Thoughts on replacing front/rear windows with new?
 

Can't say I'm unhappy with the condition of these window frames. The guy I've hired to remove/install the windows with stainless frames charged me $40 to remove these, and he wants another $160 to reinstall. He's got 30 years experience, and comes highly recommended.

He suggests new windows. $65 each for front and rear. They're tinted green like the originals, only the front has a blue (darker) tint band on top. The new windshields are thinner, and he says "hold onto the old one, you never know". The current windshield is pitted and the rear has some scratches. This is a ground up restoration.......Curious what your thoughts are for replacements?


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Re: Thoughts on replacing front/rear windows with new?
 

Added bonus he says he'll restore the vent windows, install those and the roll-ups for $100. I just buy the parts. I wasn't looking for anyone to install either, but sign me up. That and he gave me a reference for someone to restore stainless, and any other metal I can think of.

Saved me some cash on restoring vent windows, was going to send them out. I like learning to do most of this myself, but I'll pass on windows, body and paint.

BTW, cool dude, but he doesn't know much about these trucks. He thought I had a 454, and figured 402 was for a Malibu or some business. That and he swore my Super was a "Camper Special", "cuz it's a long bed".....Oh yeah, and "paint code or engine is part of the VIN"....One of those, I can't remember.

Re: Thoughts on replacing front/rear windows with new?
 

Well, without any input it seems to me it's looks Vs value. Both original windows are nice, but yeah, considering everything else will appear new, a pitted/scratched window no matter how minor appears a little off. I was just wondering what others thought/experienced.

For what it's worth the window guy says "for show, one point deduction for a scratched/pitted original window, three point deduction for new."

Re: Thoughts on replacing front/rear windows with new?
 

New glass makes a big difference, you will like it.

Re: Thoughts on replacing front/rear windows with new?
 

Thanks, that's the route I'm taking, and apparently I'll have two original windows taking up space under the bed. He's giving me the windows at cost, and I set him up with some Alaskan King crab. One of the benefits having a son who's a fisherman.

Re: Thoughts on replacing front/rear windows with new?
 

Can you explain how he got the windshield out? I have always cut the rubber to save a good windshield, did he cut the rubber or somehow remove it without breaking it?

Re: Thoughts on replacing front/rear windows with new?
 

Yep, he cut the rubber until he could remove the window. He made it look easy, though it was a little more difficult because "they're original"....Been sitting a while, I guess.

Anyway, he cut along the outside of stainless trim using a blade on a long stick. No doubt you can find one, probably a tool of the trade. May have done some slicing from the inside as well...... After he cut, I believe he pulled the stainless off the windshield before we pulled the windshield, likely because I'm reusing the trim. He pulled the trim with the rear window, likely because I'm not reusing it. Course that might explain why he bent the bottom piece.........Ha!.......He wasn't happy, but I don't care, it was far from reusable anyway.

Re: Thoughts on replacing front/rear windows with new?
 

i'm pulling my clear side glass and vent windows and installing original soft-ray glass that i saved from a previous part-out. both sets are in similar (nice driver) condition. i'm doing it because my truck came with tint and i like using the original stuff when i can. but if i was doing a full restoration i would just go new. so i understand your dilemma.

Re: Thoughts on replacing front/rear windows with new?
 

Some of the aftermarket FRONT W/Shields dont fit like OE. The last one I put in was slightly bowed out across the top. It was a PIA, but it fit with a percision gasket no trim. And it didn't leak. Thank God! ��

Re: Thoughts on replacing front/rear windows with new?
 

Alright that is the way I take them out too. That blade on a stick is a standard carpentry razor blade and the stick is a piece of 3/4" conduit that has been flattened at the end to hold the blade, I watched a guy and asked him about it.

I tried to get a few out with a suction cup and prying back the rubber, eventually they broke. Now I cut out the good ones and kick out the bad ones to save the rubber if it still seems pliable.

Re: Thoughts on replacing front/rear windows with new?
 

I would say windshields are like oil changes, a maintenance item so go new.
The other glass I would go uses since I want the windows to have the "soft ray" etching on them.

Re: Thoughts on replacing front/rear windows with new?
 

The price he has quoted for the glass and installation is very reasonable. Especially with having trim. He is not making very much on the glass, if any. Depends on the quality. Besides, if he happens to break the glass during the install, it is on him for another windshield. With a ground up resto...you want new glass. Just my two cents...