North American Turbocoupe Organization



Windshield Replace... DIY or Pay Out?
ridgeback Offline
Member
#1
So my windshield has been severely scratched since I bought it in early 90s. Its since gained about 100k on it and looks as if it went thru Desert Storm, and when the sun catches its surface at the right angle it looks like the world shiniest Diamond.

So, Next up on the Bird's to do list will be a new windshield! I need to know from other DIY Bird owners if its an easy job or just "Pay Out" to a glass service for like $230 installed? Before you put you 2 cents in, be aware that I have done many repairs & rebuilds but never a windshield removal or install.

Thanks for your replies,

Ron
Ron

Black 87 TC, 2nd owner since 1990@21k, now@109k.
Current Mods: Gillis valve @18psi. K&N Cone. Removed AC components, New: Esslinger Aux. Shaft, Seals, Melling Oil Pump, Heater core. Ranger cam & rollers, new tower bearings, Walbro 255 fuel pump
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Not B Anymore Offline
Administrator
#2
I've done it on my '86. I can't say it's particularly difficult, but... I wouldn't do it again. Don't have the patience for it. Personally, I'd pay the $230 to have it done. I do most everything myself on my cars. There are three things they will go to the shop for. Alignment, inspection, and windshield.
Brian Leavitt
'86 TC 5-Speed -- MS2x w/COP | 83 lb. injectors | T3/T4 50 Trim Stage 3 .63AR | Full 3" Exhaust - No Cat | Motorsport FMIC | Ranger Roller | Ported E6 | Walbro 255HP | Kirban | 20psi | 120-amp 3G | 8.8" 3.55 rear | '03 Cobra Wheels
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Jeff K Offline
Administrator
#3
^^^^^ Agreed. Did a windshield once on my 91 Escort winter beater. Not really hard, but not very fun, and not something I would want to do again. Its one thing it is worth the extra $$ to have a pro do.
Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 24 psi, forced air IC, water injection, BPV, Ranger cam, subframes, etc., etc.
86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP N2O, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.
11 Crown Vic Interceptor
14 Toyota Camry (wifes car)
95 Taurus GL Vulcan winter beater
67 Honda 450 Super Sport - completely customized
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Jeff K Offline
Administrator
#4
^^^^^ Agreed. Did a windshield once on my 91 Escort winter beater. Not really hard, but not very fun, and not something I would want to do again. Its one thing it is worth the extra $$ to have a pro do.
Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 24 psi, forced air IC, water injection, BPV, Ranger cam, subframes, etc., etc.
86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP N2O, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.
11 Crown Vic Interceptor
14 Toyota Camry (wifes car)
95 Taurus GL Vulcan winter beater
67 Honda 450 Super Sport - completely customized
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boosted chicken Offline
Senior Member
#5
Had mine replaced about 3 months ago. Best $186.00 I have spent on the bird. Even at $230.00 I would not have tried to replace it myself.
88 TC#1 2.9L tall deck. Essy SVO head, Boport header, BW SX369 turbo, C4 trans, MS2xtra
88 TC#2 drag car project(someday)
88 TC#3 parts car (just needed the header panel...bought the whole car, lol)
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anasazi4st Offline
Senior Member
#6
One of the advantages of living in the desert: car insurance includes Free Windshield Replacement. I've had it done once in 1992 when I went outside to discover a large crack across it. Unfortunately the installers aren't always the most careful workers--I found a small scratch on my left front fender afterwards, adjacent to the door; too late to report it.

There's places here that offer $50 gift cards, free steak dinners each month for a year, etc. if you have them do it.
Another proud dues-paying member.

1987 Turbo Coupe w/T5OD, 8.8 axle, grey smoke; most options. Got it in 1991 with 41K miles: 3 turbos, 2 heater cores, 3 T5OD full rebuilds, 6 clutches, 1 head gasket, 2 Teves II ABS units, etc. later....
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FastN'Fried Offline
Senior Member
#7
Sounds like the Jury has decided, but FWIW, I too happily payout to have this done. They even came to my work and knocked it out in about 20 minutes.
1988 Canyon Red Turbo Coupe
Carrillo pistons +.030, ARP hardware, 3in exhaust, and a magnaflow
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ridgeback Offline
Member
#8
boosted chicken Wrote:Had mine replaced about 3 months ago. Best $186.00 I have spent on the bird. Even at $230.00 I would not have tried to replace it myself.

what company did you use? And where was your location?
Ron

Black 87 TC, 2nd owner since 1990@21k, now@109k.
Current Mods: Gillis valve @18psi. K&N Cone. Removed AC components, New: Esslinger Aux. Shaft, Seals, Melling Oil Pump, Heater core. Ranger cam & rollers, new tower bearings, Walbro 255 fuel pump
Reply

ridgeback Offline
Member
#9
I am going to end up paying someone to install it. But I also want to see if "whatever Company" will let me do a clear UV tint application to the interior of the glass while he is removing the old one and prepping for the new one. Would be so much easier to install it with the windshield out of the car.
Ron

Black 87 TC, 2nd owner since 1990@21k, now@109k.
Current Mods: Gillis valve @18psi. K&N Cone. Removed AC components, New: Esslinger Aux. Shaft, Seals, Melling Oil Pump, Heater core. Ranger cam & rollers, new tower bearings, Walbro 255 fuel pump
Reply

boosted chicken Offline
Senior Member
#10
ridgeback Wrote:
boosted chicken Wrote:Had mine replaced about 3 months ago. Best $186.00 I have spent on the bird. Even at $230.00 I would not have tried to replace it myself.

what company did you use? And where was your location?
The company is called Daily's Auto Glass. Pretty sure it is just a local company in the Odessa and Midland, TX area.
88 TC#1 2.9L tall deck. Essy SVO head, Boport header, BW SX369 turbo, C4 trans, MS2xtra
88 TC#2 drag car project(someday)
88 TC#3 parts car (just needed the header panel...bought the whole car, lol)
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