(Another) Windshield Thread

[zyal8r]

Hey Everyone. I've got an appointment to replace my windshield in a couple of weeks. I'm going to do some tint to recreate the look so I can finally drive my car comfortably for more than a few miles at a time on a perfectly overcast/barely sunny day

Question - does anyone have an idea of the % tint the original windshields were? I suppose maybe the lightest ceramic tint will do the trick. I'm just curious about this and would like to provide this info to the tint installer. Unfortunately, with mine as bad as it is, probably difficult to identify at this point what it might've originally been, by looking at it.

Thanks!
Mike

[rossgn49u]

I tried to find a tint that was similar a few years ago, but no luck. The original glass had a similar hue as PPG's Sungate 400 Low E, but I had no luck finding a film that was anywhere close the appearance. Just make sure your installer is familiar with C4 installation.

[zyal8r]

Well my car is on a trailer again and I'll be taking it to the shop tomorrow for a windshield. Will take a few days as they will tint it first (using mine as the model), that needs to sit, then the new windshield goes in Thursday. We think 70% tint should be close from looking at other ZR-1 pictures.

Question - does anyone think my old windshield (which is very nearly opaque in some light... like getting the car up in to the trailer, literally could see nothing going up the slight incline of the ramp) would be interesting for a museum exhibit? I don't know who at the museum might be interested. Maybe I will try Adam Boca or someone. Worth asking before it's destroyed. I can't keep it at home!

Thanks,
Mike

[AirbusDriver]

Mike

It would be great to see it go to a display. Hopefully a museum setting will want it. It shouldn't be destroyed, in my opinion.

If nobody else wants it, I will clean it and display it in my garage. I'm going to the NCRS Regional in Springfield.

Mark

[Zman]

Mike,

Please share with us your experience with the window tinting. I have a regular C4 windshield installed and just love it! I have thought about tinting it to more match the original.

[zyal8r]

Hi All - happy to report that I got the windshield! Here's a couple of pictures.

I should have done this when I bought the car instead of waiting for the reproductions. It turned out way better than i anticipated I did a standard windshield tinted with 70% and with the cutout recreated. Before and after pictures together here. Also tinted the sides and rear window, so looking in to it from outside, there isn't as much light coming in behind the cutout to see it. But it is very clear looking out, or if windows are open, from outside.

A few before, during, and after - huge difference and long overdue for this deserving car!

95 #004, currently just under 6,000 miles. Will go over the next ride we take.

I am absolutely thrilled with it! After it visited Marc Haibeck for the engine refinish/updates/maintenance, and now the windshield, it truly is a new car!

Huge thank you and shout out to Tinting K.C. LLC and KC Glass Guys. Amazing job by both!

Also, I am talking to the Corvette Museum to see if they are interested in displaying the old one - it is intact and safe.

IMG_7250.jpgIMG_7252.jpgIMG_9106.jpgIMG_9109.jpgIMG_3120.jpgIMG_3121.jpgIMG_3148.jpgIMG_3154.jpgIMG_3162.jpgIMG_3152.jpg

Mike

[Zman]

The car looks amazing! That was the worst delamination that I have seen. I would not have been able to watch the process. Now that you can see to drive, the LT5 will earn your seat time over your 96 LT4. Both cars are musical, but the LT5 with its fat butt sings a better song. Have fun!

[zyal8r]

Originally Posted by Zman

The car looks amazing! That was the worst delamination that I have seen. I would not have been able to watch the process. Now that you can see to drive, the LT5 will earn your seat time over your 96 LT4. Both cars are musical, but the LT5 with its fat butt sings a better song. Have fun!

Thanks for the kind words! Did you go to look at it when you were going to buy it? I knew I'd have to do something with it eventually. If it is possible, it seems like it may have gotten a little worse over the past few years. Either way, it's better than new, now.

I hear you about watching... While I hold my breath at anyone but me touching my cars, I knew these guys would do a good job. They have done some amazing work on very complex situations and are well-known locally.

I agree that the LT5 is intoxicating - it runs (as my dad used to say) like a striped-a$$ ape - very happy with it. My LT4 is no slouch but obviously the LT5 begs to be thrashed the higher it gets. The best days are when I can drive both back-to-back

Mike

[dredgeguy]

Mike, glad you got it done and can now enjoy your car.

[zyal8r]

Originally Posted by dredgeguy

Mike, glad you got it done and can now enjoy your car.

Thank you Charlie! Me too! I no longer have to avoid bright sunny days

Mike