Windshield

[Deano2002]

On our way back from Gulf Shore this morning something hit my windshield down near the bottom rubber gasket  and chipped it and, now a crack has appeared about a foot long. I'm sure it will move up the windshield and being this thing is 30 years old now, whats the chance of finding a replacement used one? I have found a place that claims they have the molds for new ones at 1200.00 for each side.

 

[Arch Hoagland]

Have you checked with your insurance company? 

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Chances are quite good. That windshield is NOT unique to your RV - it was borrowed from another vehicle to begin with.

Get info and quotes from national RV glass companies - they will supply the glass make arrangements with a shop in your area. Google rv windshield yourself, but here are a couple:

https://www.rvglassexperts.com/

https://www.rvglassparts.com/

 

[darsben]

Had to get a new windshield on my rig last year  see below

 

[Arch Hoagland]

Had to get a new windshield on my rig last year  see below

See what below?  Nothing there.

 

[Deano2002]

See what below?  Nothing there.

think he means 1990 southwind to show its age and that it is still available

 

[darsben]

)

 

[Deano2002]

Chances are quite good. That windshield is NOT unique to your RV - it was borrowed from another vehicle to begin with.

Get info and quotes from national RV glass companies - they will supply the glass make arrangements with a shop in your area. Google rv windshield yourself, but here are a couple:

https://www.rvglassexperts.com/

https://www.rvglassparts.com/

thankyou Gary, sent in the info to two companies, we will see

 

[Deano2002]

2 quotes so far, 2600 and 3900, the 3900 dollar place buys the glass form the less expensive place, imagine that

 

[SeilerBird]

Why not try a windshield repair kit?

https://www.amazon.com/Windshield-Repair-Kit-Glass-Crack/dp/B07MPCNBKD/ref=sr_1_11?crid=EAOPYMFRHK3P&keywords=windshield+repair+kit&qid=1556235374&s=gateway&sprefix=windshield+%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-11

One of the questions:

Question: I have a crack about 1 foot and a half, does this kit is enough to cover it or I need to purchase something else
Answer: Long surface crack repairs require only a few (6-8 or so) drops of resin, unless the crack is The Grand Canyon. I have used this product on some rock chips and like most of these kits it did OK

 

[Deano2002]

I can try that for a temp but, can imagine it will last long

 

[Lou Schneider]

The repair is about as strong as the glass itself and will last quite a while if you catch it before the crack spreads too far.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

A foot long crack is the outer limit of what those kits may be able to handle, and [in my opinion] it's more of a stabilizer than a cosmetic repair when used on long cracks. It's still going to look like a foot long crack. The kits work pretty well on star or bull's eye cracks, though.

 

[SpencerPJ]

I would check a local auto glass repair shop in a larger city area.  As soon as the word RV gets associated and RV shops, it goes up by 5X.  My wife just had a local company come to our house, replace a Camry windshield, $345.  Insurance covered it 100%, no deductible. I know that RV windshields are much larger, but I would guess they are similar to install.  And I agree, that is way too long of a crack to try and fix.

 

[Deano2002]

I havent tried many auto glass shops yet but, they will have to get the glass from few suppliers it looks like and, are they qualified to do something that large that has a gasket instead of a drop in windshield? I'm probably going to have to bit the bullet, still waiting for the 3rd quote.

 

[grashley]

Try a few auto glass shops.  Most have competent installers.  Price is the question.

 

[Deano2002]

I guess I could buy the glass and look around for someone competent and, if worse comes to worse I go to the guys in Indiana and have them install it later

 

[Dragginourbedaround]

Have you checked with your insurance company?

Maybe I missed a your reply to this. Here in FL windshield replacement is covered by insurance with no deductible, and they do all the leg work.

 

[Deano2002]

I don't have comprehensive on this old thing so, that's not the case here :-\. Would any of you attempt an install yourself? I am a decent back yard mechanic and do pay attention to detail, if that would help

 

[Arch Hoagland]

I don't have comprehensive on this old thing so, that's not the case here :-\. Would any of you attempt an install yourself? I am a decent back yard mechanic and do pay attention to detail, if that would help

Well I'd get at least one more body to give me a hand and would do a Google search on how to replace a windshield.  I believe they use big suction cups so buying a few of those would be necessary.

Worse case situation would be you get the old one out but can't get the new one in...then you head off to a glass shop.

Removing the old one will give you a bit of experience.