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Windshield replacement

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jdavidsmi

Windshield replacement

Yesterday after we got the brakes fixed, I went for a test drive. Brakes and rear end work good, I did not realize how noisy the old rear end had become.
About a mile from home I had a dump truck hauling gravel pass going in the other direction,and of course a rock hit the windshield. Now I have a crack on the passenger side. I only carry liability insurance so I don’t have glass coverage.

My question is has anyone had any luck using a used windshield? Or just spend the 300.00 and have a new one installed.

David,
1984 F150 LX, 4x4 117 wheel base, Engine Code "F" = 302, 5.0 2/B,
Transmission code "A" = 4sp manual New Process model 435
Axle code "19" = 3.55 (ford 8.8) manf. 08/1983, in Norfolk
DSO code "21" AtlantaFactory Air Conditioner, Dash with Gauges
1990 Goldwing 1500
1986 F150 XLT, short bed, 5.0 automatic
2004 F53 Fleetwood Terra motor home
2017 Chevrolet Traverse
Home town Viola Tennessee

Gary Lewis

Re: Windshield replacement

Administrator

Bummer!

I've not gotten a used windshield. But I would be hesitant to do so unless you can confirm it is not pitted.

Also, make sure you get one from a Bullnose truck. The later trucks had the VIN tag moved and the later windshields obscure the VIN on ours. That's a no-no.

In fact, if you get a new windshield make SURE you tell them you won't take one that obscures the VIN. Many shops carry only the later windshields and once they put it in they don't want to take it out.

I suspect it is illegal for them to put a windshield in that obscures the VIN, but if you don't push it they may do it. Don't let them as it will cause problems down the road. Don't ask how I know about this.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

old55pete

Re: Windshield replacement

In reply to this post by jdavidsmi

I am sure that you will find that getting a windshield out of one of these pickups with out braking it in nigh on to impossible with out braking it. I tried it once after being told it couldent be done and they were right. What started out as simple as fixing a leak turned into paying to have it replaced. All it took was a small chip in a corner and the next thing I knew, it was broken all of the way to the other side.

Im sure you will find similar stories from other members.

Steve
86 Bronco, XLT, 5.0 EFI, EEC IV, AOD, IFS, limited slip front and rear, 3.08 gears, Tilt steering, factory AC

Rusty_S85

Re: Windshield replacement

In reply to this post by jdavidsmi

used windshield if its the only option sure, I had one on my '63 that was used as no windshield was available in the aftermarket. It had a chip in the top corner and I tried to remove it post installation and damaged it so I will be getting a reproduction for that car.

But for 80 - 86 trucks I am looking at getting this windshield from NPD link unless Dennis-Carpenter has one for out trucks.

https://www.npdlink.com/product/glass-front-windshield-tinted/126937/60613

Jeffs Bronco Graveyard has the side glass both in non tint and OE tint. I would love to do OE tint if I could find a OE tint glass to replace the glass in my sliding rear glass which I don't want to get rid of. Its amazing how much air flow you get with just that window open.

"Old Blue" - '56 Fairlane Town Sedan - 292-4V, Ford-O-Matic transmission, 3.22:1
'63 Belair 2dr sdn - 283-4V, Powerglide transmission, 4.56:1
'78 Cougar XR7 - 351-2V, FMX transmission, 2.75:1 9inch
"Bruno" - '82 F150 Flareside - 302-2V, C6 transmission, 2.75:1 9inch, 31x10.50-15 BFG KO2

jdavidsmi

Re: Windshield replacement

In reply to this post by jdavidsmi

The answers were just what I expected, I really didn’t believe it was a good idea. But i needed to ask.

Thanks

myrl883

Re: Windshield replacement

Do some shopping. I recently had the windshield replaced on my '86, and it was only $185 installed.
It does cover the VIN, which I told them I didn't want, but it's done now...

Ford Parts Monkey since 1985
1981 F100 Flareside - Black, 302-4V Roller/AOD
1986 F150 Flareside - Medium Fire Red 302/AOD
1989 F150 Standard Cab 4x4 - Dk Shadow Blue 302/AOD
1993 F350 4x4 Crew Cab - 7.3 IDI/ZF-5
I think it's a sickness...

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Windshield replacement

Administrator

I had mine replaced a couple of months ago and it was right at $175.
I gave the guy $25 for a tip.

It's not LOF glass, but it does have the AS1 band at the top.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

Angelo Voltura

Re: Windshield replacement

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

Gary Lewis wrote

Bummer!

I've not gotten a used windshield. But I would be hesitant to do so unless you can confirm it is not pitted.

Also, make sure you get one from a Bullnose truck. The later trucks had the VIN tag moved and the later windshields obscure the VIN on ours. That's a no-no.

In fact, if you get a new windshield make SURE you tell them you won't take one that obscures the VIN. Many shops carry only the later windshields and once they put it in they don't want to take it out.

I suspect it is illegal for them to put a windshield in that obscures the VIN, but if you don't push it they may do it. Don't let them as it will cause problems down the road. Don't ask how I know about this.

I've never once had an issue with Dad's truck having a later windshield...

1978 F150 351W
1979 F150 "410M"
1979 F100 302
1979 F250 400
1987 F150 300
1990 F150 302
1991 F150 300
1995 F150 (1985 clip swapped) 300
1997 F250 351W

Gary Lewis

Re: Windshield replacement

Administrator

The '82 Explorer I had needed a windshield, so I had one installed. Unfortunately they used a later model windshield that obscured the VIN.

I didn't realize that until I sold the truck to a friend of my brother's, and he lives in Kansas and I'm in OK. The DOT there couldn't see the VIN, but being a small town allowed my brother to remove the dash pad and show him the VIN using a mirror.

I doubt very many people would allow that, so I highly recommend that people don't let the wrong windshield to be installed.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Windshield replacement

Administrator

Connecticut will let you use a crayon rubbing, like we used to do with tombstones.

Man, I don't even know why I thought back to that...

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.

Gary Lewis

Re: Windshield replacement

Administrator

Janey has a brass rubbing from Saint George's tomb in London. And that was done with a gold "crayon".

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile