Hi, my '79 has a cracked windshield, I must replace it. It is the kind with a built in radio antenna. I got some quotes: $185 new installed, $135 new not installed, $100 used not installed.

My question is, how hard a job is this to do? Is it worth saving the $50 to try and do it myself? Or am I likely to make a big mess and end up breaking the new one?

If I have the pros install it, I will be watching and learning. They will come to me and do it on the spot, I don't have to leave it at the shop. Are they likely to take shortcuts that will result in a poor quality job? Or is there pretty much only one way to do the job?

If I do it myself, what should I expect and/or watch out for? Tips / Techniques anyone?

Thanks,



------------------
-ibjoe
now: '73 LT; '79 Z28
then: '67 coupe; '88 IROC; '95 Z28

Let the pros do it. It gets expensive when you break it. Also if it leaks, they can fix it as well.

------------------
68 SS 396

Camaroguy is right. Let an auto glass place install the windshield. If they break it, its on them, if you break it, you're out some cash.. Plus most of the bigger companys offer a lifetime warranty( on the east coast anyway).
Just make sure the guy removes all of the old sealer, primes the pinchweld w/ the proper primer.To cover any bare metal.The job takes 30-45 min from start to finish. Good luck!! Sonny

Go with the NEW one. Nothing makes a car feel like new more than a new windshield.

------------------
Fan of anything that is interesting and moves human beings.
1965 Buick Gran Sport Convertible
1965 Buick Skylark H/T
1948 Chevy PU with 401 Buick

Let the pro do this job. 78's - 79's, etc. used a VERY good windshield seal that is very hard to get off. Most glass companies use a power tool to remove but it can be done by hand with a lot of effort. Most of these guys do a good job. They don't want to come back and repair their mistakes because they usually don't get paid for it the second time.

Ibjoe;

Have the pros do it and put in a new one.

One word of caution: The sealers that they like to use tend to "short out" the antenna leads!

I'd recommend that before any work is done, clearly state your consern of this issue and have it noted on the work-order. Offer to show that the radio works correctly BEFORE removing the old window. Then, before paying for the work, re-verify that the radio works in both AM and FM.



------------------
Wes. Vann
Technical Reference Section

OK Guys, you have convinced me. I'll call the glass pros and have them come out and fix it. Wes, good point about the antenna! What can they do about that? If their sealer will short the antenna should they not put it on that area? Use a different sealer there? Use a different sealer for the whole job? I will ask the glass guys about it.


------------------
-ibjoe
now: '73 LT; '79 Z28
then: '67 coupe; '88 IROC; '95 Z28

I think that what they can do about the sealer and antenna leads "shorting" is to wrap the leads with electrical tape prior to setting the windshield.

The best thing to do is to clearly voice your consern and then let them do the job! If you give them "guidlines" as to how you want it done, you could be put in a position of assuming responsability for things like leaks in that area.

Just verify the radio works both before and after.

------------------
Wes. Vann
Technical Reference Section

Excellent advice as usual, Wes! Thanks! I will report back after the job is done...


------------------
-ibjoe
now: '73 LT; '79 Z28
then: '67 coupe; '88 IROC; '95 Z28

Good afternoon,
Most of the aftermarket windshields I've seen over the years,(nags part# DW-785) have the inner layer of glass notched out and some silicon insulating the ant. wires, then maybe a piece of tape over that.The pigtail that is attached is insulated also. Shouldnt be any problems with ureuthane shorting them out.Although a non-condutive ureuthane is avaible.I've been installing auto glass the better part of 15 yrs, never had a problem with them shorting out. I would ask for LOF or PPG brand of windshield, because they seem to fit better and less distortion.imho.. Sonny

OK, it is done! The guy from the glass company came out. Unbolted some of the black plastic trim pieces under the windshield. Used a tool to pop off the trim. Another tool to cut the seal all the way around, it was hard work near the bottom. Put in some additional cracks doing that. Unplugged the 3" antenna pigtail, under the cowl (NOT under the dash). Removed the old one. Used a brush to clean up the area. This is where I would have spent a little more time, he left some dust and glass chips. Replaced a few of the older cracked plastic trim clips with metal ones. Put some kind of black primer paint around the opening. Cleaned the new windshield, then put some other kind of sticky primer stuff around the edge of that. Used an electric caulk gun to put a bead (about 5/16"?) of urethane around the opening, Put the new windshield in place, then let it fall in. whump. Seated it down by pushing around the edges a bit. Clipped the trim back on. Plugged the antenna back in, radio tested OK. Bolted the trim pieces back on. Final clean. Less than an hour for the whole job. Damn, I know it would have taken me all day! But next time, I know how to do it, from watching a pro. btw, Sonny, It was an LOF part, looks good! Wes, the antenna lead was sealed pretty well as it came out of the windshield, looked like a short piece of coax with a connector. Didn't look likely to short, the way the assembly was made. And thanks everyone for your ideas and suggestions!


------------------
-ibjoe
now: '73 LT; '79 Z28
then: '67 coupe; '88 IROC; '95 Z28