I will need to replace the windshield on my Targa within the next couple of weeks and I am not sure if should have a place like Safelite glass do the job or just do it myself with the help of a few volunteers (hint-hint) in exchange for brews of your choice

I plan on ordering the seal from Pelican then having an aftermarket seal used.

Anyone have any feedback about safe-light glass or any other glass shops in Raleigh before I go the shop route?

Thanks !

John

 

I wouldn't let safelite anywhere near my car its a two man job and they will only send one man besides that they are a bunch of hacks......try an independent glass shop that specializes in auto glass only better yet take it there yourself if they have any kind of reputation you'll be in good hands. Safelite is national franchise that specializes in quantity not quality...just my opinion

 

I have an interest in this too.
My windshield needs to be replaced.
I have a like-new replacement windshield with a new OEM seal.
I am interested in hearing from others who have done the replacement themselves.
Would the recommendation be to try to do it or to find a good glass shop.
Stories, opinions, experiences.......

ONEBAD911 - i am kinda near you - do you have a recommended glass shop?

 

pete, i sent you an e-mail with my phone number call me....phil

 

forget safelite, call the local porsche dealer and see who they recommend for the install. I would go with OEM german glass and definitely replace the seal

 

I recently replaced front and rear glass in my 69 coupe. Two man job ...one outside putting pressure on the glass as one inside pulls the cord and watches that the lip correctly pulls over metal lip. Had never done this before, just read the procedure in the 101 topic book, went fine for me.
EXCEPT: I fought that #$@^%$#@ trim/decor that is SUPPOSED to be installed BEFORE you install the glass. It DIDN'T go well, sooo ...I left it off. Now everything I read says NO WAY to install it AFTER the glass and seal are installed. So now I have to find a "filler" to put in that gap as I understand the trim helps secure the glass in place. humbug!

 

Thanks for the replies everyone

 

John - I second the idea to call Leith to see who they contract with. The Burham Bulls were kind enough to put a baseball trough the back glass of my MB a couple years ago. I wanted to have the job done "right" so called the dealer. They said they would do it for me but that they would charge a significant amount over what i would spend if i went to their source directly. I chose to go direct. In the end it was surprisingly inexpensive, but i wasn't terribly happy with the entirety of the result. Moral, call Porsche but also do some additional due diligence.

Please keep us posted on which direction you go.

jg

 

jg,

I will check with Leith Porsche and also with European Performance.

I'll be putting it through insurance but my deductible is $250, I think I need to change the amount soon for any future claims.

John

 

Oh, and if you end up needing a hand, I might be able to lend one.

 

James,

Your assistamce will be welcome if I proceed with the DIY route.

Chris from Leith Porsche recomended Raleigh Glass

http://www.raleighglass.com/page4.html

John

 

West German Garage is a super resource. They are located on Hillsborough Street very near European Performance. 919-851-1493,,,ask for John.

 

Thanks Zorro.

I called Raleigh Autop Glass and they only use PPG glass and use the molding ordered from the dealership.

I will have to process the insurance claim myself but it's well worth it over using a cheaper quality glass.

John

 

I did it myself on my 84 Targa, new rubber gasket is a must. Other than that, a no brainer. Two guys, two hours. The question you should ask your self, am I ready to find the wonderful rust spots that you can find when you open up the area around the window posts.

 

Don,

My track record on replacing windhshields have been failures on all three replacements on my 63 Notchback, 74 Super Beetle and 75 Standard Beetle. Probably because I was just replacing the seal and the glass was over 20 years old.

Did you remove the metal trim before or after taking out the glass?

John