Southern Cali Windshield replacement?

[PhAnToM]

Hey everyone! Has anyone had any experiences with replacing a windshield within or around the 626 area So Cal?

I've done some research and the company Safelite has come up on several occasions. I don't know anything about windshields but I've learned a few things while doing some research. I've read mixed reviews about Pilkington, that it's a hit or miss with fitment and distortions. I've also learned that PPG is the next best in line, however read from some posts that PPG no longer manufacturers windshields for the NSX.

From my research, I learned a few new information when I choose a windshield.

• Make sure it has an AS1 Rating
• Make sure it is installed with Urethane
• Make sure it has a cutout for the VIN
• Check for warping and distortions
• Inspect fitment
• Replace upper rubber moulding (OEM)
• And most importantly make sure the installer knows how to remove the trim by providing the manuals diagram (if anyone has this, please post it). I only have the two links listed below for reference.

http://www.nsxprime.com/forum/showthread.php/29671-DIY-for-windshield-molding-(TSB-93-013)
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Reference/tsb/93-013.htm

All in all, I'm not trying to break the bank by buying a $1000+ windshield from the dealer that can probably be made by one of the few aftermarket glass companies already, just re-branded (only a speculation). But I am looking for a good replacement, from a knowledgeable installer (NSX knowledge that is), anywhere below at or below the $500 range.

If anyone has any input/suggestions or have had good experience with a company with their NSX, please chime in. Thank You!

 

[Valhalla]

Why don't you throw a PM to Shawn in Tampa or Macninja in Sacramento? They have done glass replacement and might be able to get you some of the tips you are looking for.

 

[PhAnToM]

Why don't you throw a PM to Shawn in Tampa or Macninja in Sacramento? They have done glass replacement and might be able to get you some of the tips you are looking for.

Awesome I'll go ahead and do that. Thanks!

 

[GO KRT]

When I bought my 2005 NSX in August 2011 it had a very small rock chip in the upper passenger area......way out of my line of sight (not visible at all to the driver when driving) but it always bothered me when I looked at the car from the outside. I checked around and found that Safelite in Carlsbad could replace it and their total price was $295. I had it installed two weeks ago and it seems to be a perfect replacement. You are welcome to check it out.

 

[PhAnToM]

Hi GO KRT!

You've got PM.

 

[nis350]

When I bought my 2005 NSX in August 2011 it had a very small rock chip in the upper passenger area......way out of my line of sight (not visible at all to the driver when driving) but it always bothered me when I looked at the car from the outside. I checked around and found that Safelite in Carlsbad could replace it and their total price was $295. I had it installed two weeks ago and it seems to be a perfect replacement. You are welcome to check it out.

Do they have the weather strips along the windshield or you have the purchase it separately?

 

[GO KRT]

K.....I responded privately to Phantom but let me post here. I didn't stick around and watch the install. I stayed around long enough to see that they had the windshield there since it had to be ordered in advance. I then went for a walk for about an hour. Carlsbad Outlet Mall is a short walking distance from their shop. The windshield has a dark border with black dots around the perimeter. It is "open" for the VIN with black dots around the VIN. There is a tint strip at the top. I don't know if the windshield came with new moulding/weather strips or they used the existing. Since this was done recently I'm sure you could call the Carlsbad location for Safelite and they could tell you what they did. It seems to be an exact replacement. Professionally installed. No leaks. No wind noise. They vacuumed my car and left me a nice note on the dash. Safelite has been around a LONG time and they are nationwide. $295 TOTAL PRICE.

 

[scorp965]

Safelite is a franchise, so an experience at one really has nothing to do with another.

I thought I had found a proficient glass installer, the first two installs were great, but the last job on my S2000 resulted in scratched interior a-pillars from the old glass removal, which the shop denied responsibility for. The scratch was directly at eye-level, so both obviously new, and highly annoying. The lesson there is your installation is only as good as the tech doing the work.

Aftermarket glass, like what Go Krt's describing, is softer, sometimes thinner, and may display distortion compared to OEM glass. It's also about 25% of the cost, so many people opt for it; YMMV.

 

[PhAnToM]

Hey guys sorry I haven't gotten back in here in a little while, but yes GO KRT was kind enough to PM me his experience with the windshield replacement. Thank you GO KRT! Hopefully I can get to one of the meets so that I can check out your windshield!

I agree with you scorp. Some of the places I inquired with locally didn't even know what an NSX was, which had me wondering how well they would be able to perform such a task. I did however recently discover that my windshield was not OEM, but besides the stamping I think its hard to distinguish OEM from my aftermarket one. It never gave me any issues ever since I got the car 4 years ago.

As for nis350, are you talking about the upper rubber piece? If so, the glass places I visited had samples of different types and variations of rubbers for the windshield that they can show you. I would think rubber is rubber, so the one's used by the glass companies would probably be just fine.

 

[GO KRT]

Safelite is a franchise, so an experience at one really has nothing to do with another.

I thought I had found a proficient glass installer, the first two installs were great, but the last job on my S2000 resulted in scratched interior a-pillars from the old glass removal, which the shop denied responsibility for. The scratch was directly at eye-level, so both obviously new, and highly annoying. The lesson there is your installation is only as good as the tech doing the work.

Aftermarket glass, like what Go Krt's describing, is softer, sometimes thinner, and may display distortion compared to OEM glass. It's also about 25% of the cost, so many people opt for it; YMMV.

"softer, thinner, distortion" aftermarket glass (?) please show me where you obtained those facts as it relates specifically to the NSX. While you are at it please tell me how the aftermarket glass manufacturers get a variance from DOT to make this inferior product I'm always willing to learn something new. I will try to make it a point to take my car to this Thursday's meeting if anyone wants to check out the windshield.