Replacement Windshield

[NittanyGamecock]

I am having a difficult time finding a somewhat affordable new windshield. Does anyone have any suggestions for where to purchase one? Thank you all in advance for your help.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Is your current windshield cracked? This may depend on which state you're in and which insurance company you have, but I had a cracked windshield (not a Fiat) once from a rock thrown off a gravel truck, and my insurance company replaced the entire window for free. No deductible, all labor and parts included. It was considered a safety issue. I don't believe my rates went up after that either, although that's the only claim I had made in decades.

If that's not an option, I think the best idea would be to advertise that you're looking for a window, and give your location. Shipping costs could likely be a deal-breaker.

-Bryan

[wetminkey]

Call the local auto glass shops - the better ones.
I got my brand new (although Chinese) windshield from a good local shop (I doubt that they're nationwide,...Pro Glass and Paint, LLP, Greeley, CO). They were able to get the same brand of windshield for my 45+ year old VW beetle,...just this last May. Might be necessary for them to order,...
Nothing new will be as thick as an original windshield, but finding a Fiat windshield could be a daunting task!
Best of luck with your quest!

[NittanyGamecock]

Thank you both for weighing in. It is not a situation where I could collect insurance. Just fogging at the corners and and a lot of micro-scratches.

I will check with some local glass companies. I know the national companies have not been able to help. I’ll keep searching. Thanks again!

[PaulC]

"I was behind a gravel truck and bam!"
" why does it look like a ballpeen hammer hit it? "
"Must have been a round rock "

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Nittany, where are you located? You could trying posting a "Want To Buy" in the classified sections of this forum, and you could get lucky with a seller close enough for you to go pick it up. But, there is the matter of installing the windshield, which can be kinda tricky to get it right.

I agree that checking with local auto glass shops is likely a good plan. I do also like PaulC's plan!

-Bryan

[RRoller123]

I think I heard somewhere that some of the big auto glass companies actually have our windshield? Although I would be wary of a proper fit after all these years on a reproduction. Might be worth a few calls.

[tima01864]

I wonder now if insurance would pick up the tab for a windshield not broken but unsafe from the sand etc, over the years.?

[NittanyGamecock]

I did try safelite, they ordered the glass, set up the appointment and waited for several weeks to get it delivered. Then they called me the day before and said we can’t do your car it’s too old. And they were going to do the whole thing for $530. Now I’m looking at probably 700+ for the glass delivered, money for a new seal and then another 300 for the install. It is crazy. Guess it wouldn’t hurt to maybe call my insurance company and just ask them. (Or drive behind a truck for a bit as PaulC suggested )Thanks for all of the feedback.

[davidbruce]

I wouldn't give up on a parts wanted ad. I had a rusty windshield frame and was able to pick up a good complete assembly from a forum member for around $100. Good frame, glass and seal. There is a guy on the Vancouver BC Craigslist with a good complete assembly for $450 Canadian. Which is about $325 US so they are out there. Changing the whole assembly isn't that daunting with 2 pair of hands. Although getting the bottom lip of the seal in the right place can be tricky. Depending on where you are located you may find a body shop accommodating if changing out the assembly isn't something you care to do yourself.

[NittanyGamecock]

Thanks Dave, I will consider that as well. I am located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

A lot of spiders ended up in cities along the east and west coasts, so you might also call around to junk yards. I'm thinking somewhere within a couple hundred miles of Myrtle Beach there must be a junked spider with a good windshield.

-Bryan

[NittanyGamecock]

Great idea-i’ll check that out as well. thanks.

[spider2081]

i seem to recall a few posts stating they had Safelite replace their windshield. Have you tried a car glass shop in your area?

[wetminkey]

No one can install your windshield. You will need to buy it and carry it home, from the shop. You must install it yourself,...
The brand new Chinese-made windshield that Pro Glass got me fit PERFECTLY. It is thinner than the factory glass (I believe 4mm, instead of 5mm). It was not too difficult to remove/prep/install (in proper temperatures). Wife was my helper.
I was even able to reuse my factory '79 gasket, and the result is beautiful.
I sure hope that you can find a good, used windshield for your car,...BUT if you can't, check the better glass shops that can do auto glass. Mine was not expensive,...
Hey,...you know, a friend of mine (an auto body/frame guy) recommended Pro Glass - I wonder if your local auto body guys might be able to recommend a glass shop?!
Fiat Shop Manual has the steps for replacement. I can post 'em, if ya need,...
Best of luck!