1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
This is an old thread, but I just had to go through a w/s replacement so I though I'd update and consolidate some information here:
The c900 convertible windshield is a glue-in type. The factory installation method is to fasten a metal trim/flashing to the glass perimeter, then glue/bond the glass to the car, then snap in plastic trim pieces to cover the joint between windshield and car frame. Everything has multiple parts, ie there is not a single "gasket" like on the c900 hatchbacks and sedans. Also, the trim is proprietary and only works with the correct Saab parts; you have to have it all, or ditch it all.
Some of the trim parts are still available, some are not. Prices were all over: $10-15 per joint, outer rubber trim $87, bottom metal trim $98, side L-shaped metal trims were $107 but unavailable. Trying to re-use my existing trim was impossible due to a prior windshield replacement which got adhesive everywhere. The metal trim/flashing is flimsy, so it is near impossible to remove without distorting or bending it. It has been done, but I think odds are less than 50/50.
There is a complete Saab Windshield Kit available for '87-'88 models. That is Saab PN 8284200. This includes the glass and all the metal trim and all the plastic trim, and the connectors. In Feb 2011 the national Saab warehouse (somewhere on the east coast) had 2 in stock, at $650 + tax for each one.
As much as I love new Saab parts, I decided to leave the full kits for someone with cash to burn and/or doing a restoration. And anyway, the original Saab method seems overly complicated and fussy - too many flimsy parts, exposed joints, etc. Since my trim parts were unusable anyway, I was forced to try the universal molding - and I'm so glad I did!
The aftermarket glass looks completely original (brand is "FY") with the correct blacked-out perimeter, but without a tinted top band. Like others have mentioned, the glass shops seem to offer the "banded-top" version first, and the same happened to me. I think the tint band looks totally ghetto, and also blocks the upward visibility that is already kind of poor with this car. Lastly, we checked my glass color/tint, mine was green.
Installation took 1 day. The 7/8" wide universal molding looks fantastic! They curved it around the top corners, so one piece of the molding goes up-over-down. Then there is a second piece at the base of the windshield. The lower two corners are miter-cut for a very clean look. There was no extra black goop anywhere, although if I stick my head up over the dash I can see a smooth bead of the goop down in the crack between the dash and the glass - where it is supposed to be. If I had to criticize one thing, it would be that the upper corners cause the molding to bulge just slightly, compared to the rest of it that lays fairly flat. Just something to be aware of. They said in warmer weather it would probably relax and smooth down some.
The aftermarket glass cost $245 and the installation was $100. I used Glass Plus in downtown San Francisco, they get a solid 'thumbs up' for working through this non-standard car (but typical Saab, no?). They helped by calling dealerships and tracking down the parts & pricing, and then they worked out plan B with the universal molding and made it look great!
posted by 99.4.72...
, Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:25:18
, Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:10:41, Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:29:43, Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:59:42
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