Wasn’t sure where to post this, so I landed here.

The original windshield in my 2004 s2000 has a lot of tiny chips or “flea bites” in it, along with a chip about 4mm in diameter that the previous owner had repaired. Although the damage usually doesn’t impair my vision, it’s very noticeable and annoying when driving directly into the early morning and early evening sun. So, I’m beginning to research my options for replacing the windshield.

The original windshield in my car is labeled in the lower left corner...”Honda LP LAMISAFE ASAHI M3341 ASI DOT-20”

Hondapartsnow.com has this windshield in their catalogue...73111-SA-A01. FR Windshield. (Green). (AGC). $482.23 + shipping.
They also list the various windshield moldings and fasteners. Grand total including moldings and fasteners comes to $619 + Shipping + Installation.
I’m estimating my all in cost including installation would be around $850. I don’t know if this windshield is truly a “Honda” part or if it’s branded like the original windshield. I plan to call them tomorrow to inquire.

My second option is Safelite. Their replacement quote is $250 + tax installed. I’m not sure if their quote includes new moldings and fasteners or if those would be an additional charge.

Although there’s obviously a huge cost difference between the two, I’d consider paying the premium if the windshield from Hondapartsnow.com is a branded Honda part that would be labeled like my original windshield. The car is in all original, excellent condition...and I’d like to keep it as original and correct as possible.

I welcome everyone’s advice, recommendations, first hand experiences, etc. regarding windshield replacement...

1) is the windshield from Hondaparts.now.com a genuine Honda part? What does “Green” mean in their description?

2) is it necessary or advisable or not necessary to replace the moldings and fasteners when replacing the windshield?

3) are there any potential issues or problem areas to be aware of when replacing the s2000 windshield?

Thank you very much for your help!

 

I know some people who have used Safelite for windshield replacement and have been pleased. I can't say if they went with OEM or not. I believe you can insist on OEM with Safelite but you will pay for it.

One other option, the one I have gone down, is to get a high quality glass polish and appropriate pads on a DA polisher machine and go to town. I purchased a liter of 3M glass polisher from Amazon a few years ago. You use very little so this bottle will last a lifetime. Do not let it freeze. I matched it with Chemical Guys Hexlogic pads. It takes some time and effort but you can smooth out those flea bite nicks as you say. You can also use it for polishing headlight lenses. There is a trick to do it properly (see YouTube) and make sure it does not dry during the work.

 

I use to work at Safelite in the office not an installer; they use the cheapest window weld they buy in bulk and get glass from distributors and buy in bulk to keep prices low; the installers tend to do a ton of Windows. I don't see many people ever come into the office and bitch about install; it was very rare I worked there 1 year only seen it like 2 times.

 

I found several additional websites that describe the 73111-SA-A01 windshield as manufactured by Honda, in Japan, however some of them state the part is no longer available and a few state no shipping, pick up only.

 

Do a search. Plenty of threads on windshield replacement.

One common theme, insist on oem molding. Tbe aftermarket stuff isn't very good, and will make even a good install with oem windshield look awful.

I had windshield replaced over the summer. Old one got a crack. Here in CT, State law requires ins to cover glass. I went with a local glass place that has good reviews. Deliberately avoided Safelite. Always prefer dealing with local shops.

I asked for and got Honda glass. Labeled Honda, from a local Honda dealer. Also asked for and got oem molding. Installer was veey good. Couldn't be happier.

 

I had a few chips on my 2004 S and 1 started to crack, so I called Safelite via my insurance.....zero cost to me. Safelite did the replacement in my driveway. The replacement windshield was not Honda OEM and had a narrow tinted "sun-band" across the top, which at first bothered me, but in South Florida, I have found it to be a plus.
The installation was in 2008 and I have no complaints. Safelite did a good, clean, quality job.

 

Thank you! I’ve also read that the rear view mirror can be a problem after the glass is replaced. Did you experience anything like this?

 

I had the installer remove the factory button, and replace with a different one, as I switched to a rearview with built in backup camera monitor, Homelink garage door opener, compass, autodim. Came from a 370z. Has orange compass that matches our dash.

He glued the new one in place per my specs, as I had measured carefully. Mirror is much larger and I wanted it to mount as high as possible to be outta view.

So, um, I don't know if button that came on windshield was correctly placed or not. It was dead center in the blacked out area. Didn't pay attention if it coulda been upside down. But it looked right.

 

ID on my OEM replacement.

 

Thanks, where did you source it?