Has anybody gone through the process of replacing the windshield on their Turbo? If so, are there any shortcomings to doing this or is the installation seemless and basically looks and functions just like the original?

 

just stay away from those mobile guys. Saw a "60 Minutes" type segment a few years ago about windshield replacement and what happens when it's not done correctly.

The windshield is an integral component of the car and improper replacement could be deadly in the event of an accident.

Depending on your insurance company you may have to pay out of pocket first if you insist on Porsche glass and the installer of your choice.

This happened when I had my E55. They wanted me to go to one of the chains and use replacement glass. I told them I paid insurance on an MB and I wanted MB glass and installed by who I wanted. They agreed but I had to pay first and then they reimbursed me.

I think a lot of people take windshield replacement lightly and like anything else - there are those who are good at it and those that aren't. We'll search high and low for the best window tinter or clear film installer. This shouldn't be any different.

 

Chris,

Good point! Actually, I took a big rock on the freeway last week, now I got a 1.5 inch divot on the passenger side. I'll have it replaced eventually, maybe when it's time to get state inspection and new stickers. I'll be sure to talk to my agent about OEM glass. Had a crappy replica job done by some chain outfit as you mention on my last turbo. Definitely better to go P all the way on the new baby.

 

I had mine done thru the dealership. No problems.

 

Always use the OEM glass, I went thru 4 windshields on my 996!!! The dealer did them all and was very meticulous. If the glass didn't spec out they re-installed a new glass, the mobile guys would never do that. Got to the point I would just pay out of pocket and not worry with the insurance hassle.
Always fix any dings or chips in the glass ASAP before it gets worse. I had a rock chip at the track one day, by Monday morning the glass was cracked all the way across.

 

As all above said. Go with an OEM part. If you end up paying out of pocket then you might want to research for a local auto glass place that does good work so you dont have to pay dealer labor or proffit since most dealerships use subcontractors to do such type of work for them.

 

Where are you in PA? I can hook you up with the guy who just did mine. Cheaper than through the dealer and will do OEM.

 

When my dealer let me take out their new 997 Turbo on my own for a test drive on my own a few months ago, I also got hit by a rock and brought the car back with a big ding right in the line of sight (oh my gosh, I felt horrible!). They replaced it at the dealer and it looked like new - they said it was about $1300.

 

Thanks everybody! I am going to call the dealer tomorrow and inquire about the cost of replacing the windshield. There are just too many specs from the barrage of stuff that hit me, especially evident when driving into the sun.

 

anyone notice how soft the oem windshield is? most of the 997tt i've seen have a fair amount of pitting and rock chips.

 

No kidding! Mine has a ton of pitting all across the windshield! My Range Rover on the other hand has no signs of pitting anywhere. Don't tell me that it's because of the height differences because it really is that soft I think.

 

I ordered the new OEM windshield from the dealer. $665 plus another $225 for installation. The service manager swears that I won't notice any difference at all from the factory installed once the windshield has been replaced. It is a 2 day job. I hope this is the one and only time I need to do this!

 

That seems really reasonable! I am going to have to do mine soon too. I had a nice rock chip patched on the passenger side but I can see it beginning to crack again (very small but the line is visable again). I might try a second resin patch as a last resort. I hate to loose the factory installed windshield.

 

997 windshields seems to be very delicate. I replaced mine after 3 months and 3 weeks later it was damaged again

The problem is, when you replace it, the new one will be even more delicate, because it will never be as stress free as the OEM installation. (BTW it´s the only robot in the production line....) It is a wear and tear element, i think i need more windshields then tires

My advice is, to keep the original windshield as long as possible or you have to change it at least once a year.

 

Yes, when I was at the Porsche factory, it was the coolest part of the factory assembly line (well, okay, maybe one of them) watching those robots install the windshield.