I haven't started calling around to the local autoglass places yet, but does anybody know of a source for OEM-style (or even OEM) front windshields for the NA which DO NOT have any sort of tinting / shading / banding at the top?

 

I have had two replaced, both had tint at the top. I am not sure if you can get them without tint. Also, when/if you do search around broaden your search for NB windshields. The guy that installed the windows in my car said the NA and NB use the same front windshield, I am not sure if that is 100% accurate. But you may find something listed as a NB windshield that isn't tinted.

 

Interesting- I hadn't even thought to check this. The collision guide does show the same glass for the '97 and the '99. I wonder... is it even possible to remove the glass from, say, a late-model NB in a junkyard without cracking it?

 

I've removed a mustang glass with success...after breaking two just prior.

 

I wouldn't be surprised, given how much is shared between the 2 cars.

 

Possible, but not probable. It's stuck in with this tape that should be used for armor on tanks. You have to cut it, while being very careful not to crack the glass around the perimiter.

Nothing I tried would disolve the adhesive, including stuff that melted the interior plastic trim.

 

I had a spare windshield pulled from a wrecked car, and couldn't find anyone willing to install it. The difference in quality of window weld crap and the professional grade hot set stuff is huge so I didn't want to DIY it. I ended up just getting safelite to do it with their glass and all.

 

I would recommend staying away from safelite. Most of their business comes from insurance companies and they charge the private client way to much for a windshield replacement.

 

Had one replaced couple years ago, had to call around and find someone with a non-tinted windshield in stock only so they could come out, pull the old one and try to install one with a tinted band. Guy that came back out the next day made a mess and did a shitty job but at least I can still see through it.

Everyone I talked to absolutely insisted that nobody wants non-tinted windshields.

 

To be honest, this is one of those rare situations in which I don't care how much it costs, I just want it done right. I just got a quick online quote from Safelite for something like $250, which is cheap as hell in my book.

On the downside, their website specifically called out "blue tint, blue shade".

Guess it's time to start working the phones.

Ah, obviously. This would explain the massive number of new vehicles being purchased with either the factory-option annoyingly tinted windshield, or the dealer-option "can't see **** through this" window stripe.

 

My GF and I were ecstatic to hear we could replace her old Xterra's windshield for something like $160 through a local chain. We thought that was very affordable.

As always seems to be the case, Joe's question about the "no tint banner" at the top is most likely the tip of an iceberg for some gigantic and convoluted plan he's brewing...

edit: I type too slow. $250 sounds expensive.

 

i never thought about the tint band...that would suck on a miata!

 

$250 is cheap as hell?

OMFG

I just had one replaced at a local Russki place about 2 months ago: $140 total including labor. Its done flawlessly too. Does have the little tint thing up top though.

 

When I had my rollcage installed, I had a local guy come and pull the windshield out for $40. He didn't crack it, although he did warn me that it could break. He had a piece of serrated wire with handles on both ends and worked his way around after he poked through the glue (silicone or whatever it is) with a heavier and pointed piece of wire. After the cage was done he came back out, reinstalled it with new trim for $40.

 

^ Piano wire.

There's a company (a one man show really) locally that does the whole thing for $180 with your choice of glass w/ or w/o the tint at the top, he said he could readily get either. I got it with the tint but it doesn't bother me. I'd definitely recommend calling around though.

 

I'm tall. This means that I actually look through that part of the windshield. At night.



For parts and labor combined with on-site service, yes.

I mean, this is a piece of laminated glass, formed into a complex shape, which will serve to protect me from flying road debris, keep the interior of my car dry and provide a sturdy foundation for the mounting of my GPS receiver. The first one lasted 22 years, meaning that it provides all of these glorious benefits for an amortized cost of 3.2 cents per day. That's less than one one-hundredth of the amount of money I pay to poison my liver and dull my senses with rum, and the rum doesn't even include delivery.

$250 is a bargain.

 

Check the Wheeler dealers episode on the miata. they used a similar hot knife as I use with airplane sealant. It's a hot knife that scrapes up most of the sealant and the rest can be cut out with a guitar string or piano wire. if you're really careful then you could be able to get it out without cracking it.

 

OEM glass is the way to go. I'm not sure what about my aftermarket glass makes it so much less "durable" or "resistant", but the stock glass lasted 16 years with minimal pitting and no chips. This new glass is only about 2 years old and it's already sand blasted to **** with micro pits all over the place, and several small chips. The chips are probably because of how much thinner it is than stock glass, but the pits, I don't know. Makes driving into the sun a lot of fun!

 

Well, I'd be happy to buy some OEM glass if somebody knows where I can get it.

 

How much thinner? Is it lighter? I could deal with replacing them every 2 years if it weighted 10 pounds less. Lexan is not an option in my class, but "equivalent stock replacement" is.

And is there any distortion? That the big issue I hear about non OEM glass.