Cracked windshield, Ouch Options

[chmillman]

Took the car out of the garage this morning where it had been under a cover for several weeks. Then I noticed I had a crack in the windshield starting a few inches above the bottom at the left side edge and extending maybe 6” into the middle.



I have no idea how this happened, there is no sign of impact or anything else. This is not a repairable problem, the windshield will need to be replaced. Waiting for my insurance company to see how much deductible applies in this case.

Windshields seem to be available, I was just wondering if there are any issues/suppliers I should watch out for…

Also surprised at the prices, they’re not as expensive as I thought here - like 400€ - seems more expensive in the US - maybe because they’re imported?

[Cairo94507]

That sucks. Do you know how long that windshield has been in the car? Was it installed using urethane (like new cars)? I know we are cautioned against that here because if your chassis is not reinforced, you can get a bit of A-pillar flex/movement when driving and that can lead to a crack. On the bright side, good price on a new window. Good luck.

[porschetub]

That sucks. Do you know how long that windshield has been in the car? Was it installed using urethane (like new cars)? I know we are cautioned against that here because if your chassis is not reinforced, you can get a bit of A-pillar flex/movement when driving and that can lead to a crack. On the bright side, good price on a new window. Good luck.

I read the same thing ,when I lived @ a rural address I had to drive on a really 3rd rate road to get out to the sealed road....thats when I found out how much my car flexed (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) .

[chmillman]

No idea how long it's been in there, only had the car for less than a year now. Guess it's unlikely to be original, most likely installed when the car was restored in 2012. Too bad it was in perfect shape, no scratches or anything. I tried to find the reference that's printed on the glass on the 'net, but didn't turn up anything... Looks like SIGLA did make the OEM windshields though. Saw something about Pilkington now making them?

[Geezer914]

What adhesive should we use on our cars?

[bkrantz]

What adhesive should we use on our cars?

The factory used butyl rubber, that sticks very well and has some give. 914 folk lore tells us that more modern adhesives are too stiff and can lead to cracks.

Several vendors sell the proper butyl tape (width and thickness). The problem is that is does not meet recent regulations, and many glass shops will not use it.

[VaccaRabite]

What adhesive should we use on our cars?

The factory used butyl rubber, that sticks very well and has some give. 914 folk lore tells us that more modern adhesives are too stiff and can lead to cracks.

Several vendors sell the proper butyl tape (width and thickness). The problem is that is does not meet recent regulations, and many glass shops will not use it.

I've had modern urethane on mine for over a decade now with zero issues, and my car get driven a good bit. I don't know how much I believe the "lore."

Zach

[sb914]

@914werke

[930cabman]

It's glass, sometimes it breaks.

8mm or 5/16" butyl round tape is the suggested product.

[914werke]

I've had modern urethane on mine for over a decade now with zero issues, and my car get driven a good bit. I don't know how much I believe the "lore."

Good for you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)
Too many variables. road conditions chassis age temp swings blah blah blah
Ill tell you having installed far more than the avg. Its happened to me. I wont use urethane (IMG:style_emoticons/default/screwy.gif)

[930cabman]

What adhesive should we use on our cars?

The factory used butyl rubber, that sticks very well and has some give. 914 folk lore tells us that more modern adhesives are too stiff and can lead to cracks.

Several vendors sell the proper butyl tape (width and thickness). The problem is that is does not meet recent regulations, and many glass shops will not use it.

newer autos often use their glass structurally, butyl is not a structural product as is remains somewhat flexible over time

[porschetub]

No idea how long it's been in there, only had the car for less than a year now. Guess it's unlikely to be original, most likely installed when the car was restored in 2012. Too bad it was in perfect shape, no scratches or anything. I tried to find the reference that's printed on the glass on the 'net, but didn't turn up anything... Looks like SIGLA did make the OEM windshields though. Saw something about Pilkington now making them?

As a brand Pilkington have been swallowed up by other brands except the UK where they started from the beginning and branded as Pilkington or Triplex now.
UK supply appears to be a range for British built classic cars , but didn't read any mention of German cars ,they may be available in the rest of Europe.
I think one maybe hard to find in as the biggest market for 914 was the US ,I had a friend here in my country looking for one and his only option was to have a local company import one for him and take what ever brand they could supply .I would expect he got a Chinese one as they are most common.
I have a new Pilkington in my 914 which was supplied before the factory closed in Australia many years ago.

[chmillman]

As a brand Pilkington have been swallowed up by other brands except the UK where they started from the beginning and branded as Pilkington or Triplex now.
UK supply appears to be a range for British built classic cars , but didn't read any mention of German cars ,they may be available in the rest of Europe.
I think one maybe hard to find in as the biggest market for 914 was the US ,I had a friend here in my country looking for one and his only option was to have a local company import one for him and take what ever brand they could supply .I would expect he got a Chinese one as they are most common.
I have a new Pilkington in my 914 which was supplied before the factory closed in Australia many years ago.

OK, thanks for the info, I will check the various suppliers I found here to see where their glass comes from. Still waiting on my insurance company.