Clearplex windshield protector
03-10-2016, 06:31 PM
#106
Three Wheelin'
I've had my Clearplex on for over a year now and it's taken hits that would have left marks on my windshield. Angeles Crest runs behind others with sand spray would have left marks but for the complete wrap of my GT3.
My Clearplex was installed by a pro who does nothing but wraps and, who did several installations on other GT3 owners, I believe three or four, before he got to mine and was then able to say mine was the first he thought was installed correctly and, that he didn't have to re-do.
It's very, very hard to install this properly but, when done right, it gives great peace of mind. I hope it lasts 10 years before I have to re-do.
Dan (tosses out a data point)
My Clearplex was installed by a pro who does nothing but wraps and, who did several installations on other GT3 owners, I believe three or four, before he got to mine and was then able to say mine was the first he thought was installed correctly and, that he didn't have to re-do.
It's very, very hard to install this properly but, when done right, it gives great peace of mind. I hope it lasts 10 years before I have to re-do.
Dan (tosses out a data point)
03-10-2016, 08:59 PM
#108
Race Director
I too have mixed feelings about the product. I thought I had done my due diligence re my chosen ClearPlex installer, but apparently not. Not only did the installer damage the plastic cowl trim on my new RS (fortunately, only a $63 part), but the quality of the installation isn't great. There are a couple of streak marks, as well as some bubbles (looks like orange peel). I was told the bubbles would disappear over time, but they haven't. The overall clarity is pretty good, but even putting aside the streaks and bubbles, it definitely isn't as clear with just the glass. I do notice the film it every time I take the RS out for a drive and think "is this worth it?" The film does pit and then tear fairly easily when hit even with a small stone. I think the net result is much worse than what would happen to the glass without the film (i.e., likely merely a small chip in the glass). So, as noted by SanDiegoDavid it definitely adds up to a mess, optically, once you have a few. Also, solely from a cost perspective I am not sure if it is worth it either. Installed, the ClearPlex price range (at least here in NorCal) is somewhere between $350 and $600 or so. And I think the windshield replacement cost is around $900 for the glass alone, so perhaps $1,200 installed. I too am worried about proper installation of replacement glass, and this is what ultimately prompted me to give ClearPlex a try. But, if I had to do it all over again, I am not sure if I would go with the protection here. Perhaps it is better just to make sure you can find a really good shop that can properly install a replacement windshield. Just my $0.2 and your results may vary.
I hate to say it but I consider the paint and windshield just items that will eventually need replacing. In the meantime, I am going to enjoy this car is all its glory.
04-30-2016, 10:49 AM
#109
Track Day
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2017 Carrera. Just ordered my Clearplex kit from Ken at Clearplex. Pre-cut and pre-heated (the heat reportedly shrinks the final product) to fit the windshield perfectly. My Expel installer will be giving me a hand with the install. Seems straight forward from the videos on You Tube with Larry. Install date around mid May. This car will be a daily driver in warm weather. I will post how the install goes.
Last edited by zuffen911J; 04-30-2016 at 12:50 PM.
05-31-2016, 06:38 PM
#110
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Looking at different windshield options including just replacing it instead of putting any kind of protection on it. Anyone know the current market price for replacing the windshield with OEM glass on 991 911 GT3 RS? If it is under a grand I think that is better than just putting any film on it especially when the cost is 600 to 1000 bucks for the film.
That said I have no clue what all new windshield installed will cost for this car so hoping somebody does
That said I have no clue what all new windshield installed will cost for this car so hoping somebody does
05-31-2016, 07:03 PM
#111
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Looking at different windshield options including just replacing it instead of putting any kind of protection on it. Anyone know the current market price for replacing the windshield with OEM glass on 991 911 GT3 RS? If it is under a grand I think that is better than just putting any film on it especially when the cost is 600 to 1000 bucks for the film.
That said I have no clue what all new windshield installed will cost for this car so hoping somebody does
That said I have no clue what all new windshield installed will cost for this car so hoping somebody does
05-31-2016, 07:25 PM
#112
Rennlist Member
I had my windshield replaced after one year over the winter due to large crack, no issues at all with the replacement windscreen - its OEM, fits perfectly, can't tell its been replaced. the cost was around $1200 i think. sadly after two track events this year, chips already accumulating, although that includes 30mins running on the Pocono tri oval where the speeds get up there.
05-31-2016, 07:35 PM
#113
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At $1200 to replace the windshield I think that is probably the easiest route. On a 250k car that cost is minimal, relatively speaking, even if you put a new one in every one or two years.
The headlights at 9k to replace are another story. I am putting XPEL film on those despite the concerns about the UV coating.
06-01-2016, 02:29 AM
#114
RL Community Team
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Replacement is the way to go.
Clearplex (and all other similar products) either blur visibility, or the scuff marks from rocks etc. leave grooves that allow dirt to gather. So after a while (depending on how often you drive and where) you'll want to replace the Clearplex.
So in the long run, better just to replace the windshield once every X months versus replacing the Clearplex multiple times every X months.
Clearplex (and all other similar products) either blur visibility, or the scuff marks from rocks etc. leave grooves that allow dirt to gather. So after a while (depending on how often you drive and where) you'll want to replace the Clearplex.
So in the long run, better just to replace the windshield once every X months versus replacing the Clearplex multiple times every X months.
06-01-2016, 11:02 AM
#115
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by ipse dixit
Replacement is the way to go.
Clearplex (and all other similar products) either blur visibility, or the scuff marks from rocks etc. leave grooves that allow dirt to gather. So after a while (depending on how often you drive and where) you'll want to replace the Clearplex.
So in the long run, better just to replace the windshield once every X months versus replacing the Clearplex multiple times every X months.
Clearplex (and all other similar products) either blur visibility, or the scuff marks from rocks etc. leave grooves that allow dirt to gather. So after a while (depending on how often you drive and where) you'll want to replace the Clearplex.
So in the long run, better just to replace the windshield once every X months versus replacing the Clearplex multiple times every X months.
06-01-2016, 11:21 AM
#116
Race Director
06-01-2016, 11:24 AM
#117
Race Director
I went the clearplex route after my first windshield got peppered from first Smokies trip. Insurance paid for it but I didn't want to keep getting new windshields every year. I change my clearplex 2 times in a year. But with that all said the clearplex looks bad quick and worse then a windshield in the same amount of time so it might be best to just swap windshields.
06-01-2016, 11:27 AM
#118
Rennlist Member
I went the clearplex route after my first windshield got peppered from first Smokies trip. Insurance paid for it but I didn't want to keep getting new windshields every year. I change my clearplex 2 times in a year. But with that all said the clearplex looks bad quick and worse then a windshield in the same amount of time so it might be best to just swap windshields.
)
06-01-2016, 02:51 PM
#120
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by tgibrit
that was my fear, along with the issue of finding an installer who would get it just right on initial install. replacing the windshield is a far simpler task it seems.