Windshield replacement

[iponline]

My windshield is broken and needs to be replaced. I checked with the dealer and they use an outside glass company to do the install work with Porsche parts. Two questions:

1. Is the antenna for the radio in the windscreen? I have an '02 C2 coupe. Any reason not to use an aftermarket piece of glass?

2. Has anyone had the replacement done by an indy glass co? I've had repairs from Safelite and am not sure the kids they send out for that work are competent for the whole windshield in my Porsche.

Thanks,

[secretagent214]

Just last week, I had my windshield replaced by Safelite. I have a Boxster, not a C2, but I imagine windshield replacement would be very similar between the two.

They used the same Saint-Gobain Sekurit glass that Porsche uses. It came with the antennae. I was kind of surprised that they were able to install the windshield the next morning after I called them...I think they must have picked up the glass at the dealer in town.

It looks like they did a great job. I noticed one little dab of black urethane coming past the trim at a corner, but I scraped it off with my fingernail with no trouble. Otherwise, I can't tell it was replaced (except of course there is no big crack running down the middle now).

I'm all for supporting the indy shops when possible, but Safelite seemed like they knew what they were doing.

[beauar]

yes the antenna is in the windshield and yes the Sekurit galss is factory. I would go that route of course

Just last week, I had my windshield replaced by Safelite. I have a Boxster, not a C2, but I imagine windshield replacement would be very similar between the two.

They used the same Saint-Gobain Sekurit glass that Porsche uses. It came with the antennae. I was kind of surprised that they were able to install the windshield the next morning after I called them...I think they must have picked up the glass at the dealer in town.

It looks like they did a great job. I noticed one little dab of black urethane coming past the trim at a corner, but I scraped it off with my fingernail with no trouble. Otherwise, I can't tell it was replaced (except of course there is no big crack running down the middle now).

I'm all for supporting the indy shops when possible, but Safelite seemed like they knew what they were doing.

[jgriffin56]

The dealers usually do not put in the glass with their personell. ALmost all the time they contract out to independent glass companies to do the install. I would suggest that you skip the dealer, in that, they only charge more and take a profit for virtually doing nothing. You might check to see who does the dealer's glass work, by either tasking the dealer ( not likely) or calling around to see who does the Porsche dealers work. I have heard of aftermarket glass, but I would really be concerned about fitment of the glass. Call the dealer first and find out what you need for a complete glass replacement. You will need an outer ring, glass and approved sealant. Call the glass company and tell them that you have a Porsche and that you want (demand) that they send their best installers. If they balk, then call another installer to see if they have experienced installers. When I had mine done, it took two guys about 45 minutes to remove the old glass and completely install the new glass. He even showed me down in the bottom corner where the glass edge was showing, pointing out that this was a "normal" flaw in the Porsche front windshield. One other thing, take the time while the glass is out to put down some Protectant 333 *SPF 30)on the plastic dashboard just under the glass. Also make sure that they clean the inside portion of glass before installing it so that you are not trying to clean the inside yourself incase there is any dust of grime on the window from sitting somewhere in a warehoue. As far as other alternatives, some say the OEM glass is too soft. To which I somewhat agree. My other cars don't seem to pit as easily however but my Mercedes does pit easy, must be German glass. Again with other glass you should be concerned about fitment. Nothing worse, than loose glass making noise over every bump in the road. Also this is a great time to replace the air cabin filter, since they have to get into this box to remove the old glass.

[wross996TT]

One other thing, take the time while the glass is out to put down some Protectant 333 *SPF 30)on the plastic dashboard just under the glass.

All good advice except the protectant is Aero 303....

[perryinva]

Just wanted to add that Porsche is one of the few makers that doesn't emblazen their logo on the glass, so as long as it's Sekurit, it will be the same as and appear to be the original glass. I haven't found the Sekurit to be soft like, say the BMW or VW windshields I have.

[chriswaxman]

I had mine done by Safelite. I was impressed with the quality and workmanship. Installed it was under $500. The windshield was installed in less than 24 hours from my initial call to Safelite.

[wrljet]

Just last week, I had my windshield replaced by Safelite. I have a Boxster, not a C2, but I imagine windshield replacement would be very similar between the two.

They used the same Saint-Gobain Sekurit glass that Porsche uses. It came with the antennae. I was kind of surprised that they were able to install the windshield the next morning after I called them...I think they must have picked up the glass at the dealer in town.

It looks like they did a great job. I noticed one little dab of black urethane coming past the trim at a corner, but I scraped it off with my fingernail with no trouble. Otherwise, I can't tell it was replaced (except of course there is no big crack running down the middle now).

I'm all for supporting the indy shops when possible, but Safelite seemed like they knew what they were doing.

I sold my VW Corrado after Safelite (in Wash. DC/ MD area) replaced the windshield three times and it still leaked. Never leaked before they worked on it)

For this reason, I'm driving my 996 around with a badly pitted windshield because I don't trust anyone to change it.

Bill