No more T Bird Windshields

[003T]

I have a broken windshield on my 03. Safelite just told me there are no more OEM ones available. Anyone have experience with aftermarket windscreens?

[bsedwebt]

I had to get an aftermarket one - looks ok. Seems like the frit is a bit different but no problems. I do suggest going to an experienced glass installer that you actually know and trust and take the car to them to do in the shop. Expect to leave it for the day. Do not go for a mobile glass service 20 something installer. Tell them to take their time. The fragile chrome surround is very tricky - ask them if they know about this or not. If they say they have not done any go elsewhere. I was lucky enough to personally know my installer - he is an adult in his 60's that had done these in the past and knew what to do.

[sumoscooter]

The gent from whom I purchased my Bird last spring had the windshield break on him as he was washing the car a week before I was to pick it up. He went to a local installer that he knew and they did a bang up job, but the multiple piece metal surrounds and the rubber inserts are tricky as Bryan mentioned above and the installer has to stay on their toes. The guy who did mine did a great job. Just be confident that your installer know his stuff before you leave the car there, and there's no harm in reinforcing the fact that it's not a wham-bam one hour job....take his time!

[Grimmo]

I had my 02 windshield replaced by Safelite about a year ago. As noted, no oem windshields were available. Safelite told me that they would not do the install at my house, I had to take it into their shop. I called a couple of their local shops and found one that was familiar with the vehicle and the process. The owner/operator informed me how difficult the installation was and that he would handle it himself. After a personal “interview “ , I was satisfied and left the car with him. Took a complete day, but I am very satisfied. No kicks, scratches, rattles, air or water leaks.

[Welker]

Arizona has the largest number of windshield replacements in the US according to Safelite. I have had three replacements, one of them OEM, the other two not. Haven't had a problem.

[11TH GEN]

Arizona has the largest number of windshield replacements in the US according to Safelite. I have had three replacements, one of them OEM, the other two not. Haven't had a problem.

Is that due to heat or bullets?

[AZTB]

Arizona has the largest number of windshield replacements in the US according to Safelite. I have had three replacements, one of them OEM, the other two not. Haven't had a problem.

Is that due to heat or bullets?

I was born here and can attest that most of my windshield issues have been caused by flying debris (rocks, etc.), EXCEPT for the time the dealer broke the windshield in the '05.

[FUN X 3]

...Do not go for a mobile glass service 20 something installer...

Could not agree more. This happened to my car. The guy was here all day and then some. At one point I asked him if he was going to take the entire car apart. He wasn't humored. There were parts of the car all over the driveway and grass, it was unreal. At least I got an OEM one.

[Welker]

Re: Arizona windshields. They say the problem is the way the roads are treated. In the summer the paving material gets very soft and one way of treating that and prolonging the surface life is to spread a mixture of sand and light gravel on the melting surface which absorbs it like dirt in mud. Anyhow, that's the principle but it does end up with a lot of flying debris. Some years ago, in Tucson, I had the windshield replaced on my BMW Cabrio at the service center and it was broken again on the way home by a flying stone.

[wcoates]

Friend had three OEMs sent out. All cracked. Went with a non-OEM windshield. Have never been anywhere that I saw someone bending down looking for the 'lil Bird!

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Friend had three OEMs sent out. All cracked. Went with a non-OEM windshield. Have never been anywhere that I saw someone bending down looking for the 'lil Bird!

I always check.

[2K2BIRD]

After 16+ years and 145K+ our original windshield has so many small chips and nick's in it, I'm praying a stone will crack it. At that point, whether the new one has a little bird on it or not will be the least of my worries. As long as it looks good, doesn't leak or whistle in the wind, I'll be a happy camper.

[BirdsAndBugs]

I have a broken windshield on my 03. Safelite just told me there are no more OEM ones available. Anyone have experience with aftermarket windscreens?

In the big scheme of things it doesn't matter anymore. If there are no OEM parts, you have to use aftermarket or used. Applies to windshields and any other part as well. I'm hoping we see more aftermarket parts become available to help keep these cars on the road.

So far, I can't recall seeing a case bad enough where someone got sidelined and couldn't get their car fixed. Seems like those that have had challenges have been lucky enough to find new or used parts; and we're seeing some cases where certain parts like electronic modules have gotten rebuilt from what I remember seeing posted here on TBN.

[Quickdraw]

I always check.

Ron checks the windshield of every car he sees, and if there is a little bird on it he buys the whole car.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Ron checks the windshield of every car he sees, and if there is a little bird on it he buys the whole car.

I may have missed one or two.