Another windshield questions...
I have to replace my windshield so I've called for at least 6 quotes. Some places insist that you have to replace the plastic trim (about $70 from Honda), while others say that you can almost always reuse them without any problems. I would tend to fall on the side of caution, but one of the glass shops that said you can reuse the glass was the shop that a Honda dealer recommended.

This is what I have so far:

1. Star windshield - local shop recommended by Rosenthal Honda - Pilkington glass - reuses the trim - $327

2. Perfection Autoglass - local shop - Pilkington or PPG glass - reuse trim - $421

3. Virginia Glass - local shop (all techs 18-25yrs experience) - PPG glass - replaces trim - $409

4. Royal Autoglass - local shop recommended by Shockley Honda - PPG glass - replaces the molding - $455

5. Safelite - National - safelite glass - replaces trim - $395

6. Diamond/Triumph - National - Pilkington glass - reuse trim or use universal molding - $253

 

My window has been replaced, and I insisted the plastic trim piece be replaced. The shop that did the work said I could live without it and they were sort of insisting I don't replace it. Once they got into the job they called and said they changed their mind and they were glad to have the new seal.

 

avoid safelite...crap glass. PPG is the way to go. PPG alsohas custom glass that you can order (cheap if you have glass insurance).....

Its a "transition" windshield....like glasses, when the sun hits it, the glass tints itself.....I will be getting one within the next few months.

 

make sure they will insure against breakage upon removal. I was supposed to get the trim replaced, but they had to haul the windshield to get to it. They said that it is like a 90% chance that it will break upon removal due to the way it was secured from the factory. They also said that another stock windshield will cost $500 if mine broke.

Needless to say, I dont have $500 sitting around to replace a windshield for a stupid plastic trim. I just had them remove it with a razor (cut exposed part off). The windshield surround should be painted the same color as the car.

It looks a bit funky with the top up, (IMO) looks much better with it down. All convertibles look weird with the top up. They are designed to look good w/top down!

John

 

I'm not exactly following you, "make sure they insure against breakage upon removal", breakage of what - The windshield, which is already broken, or the trim, which they will probably replace? Also, I thought the windshield surround was black, not the paint color?

 

i doesnt have to be oem glass but make sure its ppg glass. and yes please get yourself a new moulding from honda. i watched them do my window and they shreaded that moulding taking it off. i suppose they could have reused it, but it woulda looks super gangster