My front windscreen has a small stone chip right in the middle on the passengers side, there are a couple of cracks (about 1cm long)emminating from the centre of the chip. A friend has told me that the car will not pass the yearly inspection with this stone chip. Is this correct? Secondly, the cracks do not appear to be increasing in length, however, I would like to replace the windscreen some time in the near future. Has anyone had to do this recently? or does anyone know where I can purchase such a windscreen, and approximately the price of said windscreen? (You know, this island really sucks for purchasing goods, had the two rear tires replaced yesterday and could not get the tires I wanted, they apparently don't ship that brand and size to Hawaii!!!!!!! :mad
Any knowledgeable help would be appreciated. Thanks Guys

 

Pamela... State inspection standards vary from state to state, so unless someone here happens to know what standard Hawaii inspects to, we're shooting in the dark. Maybe just go by someplace that does the inspections & ask then to give you a verbal OK / not OK, so you'll know if you've a deadline to meet.

To find the glass, you've two choices, maybe limited to one by geography... a good used one may be hard to find in the islands, but try looking in the Yellow Pages for auto dismantlers / junkyards /salvage yards, then spend a little phone time finding & pricing. Shipping a used would probably eat up your savings on one from the mainland. Maybe also check classifieds here & locally under "Auto Parts for Sale" to see if an individual is parting one out. hopefully someone here will chime in and tell you for sure all the year models that will fit yours.

Second choice is, of course (curse?), new replacement. Most bigger towns have at least one auto glass replacement specialist shop. Again, Yellow Pages, or ask friends for recommendations. Try to get at least two quotes, three even beter. I've heard (don't really know) that prices may be lower if you let them know you're buying it, not your insurance. And be sure they know that they're also doing the installation.

There are also some specialist glass fixers on the mainland, probably also on th eislands. they vacuum the air out & inject a clear filler resin to fix the chip. I dunno how good this is; never used it. Gotta be cheaper than a new windshield, tho'. Again, Yellow Pages, "Auto Glass Repair," probably.

Sorry not to be able to give more specific answers.

Jim, gone back to the lab.... "Come, Igor!"

 

I had mine replaced recently. Since you have a post-85 pre-92 model, you have an antenna in you windscreen. This windscreen has a list price of ~$1,800. However, a local glass shop was able to get me one for ~$850. However, I had my Insurance company foot the bill.

 

The stone chip repair stuff works awesome.

What if I wanted to replace my 89 windshield and could care less if I have my antenna in it or not. Any ideas on that Tabor? I'll just throw a 968 antenna on that puppy and wire it up.

-Matt

 

Sounds good to me, but I personally prefer the in-windshield antenna. I think it makes the car look "smoother" and I only paid $250 total for the whole procedure.

I don't know if the 968 or the early 944 windshield would fit better. Actually, there is a possibility that neither would work.

 

Tabor,

Oh I don't know. If I still lived in Florida where it is law that the insurance company replace the windshield, then yeah, I would. But it's probably going to be out of pocket and I'm hoping to find a OEM specs piece with no antenna for about $200?

I think the 968 antenna looks great. But I see what you mean.

-Matt

 

FWIW, I know the 968 windshield gasket is different that the '88 944. Dunno about glass interchangeability. I think I've read (here?) that it won't; the sheet metal seating surface in the windshield opening is different, supposedly. But that's from fallible memory.

Jim, my brain's gotten full; stuff tends to fall out...

 

You should check to see if the glass from a 951 would fit. I understand it is much better and will make your car faster.

Thaddeus

 

I was quoted from $275-400 installed around here in the SF Bay Area

 

I got a quote a while back from a nationwide chain(I can't remember who). The quote was $175 for the glass and installation. Obviously this wasn't for OEM with an antenna. That is what CDs are for.

Dave

 

got mine installed without the antenna as the car already had an aftermarket powered antenna (little black box) mounted in the grill. the windshield was only 195 installed... make sure you check out EVERY glass place until you find the right price... i got quotes from 1000+ with and without the windshield, and finally found the place that did it. shopped paid huge in this case=)

 

Holy cow - Really?

Thanks Kev and the rest. Especially you Thadeus.

 

Pamela,

You didn't state exactly what type of car it is, although I belive the windsheilds are all interchangable (except for 968's possibly). Anyway, my take on this, is that if I ever have to replace mine, I will probably go to one w/out the built-in antenna and add a 968 roof style antenna- the total cost should be LOT less, and should give MUCH better stereo reception (IF that matters to you). I usually just listen to CD's myself, but would kind of like to have a better antenna, and I think the roof one's look kind of cool- although I do agree w/Tabor that the in windsheild type looks cleaner overall- it's just too bad they don't work as well...

One other thing (and I may not be correct on this)- several people have told me that to replace the dash is a complete bitch b/c it basically requires the removal of the windsheild. Again, this may not be true, but if it is, you might want to take it as an opportunity to replace your dash too (if you can afford all of this at this time) IF it's cracked to begin with. I know I will, whenever I finally get around to changing the windsheild (mine has two small crack's it that it's had since I bought it). We don't have inspections where I live (YET), so I can't answer your other question...

Good luck,
Robby

 

Hey Thaddeus,

I've also heard that if you put a 951 driver in an NA it will make it way faster too. Even if they are just a passenger!

 

No, the windsheild does not have to come out to replace the dash.....