is done. Maybe even do some before and after pics.
I'm nervous as heck about this as certain parts, if broken, are hard to come by or discontinued. I'm going to remove the cowl, A-pillar covers, and wipers myself. From there, I just need to trust them to do the work right and inspect it good afterwards.
I'll update this when the work is done. Maybe even do some before and after pics.
#12
Re: 4th Gen Windshield replacement....
Pilkington Classics - The right choice in auto replacement glass.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...merly-lof.html
OEM LOF windshield
.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...merly-lof.html
OEM LOF windshield
.
Last edited by FirebirdGT; 05-28-2013 at 11:29 PM.
#13
Re: 4th Gen Windshield replacement....
Hehe, well tonight I went to remove the trim pieces of the car and came to the massive dash cover. Some of the vent plastic rails for the defroster were cracked, but it was in decent shape. Hehe, was.....in...decent...shape.
That thing split into 4 pieces by the time I was done removing it. I was actually shocked at how easy the thing completely shattered. I was planning on getting a new one anyway, but looks like I will be getting it a little sooner than planned.
I've got some pics I'll put up later of what is under the cover, the mounting points for the cover, and the shattered unit. It appears that there are two mounting points at the front that I can't seem to account for on the dash....but I'll detail it later. I'll also take some pics of the new cover.
That thing split into 4 pieces by the time I was done removing it. I was actually shocked at how easy the thing completely shattered. I was planning on getting a new one anyway, but looks like I will be getting it a little sooner than planned.
I've got some pics I'll put up later of what is under the cover, the mounting points for the cover, and the shattered unit. It appears that there are two mounting points at the front that I can't seem to account for on the dash....but I'll detail it later. I'll also take some pics of the new cover.
Last edited by ACE1252; 06-04-2013 at 12:49 AM.
#14
Re: 4th Gen Windshield replacement....
The good thing about having a donor car is research and development. helps with the learning curve
When replacing/removing the dash pad 90% of them shatter
I can't seem to find a OEM replacement dash pad youngs fbody no longer has them in stock
the only thing they have is a plastic cover that lays on top of your old dash pad ????
if you find a oem replacement let me know were you got it from. mine has a 1/4 crack in it
and I would like to have it replaced .... I have thought about using the dash pad out of my 96
but I'm a little discouraged about taking it out because I'm sure it will break in a hundred pieces
When replacing/removing the dash pad 90% of them shatter
I can't seem to find a OEM replacement dash pad youngs fbody no longer has them in stock
the only thing they have is a plastic cover that lays on top of your old dash pad ????
if you find a oem replacement let me know were you got it from. mine has a 1/4 crack in it
and I would like to have it replaced .... I have thought about using the dash pad out of my 96
but I'm a little discouraged about taking it out because I'm sure it will break in a hundred pieces