Windshield replacement: what to look out for?

[Lee Levitt]

Andrew writes:

> Most/all dealers just contract it out to local glass companies.
> Most of them are pretty good. Mine is OEM glass, complete with the
> 4 rings and even an Audi part# I think. Installed correctly, no
> problem. I had mine done at the dealer while it was in for a
> regular maintenance, but most shops will come to you. This is one
> of those things you want done by someone who does them all day,
> not by someone who read how in a book, and watched one last year.
>
> BTDT x 2.

BTDT x 3 for me, so far.

Andrew's right, have it done by someone who is an expert. First, your
windshield will get properly installed, which is important as it is a
structural member of the car. Second, your car won't rust around the
windshield due to metal tool misuse.

Here are a couple of tips - the caulking that holds the window in needs time
and warmth to cure.

First - the *best* place to have your windshield done is in your heated
garage on a Friday afternoon. Then don't drive the car *at all* until
Monday. This is overkill, but then again, the windshield *is* a structural
member of the car, and I don't want it popping out when I need the
structural rigidity most (like in an accident!)

Second - open your windows before the work starts...and leave them open.
This will have two effects. First, when you get in and close the door, the
air pressure won't dislodge the windshield while the caulk is still curing.
And second, the additional airflow will help the caulk cure better.

HTH,

Lee
'95.5 S6 avant
'96 A6 quattro avant