Cracked Windshield

[mdbrandy]

Just removed the windshield tonight. It has a 6 inch (15 cm) crack from the upper edge just above the driver (left side). I'm planning to replace it with the uncracked one from my 280Z parts car, but my question is: is there any use for this thing now, or should I break it up and throw it away? You can't feel the crack from the outside, but you can just barely hook it with a fingernail from the inside.

Thanks.

[2ManyZs]

If it's not all scratched up... you might want to keep it if you have room... never know, you might end up needing it someday....

[mdbrandy]

Originally posted by 2ManyZs

If it's not all scratched up... you might want to keep it if you have room... never know, you might end up needing it someday....

The rest of the windshield looks fine. I didn't even notice the crack when i bought the car (it's that fine a crack). The PO says he didn't know either. I'll have room after I put the 240 back together - it'll be a bit tight right now . I guess I could use it again if I had to someday...

[26th-Z]

I don't know, Mark. Cracked windshield? All my experience with windshield cracks is that tiny little crack will grow over time. The crack weakens the whole unit too. I would toss it. I replaced mine when I painted the car years ago and the thing broke putting it back in. I was told the glass gets brittle over time.

[mdbrandy]

Originally posted by 26th-Z

I replaced mine when I painted the car years ago and the thing broke putting it back in. I was told the glass gets brittle over time.

Hmm. Doesn't give me a good feeling about getting the one out of the 280 and into the 240 without cracking it...

If you buy a new windshield from a auto glass place now, is it likely to have been made recently, or would it have to be 20 year old NOS? A windshield through Victoria British is only $100, although truck shipping would double that. Don't want to be "penny wise and pound foolish". I'll probably hold on to it until I have a good one in the 240 one way or the other. Then I can sledge hammer it or something :devious: . So far I've held onto absolutely everything I've taken off the car; just in case.

So much to learn...

[Mr Camouflage]

If you are worried about breaking your spare windshield,

Take a sharp knife (be carefull) and cut the seal out around the window. The rubber seals harden over time, making it more difficult to get the window out.

Buy a new seal for the car you are putting it in. and there is a trick with string involved in fitting it back into the car.

[carguyinok]

After I pulled my cracked windshield I set it aside aswell. I have found that there is nothing better for mixing fiberglass on. :cheeky:

It may sound funny but it works. The bend in the windshield along with how smooth it is make it so easy to work with the fiberglass.

There are a few other things cracked windshields are good for but none of them are as a windshield :sleepy:

[mdbrandy]

Originally posted by Mr Camouflage

Take a sharp knife (be carefull) and cut the seal out around the window.

Buy a new seal for the car you are putting it in. and there is a trick with string involved in fitting it back into the car.

Cutting off the seal was how I got the one out of the 240, and I figured that'd be a good way to get it out of the 280 as well. I just took a utility knife with a sharp blade, and ran it along the glass all around under the seal. The part of the seal in front of the glass just peeled off after that, and the glass popped out easily. Not very good for the seal , but I'm replacing every seal, gasket, and grommet on the car anyway :classic: .