Windshield cost

[rickjordan]

I might become a SL owner here soon. First gasoline Benz, presently have 2 diesels. Anyways, we may be buying a 1983 380 SL. The windshield needs to be replaced. Generally speaking what does one cost to have installed. Can it be done a one's house or do you have to take it in to a shop. My father had to replace the windshield in his 300D (1985), and the shop told him he would have to bring it in because there was a "little" more involved then just popping off some plastic trim to get the windshield out.
Thanks

[abe g]

This is a shop job! glass specialist that knows mercedes! ( a must)abe g

[Strife]

I would second the opinion that it takes skill to remove and replace. The seal in itself is tricky, and then there is the brightwork. I don't see how it could be done without removing the chrome on the cowl either, which is held on by screws and also tricky - I replaced the rubber there and it was a B@$@#$. A lot of these younger glass installers may only be familiar with the rubber type surrounds.

[GermanMarque]

Front screens are quite reasonable, do not under any circumstances break the rear screen, remove it or deal with it in any fashion. Try US$2,000.00 for a genuine laminated rear screen! If you get a replacement screen for the front, make sure it's laminated as per original, not armorplate. The windscreens strength is part of the structural integrity of the roof, similar to all new vehicles. Also when they break they only crack, not shatter and fill the cabin with chunks of glass.

[rickjordan]

Well I am a SL owner now. Picked the car up last night. Was up to 12:30 am cleaning her up a bit with my daughters help (daughter called it quits at 10). My wfie and I removed tha hardtop and set it aside. Man was that heavy. We polished up the chrome, did some paint cleaning with some polishing compound, etc. The windshield has a significant crack/spider in it. Today I will call around to find someone who is VERY familar with these cars.

[matt7531]

Cost me $200

[bwheitman]

Mine was $260, but I removed my hard top, removed all the trim, the wiper, and the lower panels. All the repairman had to do was pull the onld one out and put the new one in. I then re-assembled all the trim. The 129 has a lot of trim around the front windscreen. I wanted the glass from MB, but it was over $1000, so I got mine form safelite. Happy Benzing!