Windshield Replacement

[Positraktion]

Tried to look for a thread on here about windshield replacement but couldn't find anything other than talking about Lexan(sic). Has anyone used a glass company in Phoenix to replace the windshield on their Cobra? My insurance company agreed to replace it but now I am having trouble finding a company. Any help would be appreciated. Cheers....Posi....

[Rick Parker]

You may have more success if you remove the frame and glass assembly from the car and take it to a glass shop. If necessary take the new glass to them too.

[FIA-ERA]

Well, the problem arises when there are a bunch of different glasses out there. I know of at least three and there's I bet at least 2 or 3 more. The "right" glass comes from England but others work. I do know there are different frames, glass, and body widths. I would call FFR and see if they have some suggestions out there. I DO AGREE with Rick as you need to take it to a glass company. There really isn't anything hard about it BUT the screws are very easy to strip and the frame has to be pulled out then kinda pushed back together if you will. It's a little tedious and something they do all day. I personally used Lexan for more than one reason. One day though it proved to be worth it as something BIG hit it. I don't know what it was but it probably would have trashed my windshield! There wasn't even a mark on the windshield! I don't know what it is but these cars pick up every rock a mile in each direction! Better make sure the insurance company sees the estimate up front. I've seen glass from $175 to $600! Good luck, Matt

[Ibr8k4vetts]

If you have a FFR why not call them?

[Positraktion]

Yes it is a FFR. Danr suggests taking the car over to Gordon and let him do it....might be a good choice....Gordon has done so many of these

[twobjshelbys]

replacing the glass in the frame is relatively simple task. Finding the right glass will be your task. I got mine from Shell Valley.

[Skully]

Following to close to the big rigs again?

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

Here's a place that has done some FFR glass before: http://www.safelite.com/
18783 N 83RD AVE
PEORIA, AZ 85382
Area-wide: 877-742-4577


I have been dealing with them and my ins co to replace my cracked glass.
Appraiser comes Thursday.
AZ Bob

[Karl Bebout]

I replaced my windshiled several years ago and it was barely an hour's job. Seems like I bought the glass from Shell Valley or maybe Cobra Restorers. As mentioned before, just be careful with the screws for the frame, wind wings, and sun visors. Resist the urge to give them that one little last 1/8 of a turn. Suggest using blue Loctite. I'll be going with Lexan the next time and then I'll just be careful when I clean it.

[cdnus]

I have been considering replacing my cracked windshield with lexan & then applying clear stone guard or static cling over it to protect it from scratches. I then could replace either over the winter & have a nice clear surface every summer.

Craig

[Fitz]

Gordon has done a few for me.

If you know how to do it and have a lot of ….beer, wine, bourbon;
and are very calm; no phone calls;
no wife yelling at you to get your ass into the house for dinner;
or “Are you staying in the Garage all night Honey”???
“””You love that silly car more than me””
no office calls;
no employee issues;
and you are in a nice air conditioned place…..
and absolutely don’t look at the stock market report …..

By all means replace it yourself.

I have seen a few break right in front of your eyes while installing………

[snakebitekit]

How difficult is it to remove the frame from the glass. I can't believe those 8 little screws hold the windshield in. Can you reuse the rubber from around the windshield after you remove the frame or is a new one needed?

[Danr55]

You can reuse it, but it's always better and more difficult to fit, with a new one. That's why it's better to let someone experienced do it. All you have to do is flex the glass the wrong way one time and CRASH*** you get to start over..

[FIA-ERA]

It's not that hard to do, really. It is a lot easier than doing a traditional car with that buhtl rubber crap and string! Like others have said, take your time, quiet garage, and watch the screws!! It only takes that extra little bit not only to crack it but also if the windshield should "flex" any it can hit those screws. The real reason I used Lexan was two part. I could not see spending $400 for a windshield, I mean really! The second was for $200 or less you can get the MR Lexan in a 5'x 10' sheet, if I remember right and have enough for 5 windshields! While it does take some skill and patience to cut the Lexan/ sand the edges/ kinda bend it to fit/ it's more rewarding to me. Again, if you hit something hard it might leave a mark but it will not crack. If your car is ANYTHING other than an ERA the chassis might flex and cause another crack! Now, I don't have wipers at all. Some rain X and your good to go. If you do get caught in the rain ,well you got other probs to deal with than no wipers. The rubber gasket can be re used BUT be very careful as it is thin and can have a tendencey to "roll over" when installing in the frame. I think I used some WD 40 to kinda lubricate it a little. The frame has to be pulled out at the bottom edges to separate the glass from the frame but not too much or you will fight getting it back together. The screws are extremely easy to strip!! Like I said not the hardest thing BUT probably the most stressful. Good luck! Matt

[Mike Brasfield]

I replaced my glass windshield about 8 years ago with Lexan, scratch resistant that was cut by a company called "Tap Plastic". I took them diagram of the actual windshield and had them cut it. Works fine. Only problem is there is no "tint" at the top of the windshield.

[Gofastoldguy]

Gordon did mine several months ago and he dealt with the insurance company directly... Came out great.

[John-Tucson]

Order one from FFR and install it yourself. I've done two of them and it's no big deal. Any auto glass business should have the insulation / vibration black tape that you'll want, yes, install a new one. If the origional one is a few years old the sun and heat will have deterated it. (sic) I have installed a new windshield with the frame on the car and also with the frame off the car. Don't be afraid of handeling the glass, that is what it is, simply a large piece of glass and it isn't going to fall apart in your hands. As all of the other guys have said, be carefull installing of the side screws, get a feel for their tightness when you take the old ones out. The sunvisor and wind wings should not be a problem. If you choose not to do it yourself then have someone who has done them before do it. Don't have a local guy with no experience try to do it. He doesn't have the care and love and fear that you will have when you do it yourself. Good luck, again, it's no bigge.

[Positraktion]

Well if my insurance is going to pay...I think I would much rather have someone do it who knows what they are doing. I am going to give Gordon a call....Thanks for all the advice...Have a GREAT Sunday...Cheers...Posi - George