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MG MGB Technical - Windshield glass source

I have checked the archives and recent threads seem to conclude that what Moss sells is pretty good, if a bit thin, and that the Triplex, while OEM, has been known to have flaws and is lot more expensive ($118 from LBC vs $200 reported cost from Seven Enterprises).
The question is, does anyone else have a source? Last time I got one(1998) I bought from an ad in Hemmings for about $125, but checking the latest Hemmings I do not see the ad anymore (in fact Hemmings is looking mighty thin these days, thanks to the web I guess).
Andrew Blackley

Have you thought of just getting an intact frame/windshield assembly from a used seller. The quality would be OEM and you would save your self one of the really bad jobs.
Carl
Carl W French

Andrew, About four years ago I took my windscreen frame to a local glass shop, they got a new glass for it overnight. They could not get the seals but the glass was no problem. Cost was around $160. A little high but no shipping cost. I got the seals and they did the installation for $40. Good luck, Clifton
Clifton Gordon

Working in the glass trade, I recommend you try to find your local PPG or LOF distributor. Both are large manufactures of auto glass and should be able to get the windshield overnight if not in stock. Try to find one or both of these guys in the phone book. If you're planning on doing the job yourself definitly get it fom the main distributor and not the dealer(local glass shop that does the install) as you'll eliminate the middle man mark up. As far as I know you should be able to walk in and buy it from them with no problem.

-Jared
Jared Snider

Thanks for the advice guys. I will be doing it myself, having done one previously I am game to do it again! I will post my "findings" later.
Andrew Blackley

Jared,

Speaking as someone from the glass trade, I wonder if you can answer this question.

Are there different grades or qualities of windshield glass available from each manufacturer? I'd rather pay a little more up front to have glass that wouldn't get the pixie dust syndrome quite so fast.

I realize that for MGB's, 20 years out of production, we have to be grateful for what we can get. But the question remains for such as my son's car, a '95 Plymouth.

Thanks in advance,

Matt K.
Matt Kulka

I checked with some local shops today, three mom and pop sized, and two bigger companies such as Safelite and Triumph-Diamond. The reaction when I first asked was typical: "A what kind-a-car? MG midget? etc." When they finally found it in their data base it was either listed as "dealer only" (ha), or if available, one made by PPG, selling for $225 (three quotes - exactly the same). When I checked the PPG website the MGB was not listed. Hmmm. The search continues.
Andrew Blackley

Matt,
Auto glass isn't my specialty but I have spent enough time with it to know a few things. All DOT legal windshields will have to meet minimum requirements. The laminate layer between the two pieces of glass has to be at least .030 inch and should have the marking AS-1 in one of the corners. Now I don't know what the minimum glass thikness needs to be or which manufacturers have the best quality control. I do realize that some people have had problems with imperfections in the windshield glass itself and seldom do they notice until after it's been installed. Any decent autoglass distributor will check the product for defects before sending it out. To do this they commonly set it upright on a stand with special lights illuminating the glass while they wash it and look at(not through) the glass surface.


Andrew,
I suggest you try to find the actual PPG distributor(the PPG site lists 6 in Ohio, with phone numbers) as the price should be significantly less. The markup on glass products tend to be fairly high as shops are always concerned about losing money should something break during install. Although in the last 10 years or so, increased competition in the auto glass market has driven down the price of labor a bit, but probably hasn't carried over to the actual manufacturer.


One more note. Although you may buy a windshield from a large name outfit, they might not actually make it. A few years ago when I was inquiring about a windshield for my GT I believe I was told that it was made in South Africa of all places. I ended up sticking with the one I already had. So if nothing else, try to get as close to the source of information as possible when inquiring about the source/quality of the product you intend to buy.


-Jared
Jared Snider

I have a complete windshield in good shape in the frame. Only need the bottom seal.

Email me if you're interested.

Jim McHugh
Jim McHugh

Andrew, try here: http://www.aaaautoglass.com I got my windshield glass from these folks for $75.00 plus a $15 delivery fee.
Bob Anderson

This thread was discussed between 25/02/2003 and 01/03/2003

MG MGB Technical index

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