UUGGGH! 1988 windshield might be a loss.

[89ARIES]

Well, my fear finally happened. My original windshield took a rock, and now has about the size of a quarter a crack that went part way thru the glass, but not all the way. It looks like
a dark wavy line about a half inch long, but not all the way thru. Can I go to an auto glass specialist and have them heat and save that spot. I don't want to replace the entire windshield.Can you still get a good quality windshield with real 1980s thickness unlike the junk they make today.

[Butch]

I got a windshield at the yard for $30. + tax for the Lebaron and had it installed for $50. Alot cheaper than a glass company.

[Pete in NH]

Hi Guy,

That windshield is beyond saving. I had stones tossed through my 84 Aries windshield three times on the highway over the life of the car. Thank goodness for zero deductable comprehensive insurance coverage. You might check with your insurance company on comprehensive coverage limits on your policy. A new piece of glass will be so much clearer, windshields tend to get "sandblasted" over the years. You'll be amazed how clear a new windshield will be over a used piece of glass.

[Baron]

Yes, I had to get a windshield replaced in a car when it was not more than 5 years old. I was still amazed at how much clearer the new windshield was. You don't realize how much they have deteriorated until it's replaced.

[K-CAR_WAGON]

A new windshield is defintely clearer. But you can probably still find decent condition used ones in a junkyard - if cost is a big issue. (And you can find someone competent who will install it for $50). Not all windshields age the same. For the most part it depends on the use of the car and environment. If the car was subjected to alot of high speed driving in dusty areas it tends to get sandblasted. If the car is subjected to mostly low speed local driving in low dust areas with paved roads it can still be in very good conditiion.

[89ARIES]

My windshield has become kind of sandblasted and has a lot of wiper scratches. I actually would love a crystal clear windshield, but I want the same dimensions and qualitity thickness they had in 88. I could technically leave the damage as it might not get worse, or have it patched for $60.

[89ARIES]

Well, is kinda of funny you mention speed. People claim I go 85-90 when my speedo says 70. But, when I drove through a radar zone area, it seems to be accurate. I have floored this car more than I care to admit, or slammed the gas petal to the floor when I couldn't see and it was either stay or die or get hit, or whatever.

[MyDodgeDip]

If it's not in the line of sight, get an el-cheepo crack sealer kit and follow all the directions carefully. Might as well wait till it gets worse to replace it otherwise you'll probably catch another rock as soon as the new one is in.

I've never had a problem with new replacement glass, had 2 van windshields done with new glass and both held up fine.