I need to install a new windshield but i'm pretty much broke. Glass company wanted $250 to install a chinese windshield and I had to get the seal myself. I got an oem windshield from a junkyard for $35 and a $45 seal(oem according to the seller) from ebay. Now I need to put it in.. I would try to the windshield in myself, but don't want to crack it.
Does anyone know of anyone that has experience with these windshields or that would replace the windshield if cracked during installation.. I know is very unlike that anyone would replace a windshield they didn't sell, but who knows.

Anything around NYC would be fine.

Based on advice I got here...

find a reputable body shop that works on MB's, ask them who they use to do their glass - thats the outfit you want :-)

dd

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car

That sounds like alot $$$ that I don't really have. I guess I'll go with just a regular glass guy.
Any advice on installing the windshield?

try googling safelite- they run about $200, with a lifetime warranty on installation. that is without the seal.

Or I had a local co do mine(ins claim) they charged $225, new PPG glass, no problems with the old seal. done in my driveway in 45 minutes.

no one is gonna guarantee old glass.

I personally would not bother putting in a 25 YO windshield. too many pits.

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

Of course I can't find the thread but some folks on the forum had some horror stories about Safelite and their work. Maybe someone will chime in?
I would check it out before using them.

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

Yeah.. I heard about their reputation... some good and some bad. Of course the bad usually pops up more than the good.
Anyone out there installed a w123 windshield that can give me any pointers?

I didn't mean go to the dealer's body shop. Going to a good local independent body shop will yield a good independent local glass person. I had my front and rear windshields R&R'ed for $250 labor because they leaked like crazy from a previous botched install.

Any chain glass company will screw the install up, and its going to leak - unless you get lucky and get someone with experience on these kinds of windshields.

There are some DIY accounts on the forum, Id DIY as opposed to calling in an unproven glass installer. You have a better chance than they do of getting it right, since youll take your time.

Get the gaskets from the dealer, as well as the sealant. My glass guy wouldnt install the glass without OE gaskets, he said the aftermarket ones leak reliably.

dd

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car

I've used Safelite twice with no problems. Just had one done this week $209 using the old gasket.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Here is one that might help you.

www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=143441

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

When I had the seal on my SD replaced I had to shell out $200 and assist the guy. It does not look like rocket science if you have the correct tools, just go slowly and gently. Next time I’ll do it myself.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

It isn't rocket science, in fact, any high-school dropout can do it. I think I have done about 8 of these now without a glitch. Just be sure you have a "plan B"....

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)