Windshield replacement

ewwwww, I'd probably take it to a nice body shop. I'd definitely want someone who knows how to handle the disassembly. As I understand the process, the front fenders have to come off.

Call in the GT Guys.

I had a large chunk of track rubber smack my windshield last year with a piece of metal or rock embedded in it causing a nice chip to the glass. I took it to a Safe Light Auto (?) Glass place and they did their clean/epoxy/resin/vacuum/cure thingy and so far, it has held up. Much easier than pulling even the fender liners to get at the fenders.

Good luck, and I always would suggest using mechanics that know our cars inside and out before taking it to anyone for "a first try/learning experience".

Pete S.

Pete S. said:

I always would suggest using mechanics that know our cars inside and out before taking it to anyone for "a first try/learning experience".

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Abso-frikkin-lutely! :biggrin

Bad news to hear of your windscreen crack, very annoying. However, as above, use a team who know the GT inside out.

Highly recommended = Remove both fenders.
Body shop or Ford dealer that has a body shop.

Windshield. Carlite brand from Ford dealer only.
Part # 5G7Z 6303100 AA
List $931.00
Special order.

Installer. Its not a difficult install, just make sure the installer does not lay to big/fat of a urethane bead on the top, or your windshield will not lay flush with the roof line.

99.9% of all dealerships and body shops sub-contract out a glass shop to do windshield removal/installations.

Just make sure you have an experienced glass installer complete the work. 10+ years = is good.

FYI. Safelite = Walmart of the auto glass business.

What state do live in?

Most likely you received a rock impact. Windshields don't crack on their own. Windshields expand and contract on weather temperature changes. Any damage within 4 inches of the edge cannot be "repaired". Any damage smaller than a quarter-coin generally can be "repaired". Sounds like your crack will require a replacement.

We have had numerous screen replacements done by glass specialists in our workshop now. We've never yet felt the need to remove the fenders. One thing to check is which screen you need - there are two. Very early cars had the antenna vertically running up the right hand side of the screen, later cars have it horizontally across the top of the screen. The wiring for the antenna mans you need the correct screen.

On the way home from Rally IV, I got a chip which (with temperature variation) elevated to a small crack below the wiper on the passenger side. My plan is to stop at the GT Guys on the way home from Rally V for a replacement, as there are also a number of small chips which have been collected over the 37,000 miles on my gal.

I use a clear wind screen film on my gal.I got it from Proline ,I think?Do a search on the forum .If you do not find it let me know and I can dig it up

'Two things:

(1) Unless you live CLOSE to Shadowman, or Kendall, or one of the other SAVVY tech people on this Forum, I'd fly in The GT Guys to do this (as Pete S. suggested). The RECOMMEDED way to replace the 'glass is to remove the front fenders - and you don't want just any Tom , Dick, or Harry DOING that (many wire connectors 'tabs' could be broken off, etc.) .

(2) MOST cities/ towns have glass shops that can make you a clear windshield film & apply it to your GT's NEW windshield. 'MUCHO effective in warding off small stone damage...and cheaper than another windshield.


:cheers

i had the "GT guys" replace mine. i tested their work to 212 mph. i recommend them :thumbsup

RALPHIE said:

On the way home from Rally IV, I got a chip which (with temperature variation) elevated to a small crack below the wiper on the passenger side. My plan is to stop at the GT Guys on the way home from Rally V for a replacement, as there are also a number of small chips which have been collected over the 37,000 miles on my gal.

Click to expand...

your Chip and crack is in the exact same place mine was.

Fast Freddy said:

your Chip and crack is in the exact same place mine was.

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That makes three of us. There must be a magnet set down there in that corner! :biggrin

I took my rock while in Texas at Rally IV. Just got the windshield replaced two weeks ago. Total cost, parts and labor $2,130.

I live in SoCal and used Galpin Ford. Kendall turned me on to a guy, Paul Morris, that handled everything on their end with parts, insurance, etc. They have a very experienced and fastidious GT technician, Mel Summers, who has done many a GT Windshield. He did remove the fenders, and made sure to replace all moulding and weatherstrips with new parts. He also carefully scrutinized the replacement glass when it arrived, as he said he sees about 1 of 4 that come damaged to some degree via poor packaging that does not hold up during shipment.

I would recommend trying to find a similar Ford dealer near you.. of course that being only if The GT Guys cannot get to you or you to them. They should be your first choice. :thumbsup

Empty Pockets said:

'Two things:

(1) Unless you live CLOSE to Shadowman, or Kendall, or one of the other SAVVY tech people on this Forum, I'd fly in The GT Guys to do this (as Pete S. suggested). The RECOMMEDED way to replace the 'glass is to remove the front fenders - and you don't want just any Tom , Dick, or Harry DOING that (many wire connectors 'tabs' could be broken off, etc.) .

(2) MOST cities/ towns have glass shops that can make you a clear windshield film & apply it to your GT's NEW windshield. 'MUCHO effective in warding off small stone damage...and cheaper than another windshield.


:cheers

Click to expand...

Rich. aka GT Guy does not actually remove the broken windshield himself, nor does he install the windshield himself.

However, Rich will order the Ford factory original equipment Carlite windshield from a Ford dealer, remove both fenders so that an auto glass professional can cut out the broken windshield, assist and make sure that the windshield is installed properly.

It is common for a windshield to be cracked during packaging and shipping.

The auto glass installer should clean and prep the new windshield black paint band with primer so that the urethane glue can adhere to the new windshield.

Mountune is correct. Early production GT's built prior to 11-2-2004 have the antenna connection in a different location. There is also a different Ford part #. 4G7Z 6303100 AA - List $938.87.

Mountune is also correct to be very careful of the two wires. One is the power source for the lights in the rear view mirror. The 2nd is the FM antenna connector, it comes off really easy. However the wire is hidden in the upper windshield interior trim top moulding.

It is recommended that the fenders be removed for the following reasons.
1. The GT has less than 5/8" to "skinny" the windshield between the fenders to install.
2. It is best to lay a nice fat urethane bead at the bottom so that you don't get air noise.
3. Two man set. Both with suction cups is most preferred.
4. With approx 5/8" space available. Glass is 1/4" thick. It is possible. Zero margin for error, if you don't remove fenders, installer could could lay a 3/8" bead of urethane glue and again, skinny the windshield between the top of the fenders.
5. During the skinny process. One could hit the top of the fender, damaging the paint/fender and definitely would crack out a $900 windshield.
6. No quality auto glass installer would install the GT windshield without removing the fenders. The risks FAR out way "cutting corners" by not removing the fenders.

The windshield, in any vehicle, is one of the most important safety devices in the event of an accident. If the the windshield is not prepped and installed correctly, the windshield will come out very easily.

Please watch this 12min ABC investigation regarding the auto glass industry.

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerindex?id=4989095

RE: Clear Bra for the windshield? I would not sacrifice windshield clarity.

My two cents.

Good luck.

It's no secret that EP's FGT windshield was always perfect! :lol

There are old posts here about the process. Please do a search. Dback is correct about the process. I have had the windshield screen on for more than three years now with no problems, minimal distortion, and has saved me on many occasions. Bony never liked his installation, but loved it on the way back from Vegas when it saved his glass.