Tom928

Hey guys,

I discovered that the windshield I was looking into is from China and has some other differences! I'm not real excited about putting a windshield from China into my 928 as I have heard of problems others have had on different cars. The info below spells it out; however, I'm a 928 newbie here, so what do you guys think?

Go with the China glass ($$$ - now) or try and find the Sigla or Sekurit glass ($$$$ - who knows when)?

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Windshield info:
In doing the due diligence before ordering my windshield. I learned several interesting points, got some advice and some disturbing news from the place I am purchasing it from. I thought I would pass this along to the group. Take into account that this is only a single vendor; however, these people have been in business over 50 years.

1) Most windshields made within the last 10 years, from Sekurit to Safevue to the ones from China are "thinner" than the originals. This is not by much; however, older cars that have trim or moldings that fit exactly around the windshield or take the thickness of the windshield into account, may have issues with the trim and moldings fitting correctly. I asked if being thinner meant that the glass was less resistant to being cracked by rocks or debris striking the glass and was told it should be as strong as the original. hmmm.. the s word (should).

2) Most replacement windshields have better UV protection than the originals did. This is in the material used to laminate the two pieces of glass together and includes a shaded area approx 3 - 4 inches down from the top. Does this mean better protection for the dash and seats? I forgot to ask that question.

3) All bronze tint windshields for older model cars are now made in China. (oh no - are you sure - yup they were sure)! Distributors usually check the quality of these windshields before offering them for sale; however, mistakes do happen so request that the box be opened and inspect the glass for cracks and any anomalies specifically waviness in the glass before accepting it. If there are problems, contact the firm you purchased it from and request a refund.

4) Sekurit only makes the green tint windshield for Porsche now. Since China began making the bronze models, Sekurit has stopped producing them.

5) If you use a professional installer, ask them what "experience" they have in installing windshields in your specific model vehicle. Some companies may have been in business several years, but never done a Porsche windshield. Use only an installer that has done your model several times, knows the problems that can be encountered with that specific installation and knows how to correct them. Ask to see work in progress if possible.

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So, for my 1981 928, I need a bronze tint windshield
–supposedly- the only manufacturer is in China.
It will be thinner than the original and possibly crack easier.
It will have a shaded section at the top but possibly have better UV protection.


Hope this info helps others and thanks for your feedback,
Tom928

Bill Ball

If this informtion was from an automotive glass installing company, call another. They seem to have vastly differing information, and until the glass is in-stock, you can't rely on what they say. I got Pilkington glass twice and it was good. It matched the original perfectly, although my glass was not bronze. The last time I got XYG brand which proved to be Chinese and was not optically flat. That seems to be a common fault with the Chinese glass making process, although it can happen with other glass producers.

Anyway, keep calling installers and maybe you will find one that can get Pilkington in bronze tint. Or, have them order the Chinese glass but insist on inspecting it before installation. I wish I had.

Tom. M

I got my windshield replaced during Sharktoberfest..with some glass that Mark A had on his shelf...as far as I could tell it was a chinese brand...all the glass says is "FY" and some DOT markings. It is perfectly clear with no optical issues and went in fine. So far so good..has taken a couple of small hits with no markings left.

The installer (the guy who Mark uses for his car) had a heck of a time getting the old glass out...seems they used a lot of butyl under the cowl and it literally cemented it to the car...and he wasn't about to go prying on it (especially with 200 928 enthusiasts looking on )..but we got her done..and no leaks...

Good luck in your glass hunt..

Tom
89GT

abbzer0

I posted this in a thread last October. FWIW ---

I had gotten quotes from a few different glass companies, including Safelite. I took the recommendation from my neighbor and called up Triumph Auto Glass. They originally quoted $238, but price matched a "discount glass" shop, and matched it to $198. They came out to my house and installed the new glass for $198 out the door. Also took the guy about 3x as long to install because of the old type of adhesive on the window. But now everything looks great. I would check them out if I were you! I am very happy with the quality.

ULpilot

Wait a second... where are you guys getting this!?
I called/emailed/called again triumph, safelite, glassmasters, diamond, local, national glass shops. They only gave me the quote of the 800- for the glass only! I asked if there were any alternative manufactures, second hand stuff... they said no.
Luckily, Rennlist helped- I'm working out something with a lister here, but... hoping that it can be removed safely, and then shipped fro CO to NY. Seeing how DHL normally handles stuff, I'm afraid it might not survive.

abbzer0

Simon - You don't have the antenna in your windshield do you? If not, I don't see why they are doing this to you. Columbus is the Distribution center for Triumph, so I didn't have to wait, but I don't think they would mark up the price exponentially for having to ship the glass. Hmm... Maybe they just have something wrong in their computer systems, wouldn't be the first time places have done that for 928's.

G Man

I got chinese glass for my 81' from " Fast Glass". It was $170.00 out the door. I installed it myself. Was a fairly simple project and looks good. Mine has green tint.

Bill Ball

$800? That's the kind of quote they give for Porsche glass, and then they find out that Porsche glass costs $1000.

Keep calling. I got different answers each time.

Tom928

Hey guys,

Thanks for the feedback.

The information came from a automotive glass distributor that was recommended to me by a fellow 928'er. I have a installer thats suppose to call me back tomorrow with what he can get and an installation quote.

Question for the guys that have the Chinese glass (Bill, G man), has it began to pit or have a sandblasted look? I've been told that the Chinese glass pits easier and gets a sandblasted look. I know there is a certain amount of this in normal use; however, some say it is worse with this glass.

$800 does seem high for just the glass - I was quoted $810 for a green tint window; however, that was with the crating and shipping fee included.

Thanks again,
Tom928

Bill Ball

No, my Chinese glass doesn't seem to be pitting. Wavy distortion is the only issue.

Paying for crating and shipping is a waste. You should be able to get the glass locally. I think if you search some more you will get the glass installed for less than crating & shipping. In my case, the glass shop had the windshield in-stock the first time and had it the next day the following time.

G Man

Mine is like new still. I don't drive the 81' that much since I got the 84'.

khalloudy

I got my glass straight from Porsche from Germany cost about $800 or so. I would not put Chinese stuff on my 928... that is baaaaad baaaaaaaaaaaaaad baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad

Bill Ball

I'm not buying an $800 windshield every 2 years. Next time it will be the Pilkington again, rather than the Chinese glass. That was $260 installed. I got ripped this time.

khalloudy

my insurance covered it