NelaK

My 1990 S4 has a pretty badly cracked windshield and I've been trying to find a decently priced replacement. All the glass places I've called have said its a dealership only part and the dealership quoted me somewhere around $2500 (not including labor) + a month or more for delivery. That is a pretty lousy option.

I had my 1990 928S4 (with its badly cracked windshield) parked next to my 1979 928 (with its perfect windshield) and I was thinking just how surprisingly similar the two cars were... And then I started wondering if the windshield from the 79 could fit in the 90.

I checked the parts catalog and shockingly, of the 5 options listed for the 90, a few of the part numbers also show up in the 1978-1982 parts catalog. Has someone tried it before to confirm if it will work? Also - while the 90's part catalog makes sense, the 79's part catalog has 10 different part numbers listed, 4 of which say clear but have a "(J)" remark next to them, and the remainders are tinted variants.

1) What does the "(J)" remark mean in the catalog?

2) If I don't mind potentially not matching the tinting between windshield and hatch (the 79 has clear on the windshield and hatch, and the 90 is green tint), is there any reason the swap wouldn't work? Normally I'd assume it would based off the parts numbers but based off what one of the glass people I spoke to said, they were seeing them as different windshields so I'd like to be 100% certain.

3) Is the tinting anything other than an aesthetic feature? Or possibly reducing sun glare? I've been told that they match certain tints based off the interior color but both cars are black interiors so I'm not sure why one was tinted and the other wasn't when both years had the options.

4) Finally - does anyone have any experience with windshield protection film? My understanding was that you're not allowed to apply any tint or film to a windshield, but there are companies offering what appears to be something similar to a clear bra for windshields to protect them from rock chips.

For reference (I've underlined the part numbers that appear in both):

From page 278 of the 1978 to 1982 928 Parts catalog
928 541 013 02 Windscreen (J) -80 Clear
928 541 011 06 Windscreen (J) Clear
928 541 012 01 Windscreen (J) Clear
928 541 011 12 Windscreen (J) Clear
928 541 014 03 Windscreen Brown Tinted
928 541 011 05 Windscreen Green Tinted
928 541 011 11 Windscreen Green Tinted
928 541 011 07 Windscreen Green Green top tint
928 541 013 01 Windscreen Green Green top tint
928 541 011 13 Windscreen Green Green top tint

From page 328 of the 1987 to 1991 928 Parts catalog
928 541 011 06 Windscreen 90- Clear
928 541 012 01 Windscreen 90- Clear
928 541 011 12 Windscreen 90- Clear
928 541 011 05 Windscreen 90- Tinted Green
928 541 011 11 Windscreen 90- Tinted Green

dr bob

928 International has coordinated with a local installer for late windshield replacements at fall Sharktoberfest events. Very reasonably priced. Call 928 International for contact info. Last I heard, they were offering the Pilkington windshield glass shipped to you or your local installer in the USA. You can easily add your location to your profile (User CP tab...).

There are other recent discussions on the windscreens and availability. Pilkington IIRC is now owned by a Chinese manufacturer, and many regular glass installers will have access to the products, maybe not under the Pilkington name. Your S4+ car does not require the antenna wires in the glass, so the selection process gets easier.

Installation methods are closer to 1970's American car technology than modern no-metal-trim cars. Your WSM has instructions for the trim removal that can be shared with the installer, or you can do it yourself to save the potential damage. Remove the cowl panel after removing the wiper arms, and you'll have a chance to do some cleaning in advance of the installation. I might pull the A-pillar trim inside too.

Speedtoys

Even with the most care..id say there's a 1:3 change you will need a new upper trim piece.

#s 1 & 2
http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-p...section=810-00


https://www.sonnenporscheoemparts.co...9285591030470k
https://www.sonnenporscheoemparts.co...al-92855929502

dr bob

After watching Gabe change multiple windshields at Sharktoberfests, I'll go out on a limb and suggest that there's a whole to technique when it comes to the trim removal without damage. Like most things, it looks pretty easy when the expert is doing it. Some gentle taps on the wood wedge seemed to magically work the trim pieces off without damage. I could probably figure it out myself after a few tries. My initial odds for damage would come in closer to the 'other' 2:3, FWIW.

Speedtoys

Ya,,theres a learning curve in there. And it really sucks if you bring up clips with the trim..no idea how to put those back on without a repaint as welding will leave a huge scar.

jetson8859

The trim clips on my 90GT where held on with pop rivets. Just had the windshield replaced and two of the top trim clips came off, an 1/8 rivet and we were as good as new. Will add a pic when I'm back home on Friday.

Speedtoys

Oh wow, got those in with the glass in place too?