Broken windshield need..replacement advice

[MidLifeCrisiz]

I have a May '71 240z with a very cracked windshield. I have searched and haven't found anything on the site for help. What Z year windshields work on an early '71? Can I replace with a 280Z, i have to believe these would be easier to come by used...especially in Wisconsin where the pickins are slim on early Z's. I can buy a new one local but it contains the tint strip on the top...want to stay stock if possible.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

MidLifeCrisiZ

[hls30.com]

Any S30 windshield will fit-240Z 260Z 280Z...

Will

[Ttiger]

Any of the windshield shops can get Z glass. Just ask for non-shaded glass. They all use eother PPG or LOF glass, plus some use off-shore imported stuff that's OK. It should be about $150-$175 installed. Use a new gasket as the old one will be hard and impossible to re-use. You can still get some OEM glass from Nissan but it's quite a bit more expensive.

[MidLifeCrisiz]

Thanks for the help guys and the advice on installing a new gasket.

Anyone know where the best price/quality gasket I can buy?

[Fun_in_my_z]

MSA Sales them. I bought one but never installed it. So i cant speak for quality

[xray]

Any of the windshield shops can get Z glass. Just ask for non-shaded glass. They all use eother PPG or LOF glass, plus some use off-shore imported stuff that's OK. It should be about $150-$175 installed. Use a new gasket as the old one will be hard and impossible to re-use. You can still get some OEM glass from Nissan but it's quite a bit more expensive.

When I sourced my windshield 6 months ago, there were no Nissan OEM replacement available. Anywhere. IIRC, Mike (our beloved webmaster) claims to have the last NOS one on his car.

And, when I went to the aftermarket, I spent 2 months trying to find non-shaded glass. No luck. It may have been a production problem, but my experience leads me to believe that only shaded glass remains available.

You could try to reinstall any original S30 glass, but remember it's brittle 30+ year old stuff and doesn't respond well to torque.

Good luck

[Arne]

I echo Steve's comments above. I'm currently looking for a new windshield for my car while it's being painted. Non-shaded are not available from Nissan, and my glass contacts are still hunting for non-shaded after-market. No luck so far.

[beandip]

Concerning gaskets, When I had my windshield installed the installer told me that there are two different brands of gaskets. One was much more plyable than the other and fit better. I had the Progressive kit for the whole car, and he said it was the best of the two. All I know it went in with out a hitch and I have been happy with the results.

I have heard of installers that don't know what they are doing with these old cars . And they split the gasket and install one half the glass and then glue in the second half !!!! Don't allow this. Gary

[MidLifeCrisiz]

This is great info guys.

Has anyone had any experience installing a used windshield out of a 280z or something newer than a 240z? Is this worth it...or should I just go new with the built in tint, since the glass guys in my area say the only thing available is tint.

Thanks,

Steve

[xray]

I doubt a pro installer would guarantee the work if installing an old windshield, whereas they would warranty a new install. It's nice looking out of a clean new windshield instead of 30+ year old pitted glass, so I went with new, albeit period incorrect, glass.

Unless you want to try it yourself, can get an S30 windshield on the cheap, and may be willing to try several times, I'd go with new.

Good luck!

[Ttiger]

If you are very careful you can use the old glass. I just did that with my '73 that I had painted. It had the original glass. I cut the old weatherstrip out (very carefully and close to the body - both inside and outside - it's VERY TOUGH after all these years) and gently worked the windshield and rear glass out. Be very careful as the old rubber is glued in there.

I cleaned the glass edges and slid the new weatherstrip on the glass. I used the Progressive weatherstrip from MSA (I bought the whole kit). I then used aerosol glass gleaner to lube the rubber so I could put the chrome moulding back in. More glass cleaner around the edge of the rubber and on the body opening and I set the glass in the opening. Using a hook tool (kind of like a pointed screwdriver with a 90 degree bend in it), I worked the rubber into the body. It slid right in place and looks great. Take your time and it works!!

[MidLifeCrisiz]

Thanks Tony this is very helpful. Glad to hear that it can be done as long as you are patient and careful. Now I just need to find a replacement...

Steve