Windshield

[dredgeguy]

Originally Posted by Fully Vetted

So, here's my windshield story as of today. I have the glass and the WS (same source as Cliff). Safelite refuses to work on the car if it's pre '97. I think it's because they know the moldings are unavailable and don't want the liability of ruining mine. Either way, if they don't want to work on it then I don't want them working on it. So, I called Extreme Auto Glass Pros here in Dallas. Apparently, they do a lot of work for Richard Rawlings and Gas Monkey Garage so at least they're use to working on custom cars and builds. The best part is the installer actually owns a '90 ZR-1 and is well aware of the challenges of replacing the windshield. His words were, "They are not fun to do but I know how to do them." Because of the extra time involved they are going to charge me a little over $400. That's a lot of money considering I'm supplying all the parts. But, I was running out of options (Binswanger Glass also refused to work on the car. And they do a lot of classic cars) and if he truly knows what he's doing it's money well spent. He will be here tomorrow morning and has blocked off the entire morning for this install.

I'll update after the work is complete. Cross your fingers, say a prayer....do whatever you do. I need this to work.

Good luck Dave. I went through this with Safelite and State Farm this year. Took 2 months before State Farm understood that our windshields were different from standard C4's. After many photos and emails/heated phone calls, we had a meeting of the minds. Then they stated that since I was requesting OEM factory glass, I would be responsible for the difference between OEM and aftermarket (several hundred $ vs $2000). I corrected them and said that the windshield and WS from ZR1 windshields was not OEM, that was no longer available but it was the only windshield to meet OEM specs which is what they are obligated to provide. So my argument of this windshield is not OEM, it is aftermarket but meets OEM specs was the turning point. Then came the fact that ZR1 Windshield is not an approved vendor. State Farm said to get an invoice, they would pay me for the materials, I could pay ZR1 Winshields and State Farm would pay Safelite for the install. So that is what we did. ZR1 windshield delivered the glass and WS to Safelite, I was there and when Safelite accepted the materials in good condition, I signed over the State Farm check to ZR1 windshields. Safelite then did the install in about 4 hours and did a great job. Safelite provided a new WS and top plate but State Farm had purchased the WS from ZR1 windshields so now Wazoo has an extra one in stock. We did not use the new top panal as it was shinny black and my original was in good condition and it matched the rest of the trim which was not shinny. Overall I am very pleased with the quality of glass and WS as well as the install. Like I said, it was a battle but if you hold your ground with the insurance company, things will work out. Safelite also did not want to do the install at first but after I visited them and found one of their guys very experienced with C4's, they said if State Farm was good with another vendor providing the materials, they would be good as well provided State Farm paid them directly. All good in the end.

[Z51JEFF]

As I've stated in posts from the past,the trim can be reused if it's removed correctly. It's aluminum so it bends really easy.

[Fully Vetted]

Install is complete and it is awesome. This guy was an absolute perfectionist. Took him about 5 hours and he let me help him. Explained a lot of stuff. He had blocked off the whole day and was in no hurry. Anybody in the Dallas area that needs their windshield replaced PM me and I'll get you his number. He actually was able to save the old windshield which apparently is not easy to do with a C4. I'll probably be selling it soon if somebody needs an original WS with minimal delam. Anyway, can't wait to get it out tomorrow.

[5ABI VT]

That is great to hear ! I'm replacing mine as soon as I can find someone local . Sucks to be in Canada :/

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by Fully Vetted

So, here's my windshield story as of today. I have the glass and the WS (same source as Cliff). Safelite refuses to work on the car if it's pre '97. I think it's because they know the moldings are unavailable and don't want the liability of ruining mine. Either way, if they don't want to work on it then I don't want them working on it. So, I called Extreme Auto Glass Pros here in Dallas. Apparently, they do a lot of work for Richard Rawlings and Gas Monkey Garage so at least they're use to working on custom cars and builds. The best part is the installer actually owns a '90 ZR-1 and is well aware of the challenges of replacing the windshield. His words were, "They are not fun to do but I know how to do them." Because of the extra time involved they are going to charge me a little over $400. That's a lot of money considering I'm supplying all the parts. But, I was running out of options (Binswanger Glass also refused to work on the car. And they do a lot of classic cars) and if he truly knows what he's doing it's money well spent. He will be here tomorrow morning and has blocked off the entire morning for this install.

I'll update after the work is complete. Cross your fingers, say a prayer....do whatever you do. I need this to work.

I got the great moldings from the same source as the windshield. I brought the moldings and windshield to Safelite and talked them into installing windshield (I specifically said I did not need a warranty since I was furnishing the molding as well as the windshield). One of the Safelite guys had done several C4s before and knew all about the windshield frame being two pieces on each side (I had detailed instructions printed out but he said he did not need that). Safelite did the install for $150 as I recall and did a perfect job.

Replacing the Windshield and Wiper Motor

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Personally, I has no issues at all when I did the blue car. I removed original moldings and had them powder coated. Installing a C4 windshield is not rocket science, IMO. Pretty straight forward. Just have your trim restored prior to the install by a professional unless you are experienced.

[Fully Vetted]

It's straight forward but it's not fast. Typical windshield can be done in an hour out in the parking lot. This one took about 4 hours. They used gallons of glue it seemed like. Plus, he was being careful to save my old windshield and of course reuse the moldings. It's just time consuming.

[Paul Workman]

I agree, Brett. I had Safelite do the WS on the Equinox and my F150 first to get a feel for quality and workmanship before they did the Z. And, also I saw one of their WS on another Z in Marc's shop and was quite impressed with it.

The price wasn't the first concern initially, but after seeing the quality first-hand, then the price savings came "into focus", so to speak.

Just my opinion, but to me the perceived value of the uniqueness of an "original" laminated ZR-1 WS is practically waaaay over stated; out weighed by the crystal clarity and optical quality which is largely lost due to the lamination; and then the cost savings as icing on the cake.

YMMV.

[Fully Vetted]

Plus, they now have clear UV laminate for windshields that will do the same thing for a lot less money. Glass guy told me that. Oh, well. Next time...

[Racinfan83]

Originally Posted by Fully Vetted

Plus, they now have clear UV laminate for windshields that will do the same thing for a lot less money. Glass guy told me that. Oh, well. Next time...

Ok so here is an off the wall question. I have found that my phone gps will not work thru the factory windshield. I have to hold the phone right next to the driver side window to get it to work. Wonder if it is the same issue with the clear UV laminate???

And Paul Workman did you keep that guy's number for future reference? And did they supply all parts or did you?