ZR-1 Windshield

[secondchance]

Hi, guys!

As we all know, one of those "must find but impossible to" part for ZR-1 is a proper windshield with reflective film laminated within.

I was fortunate so far with relatively minor delamination. However, as I was driving the other day, I noticed that it seems to be getting worse. Also, since I insist on driving my ZR-1 every day, typical road pittings are accumulating as well.

This got me thinking. As an architect, one of areas I have some knowledge is in building glazing. For highrise buildings, especially glass skyscrapers we specify "low-e glazing" to reduce heat gain. These glass typically has two sheets of glass w/ air space to avoid conductive heat loss (similar to residential glass). However, low-e glazing also has a "low-e" film applied on the inside face of outer sheet to reflect light to reduce heat gain. These films come in different shades and color (typically blueish, greenish or mirror finish) and some are very similar in appearance to what a ZR-1 windshield looks like from the outside. I talked to one of my window rep and he told me these were applied to glass the same way as window tinting is done. I have a strong suspicion that a similar film was used when our windshields were manufactured.

This certainly is not for those serious folks looking for NCRS points but for the rest of us, what if we locate a film as close as possible to original windshield finish and had it applied to the inside face of regular corvette windshield? Radar detector cut out can be located and cut out just like the original. This could make the windshield look very similar to original from the outside and for those in southern region allow the A/C to function as was intended.

Just a thought guys. If anyone is interested in trying this, let me know. I can check and see if I can get my hands on this type of film.

[blackjack]

i guess one has to check with local laws before,as many provinces/states do not allow installation of any kind of colored coating on the windshield
bj
91/1735

[ZZZZZR1]

There is a windshield (new batch) available in NH for $1500....

It is for sale in the parts section.

:thumbsup:

[jonszr1]

i would be willing to try it .could be a cost effective alternative .

[Chris_32212]

i would be willing to try this as well. the only question i have is who would be applying that film to the windshield? if we were doing it ourselves, i would probably muff it up. lol.

Chris

[secondchance]

First of all, film should be applied before windshield is installed and this should make it a lot easier.
I was thinking if and when I need to (unexpected flying debri) or when I decide to replace the windshield, I would offer to pay extra to the installer and have him apply the film. process should be same as tinting - clean inside face of windshield, sparay water on it, lay down the film and squeegee it on place.

If and when you need to or decide to install a new windshield, give me a shout.

[Jeffvette]

First of all, film should be applied before windshield is installed and this should make it a lot easier.
I was thinking if and when I need to (unexpected flying debri) or when I decide to replace the windshield, I would offer to pay extra to the installer and have him apply the film. process should be same as tinting - clean inside face of windshield, sparay water on it, lay down the film and squeegee it on place.

If and when you need to or decide to install a new windshield, give me a shout.

Virginia law, most other states have a similar one.


46.2-1052 Virginia Window Tint Law

E. No film or darkening material may be applied on the windshield except to replace the sunshield in the uppermost area as installed by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

[Chris_32212]

i hear ya jeff but it if the film were the same tint as the stock ZR-1 winshield... how are the cops going to know the difference? if you ever did get a ticket for it, i would think you could easily go to court and represent it as a stock replacement windshield and non would be the wiser.

Chris

[WydGlydJim]

Virginia law, most other states have a similar one.


46.2-1052 Virginia Window Tint Law

E. No film or darkening material may be applied on the windshield except to replace the sunshield in the uppermost area as installed by the manufacturer of the vehicle.


So in our case a film that covered the entire surface, except for the radar detector cutout, would be exceptable, because the manufacturer installed it this way, and anything above the cutout could be considered "the sunshield in the uppermost area". That's a grey area. They left it open by putting the clause in there about similar to the manufacturer, because that would be slightly different depending upon each and every model.
Just my $.02

[Jeffvette]

So in our case a film that covered the entire surface, except for the radar detector cutout, would be exceptable, because the manufacturer installed it this way, and anything above the cutout could be considered "the sunshield in the uppermost area". That's a grey area. They left it open by putting the clause in there about similar to the manufacturer, because that would be slightly different depending upon each and every model.
Just my $.02


All manufacturers have what they call an eyebrow at the top. That is what they are talking about replacing.

[Chris_32212]

like i said, it may be technically against the law but i think it would be very explainable and easy to get away with. besides, who here doesn't break the law (speeding) atleast once almost everytime they drive their Z???

Chris

[secondchance]

Looking at the original windshield, there is a very light tint (relative to radar detector cutout). Also, only time you see reflective quality of reflective film is when sun position is just right relative you your sight. From all other angle, you will not percieve reflctive nature of film.

Low-E film will behave exactly the same. Meaning, unless you use dark tint low-e, you won't even notice there is a film behind the windshield.

I don't know when, but sooner or later I will be giving this a shot. If all fail, I will just have to have the windshield removed, film removed, clean and reinstall the windshield. I think, for me, it's worth a try considering cost for the real replacement.

ZZZZZR-1,

You indicated that there is a "new batch" available? Could you tell me where in parts section? Are these free from de-lam issue?

[ZZZZZR1]

This is the only windshield I have seen for "sale" in a long time and the cheapest price

Al Whittier(NH)603-437-3803

He was asking $1500, but it is pickup only in New Hampshire. Unsure if it is still available.... Might have been bought off Ebay.

Windshield has no delamination (ZERO) and the only imperfection is that the logo is on the wrong side (for NCRS).

[secondchance]

Thanks, ZZZZZR-1.

I asked for sample films. i should have them in a few days.

[karterdon]

The color of tint on my 91 appears to be a reddish tint?? Did all of the Z's have the same color of tint?? I still have the original W/S very small stone ding upper RT corner.

Don Yoakem
91 Dark Red Met.

[secondchance]

My 94 has bluish tint.

I noticed windshield and side windows on my 94 were manufactured by LOF.
Did LOF supply all C4 windshields? If I order a windshield through local shop will there be multiple brands? If anyone is familiar with auto glass business your input would be appreciated.