300D: 50/50 chance of breaking windshield?

[zippyclown]

Went to a place locally to replace the old gaskets for the front and rear windshield on my 1981 300D. Manager looked it over and said there's a 50/50 chance he'll break my front windshield when replacing the gasket. Rear he says should be fine because it's tempered. Does this sound right? Says it'll be a couple hundred bucks for a new windshield if it breaks, which he has in stock... Thoughts???

[rs899]

I don't know. I have replaced a W123 and a W116 w/o breaking either. Also my VW twice and 3 Triumphs. Am I just lucky?

[Orv]

How bad is your windshield? If it's got that sand-blasted look like mine does, they might be doing you a favor by breaking it. It's really distracting at night.

[vstech]

if removed correctly, there should not be any chance of breaking it.
he has to remove all inside trim, cut all rubber from inside to the glass, and cut all rubber from outer trim to glass.
if he leans on stuff to cut out rubber, it's a good chance he'll break it.
there are great tutorials on glass replacement on here.

[JWJ]

When I had the gaskets replaced a few years ago, the glass person mentioned this to me also. The windshield looked sandblasted, so I had it replaced anyway.

[Jeremy5848]

I have heard that same warning. The risk is real. It depends on the skill of the person doing the work and the tools they use. If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, you may be able to get the entire windshield replaced for the cost of your deductible.

[vstech]

oh, and likely, you'll need to have the windshield out for a while anyway. to repair the rust you are likely to find under the seal...

[leathermang]

I have known glass repair people....and they have been saying that for 40 years that I know of... the glass gets old and brittle....
You can increase your chances of getting it out by taking extreme care... but there is still a good chance of breaking it...
It is the curse of owning old cars where the other stuff is in good shape and worth keeping ....

[zippyclown]

Originally Posted by Orv

How bad is your windshield? If it's got that sand-blasted look like mine does, they might be doing you a favor by breaking it. It's really distracting at night.

Unfortunately it's the original glass and it's in great shape. Is there a chance something like this could be covered by insurance? That dried and cracking gasket has got to be a hazard... If the glass place breaks it, I can't imagine they'd cover it.

[Junkman]

Originally Posted by zippyclown

Unfortunately it's the original glass and it's in great shape. Is there a chance something like this could be covered by insurance? That dried and cracking gasket has got to be a hazard... If the glass place breaks it, I can't imagine they'd cover it.

Not covered unless in a wreck and you have comprehensive coverage. $225 for a new SD windshield installed. Call several installers & negotiate. I got a price for doing 2 cars then asked for the discount on the 1 car. FWIW, I've known body that wouldn't touch their own glass.

[sixto]

I'm surprised he looked it over before stating the disclaimer. Most places will tell you they can't guaranty it'll come out intact without even looking at it. Prudent CYA on his part.

I'd look for a shop known for quality work and pay what they want vs a stone chip repair mill if you want the greatest likelihood of reusing your windshield.

Sixto
87 300D

[barnumlives]

prior to painting it i successfully removed both the front and back glass from my 1972 220d using a long handled razor knife (glass installer's specialty tool).

after removing the interior trim i cut the rubber seal while holding the tool parallel to and almost touching the glass. the cut reached but didn't nick the anodized aluminum trim.

after completing the cut all the way around we carefully (and with even pressure) pushed the glass from inside the car starting at the top and it pretty much tipped out.

[leathermang]

You did not use a piano wire held between a couple of handles ?