Forum Discussion

Noel's avatar
Noel
Explorer
Jul 08, 2017

Windshield replacement....Advice/Tips needed

The driver's side windshield has a huge crack and our insurance co. has opened a claim. There are 3-4 glass shops in our area who can do a split windshield replacement...at their shop. None I can find will come to our home and do it. Are there any who will come to Grants Pass, OR ?

I am confused about needing a new gasket or re-using the existing one. CoachGlass.com advises to use existing, if possible. Less chance of damage to new glass and/or existing glass. Any thoughts ?

Our Nationwide claims agent told me that in his 15 years of experience, about 80% of split windshield replacements....result in damages to the undamaged glass. Does this sound right ?

Are there any superior urethane sealants to be used ? A black caulk, perhaps ? SRP brand ?

Thanks in advance,
Class A
  • Noel's avatar
    Noel
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2017
    UPDATE.......CA Traveler: I had Windshield Magic come here on Sunday. Jeff and Nonda did a very fine job in under an hour. Jeff used silicone, not the black urethane others wanted to use. Old gasket was reused. They have never had a issue breaking the opposite side when replacing glass.

    I recommend them: (541) 998-3397. Thank you, CA Traveler.
  • jyrostng's avatar
    jyrostng
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2017
    My gasket is 17 years old, it sealed fine. I broke mine overusing the leveling hyds. on unlevel ground, it was glued in several places and didn't flex with the body. it broke instead.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jul 09, 2017
    Noel,

    Call Windshield Magic in Junction City. They know windshields and will do a quality job. They have trailers with platforms for replacement, etc. I don't know how far they travel and GP is a ride.
  • Tom_Barb's avatar
    Tom_Barb
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2017
    We are having both sides replaced this week. my glass company came highly recommend by two different truck companies and the local Camping world store.
    They say using the old gasket. it is easier because it already has the form of glass/coach.
    They also told me my glass has 4 stars each. they must put pressure on the glass to get it out, and to replace it. stars are a stress riser and they will cause the glass to crack when trying to remove to simply re-seal.
    They actually added $200.00 to the estimate for installing the new gasket.
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2017
    "Noel"...my Diplomat had a split windshield. A couple of considerations. First, if you have tint on the windshield, make sure the tint on the new piece matches or it will look funny. Second, if they do have to use an adhesive, I would try and overnight at the shop or nearby and let the adhesive set up. No leveling the coach for a couple of days or transitioning a tall driveways.
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Jul 08, 2017
    That is the same thing my insurance co told us. There is always a chance that they could damage the other one when taking it out. If it glued in by someone it would be hard to get out.

    Yours is over 10 years old gasket so depending on your gasket it might be ready to be replaced.
  • jyrostng's avatar
    jyrostng
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2017
    I had both mine replaced 2 months ago, They did it by driving forward down a loading dock so the windshield would be right in front of them. My guy used no sealants anywhere. They reuse the gasket. motor home at loading dock with 2 new windshields at eye level to work on glass install our glass man , we have used glass man Danny for many years, no insurance $855 each installed cash.

    I think it has to flex and slide in the gasket as the body moves around sealer prevents that and causes cracks, just my "not a glass intaller" opinion

    both sides gasket is all one piece, I don't see any way to do one side and change the gasket.

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