Why can't I find a windshield?

[tonyfromjersey]

My search for a windshield begins again in earnest. I bought one off a parts car, installed it, and it subsequently cracked a few weeks later. I have been on the phone with every auto glass company from AAA to ZZZ, all the national chains, local guys, etc. The best quote I got was 450 all the way up to 646. Safelite told me 275 installed, made an appointment, then called this morning to tell me they couldn't get it after all.

Anyone have any ideas for me? I'm really not up for spending nearly 500 bucks on a windshield.

[baltobernie]

I know several people who have purchased Spider windshields from Safelite. Perhaps your local shop chickened out when it discovered the "old school" mounting used on our cars. But that shouldn't prevent them from obtaining the glass.

I think there are two manufacturers; PPG and a Chinese company. There probably isn't a large demand for these, so there may be a long lead time. Did you try Bruce's in NJ? Maybe he has some, or can point you in the right direction.

John Erskine j dot erskine2 at verizon dot net bought three from the Annapolis Safelight recently. He may have one left.

[azygoustoyou]

How did that one crack? Did you put it in upside down? No seriously, what happened. It was in great shape.

[NJFIAT1981]

Tony,
The FIAT GODS HATE YOU! Do you want the Glass out of the parts car in my driveway. It won't crack like Bradys!!!! (Brady I'm only teasing you.) It might crack taking it out.Gotta remember that we are talking 30 year old glass here. Could crack during the install, a week later, or never. No way to tell. Let me know before I scrap the Spider

[kmac33]

Tony,
You can get new glass from a few of our vendors. Some sell the Chinese glass and some sell the European glass. I got my new windshield from Auto Ricambi (Triplex European glass).
If you weren't so far away, I'd give you my old windshield too - it's still in good shape (probably an 8 out of 10).

[tonyfromjersey]

Brady,

I have no idea how it cracked other than maybe when I put it in I may have stressed it too much. I had a window installer I paid to do it, but he ended up needing my help and I think we may have killed it. It looked great for 2 weeks though, then one morning when I went out to drive the car it had a big crack in it.

I'm going to look at George's windshield this morning, if that one's not great I'll call Vick's and see what they have. Bruce didn't have one last fall except one with some corner damage. Haven't called him this summer yet.

Tony

[katsi]

I have one in my garage already mounted in the chrome housing but, after reading this post, I'm hanging on to it. Good luck

[tonyfromjersey]

I went and picked up the one from George's parts car today, for the princely sum of breakfast at Perkins. It has some scratches from the wipers, but I think I'm going to take a chance on a windshield scratch removal kit from Eastwood, I found it here: http://www.eastwood.com/glass-polishing-kit-pro.html

I figure I'll take the 46 dollar gamble to see if I can clean it up before I blow a bunch of money on a new one. After the new wheels/tires the wife is starting to get a little concerned about my spending habits.

[Cozi]

I have no problem finding a windshield in Yelm Wa. The problem is finding a shop that will be straight with me. Local shop says they will need "between three and four hours to install the windshield". Upon being informed that this was the third windshield the car has needed since I bought it in 1987 and I witnessed the other two installations being completed by one guy in less than an hour I was told that "the owner will call you on Monday". Looking forward to the conversation...

[azygoustoyou]

Let me know how that works Tony. I have one with a small wiper scratch. If it works, we can fix it mine.

[tonyfromjersey]

Cozi,

That's because nobody wants to do anything perceived as remotely difficult, different, etc. The prices I keep getting are the "go away" price.

Brady -- I'm going to order the windshield polishing kit, I'll let you know how it works out.

Tony