Windshields - Stock / Aftermarket Comparison

[bdmridgeback]

Well, today I got a crazy wake up on SSR windshield info.

A couple guys heading to the FL Keys meet stopped by for me to install
some Huper Optik Ceramic 70% Window film on their windshields.
I preshrunk them on my factory windshield a few day prior to them getting
here to save some major time for them.

First truck went to install and found out the film I shrunk on my truck NO where near would fit his SSR. His had a Pilkington windshield in it,
mine had the stock SSR logo'ed one in it.

I asked Bill if the wind noise was higher in this truck over his other and
he said YES it was.

Here is s side view of a stock windshield, you can see that the "Bow" or
Bubble in the window matches the roof curvature...



Here is the aftermarket glass, you can see that it is FLAT as a board and doesn't match the roof line curve...




I could see that this could cause much more wind noise in the cab because of the very flat surface of the windshield.

If your SSR has a aftermarket windshield (NO SSR Logo) in it, post a side shot of it on here along with the brand name stamped on the glass for reference.

I am curious if all the aftermarket shields are like this or if it was just an oddball.

[artsmart]

Wow...there is really a difference in those. Will have to keep this in mind if/when I need to have mine replaced.

[RUN ROD RUN]

Originally Posted by artsmart

Wow...there is really a difference in those. Will have to keep this in mind if/when I need to have mine replaced.

Are you sure it wasn't replace when you had the custom paint done. I know mine was.

[RUN ROD RUN]

Just looked at mine and flat and it says Pilkington. Had it replace when I got the custom paint job 4 years ago.

[artsmart]

Originally Posted by RUN ROD RUN

Are you sure it wasn't replace when you had the custom paint done. I know mine was.

No, it was not replaced.

[abadssr]

Looked at mine it's not flat but thename is still oem never replaced

[PocketRocket]

Originally Posted by abadssr

Looked at mine it's not flat but thename is still oem never replaced

Of course its never been replaced... it never see the light of day! you need to drive it!

[LITEMUP]

Why in the world would some one replace a windshield that isn't cracked or chipped just because the vehicle is being painted? I have had many vehicles painted, have never heard of replacing a perfectly good windshield.

[twooldfarmers]

they can very easily be 100% chip free but so sand blasted that when driving against a setting sun vision is dangerously obscured

[RUN ROD RUN]

Originally Posted by LITEMUP

Why in the world would some one replace a windshield that isn't cracked or chipped just because the vehicle is being painted? I have had many vehicles painted, have never heard of replacing a perfectly good windshield.

Sure don't like the looks of masking tape lines along the edge of glass.

[REBEL]

If you have tape lines find a good painter.

My first replacment I belieave was a PPG and was very good, but came off the dyno cracked.

My second replacement is a "Lamisafe" tech M848 ASI DOT-563

It is shaped closer to factory in my eyes. and I notice no difference in wind noise.

[jackatg450]

My aftermarket windshield was manufactured by PPG. As you can see in the pictures it is flat in the center with a slight curve at the to top to interface with the contour of the top. In fact, the center doesn't touch the straight edge.

I did not notice any difference in wind noise.

A thought for discussion, does a "flat" windshield have less distortion than a curved one. If it does would it be better for us older drivers to have the "flat" one.

Also, can we specify a brand of replacement if the cost is paid by insurance.

This is a timely thread for me because my windshield has a chip with a crack that is progressing into the drivers vision area.

Jack

[cowboyfan]

I am a retired insurance agent and the owner of an 04 purple SSR.

In answer to your windshield replacement question:

Although the insurance company is paying to have the windshield replaced you are really paying for it with your premiums and can choose any company you want to replace it and request OEM glass. This is a comprehensive (other than an accident) claim and it is your right to request and receive OEM glass and the company of your choice. Although, it is generally illegal and against the insurance company's policy for an agent to direct you to a repair facility some agents still do it and receive something (usually $) from the company they direct you to but you absolutely do not have to do it.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by jackatg450

A thought for discussion, does a "flat" windshield have less distortion than a curved one. If it does would it be better for us older drivers to have the "flat" one.

And would the wipers work better/worse/same with a flatter windshield?

[LITEMUP]

I know nothing about windshields other than they keep the water out. However, isn't round always stronger than flat and is't round more likely to deflect an object without cracking?

[bdmridgeback]

Originally Posted by jackatg450

My aftermarket windshield was manufactured by PPG. As you can see in the pictures it is flat in the center with a slight curve at the to top to interface with the contour of the top. In fact, the center doesn't touch the straight edge.

I did not notice any difference in wind noise.

A thought for discussion, does a "flat" windshield have less distortion than a curved one. If it does would it be better for us older drivers to have the "flat" one.

Also, can we specify a brand of replacement if the cost is paid by insurance.

This is a timely thread for me because my windshield has a chip with a crack that is progressing into the drivers vision area.

Jack

That PPG you have is just as flat as the Pilkington. It is actually concaved in the middle or looks like it is sucked in, instead of bowed out matching the bubble curve of the roof.

[bdmridgeback]

Originally Posted by LITEMUP

I know nothing about windshields other than they keep the water out. However, isn't round always stronger than flat and is't round more likely to deflect an object without cracking?

You are correct. A concave windshield, when hit with a stone, will be more suspect to cracking. Also the bubble in the windshield that matches the roof lends itself to aerodynamics which affects wind noise in the cap and fuel mileage. Not to mention, the looks of a flat windshield in a truck that is supposed to have a curved one.

[REBEL]

I have no need for OEM glass. I know the OEM Stock guys need the SSR logo. But with me being a custom guy I have no need for it. I have a friend that owns a glass shop, and will ask him what all is available when I get back home. (stock or close to stock shape)

The PPG worked well for me with no extra sound, and I don't worry about areo gas savings.

[jackatg450]

Rebel,

Would you share what you learn from your friend with the glass shop about what brand is closest to OEM curvature?

Thank You,

Jack

[bdmridgeback]

The straight edge touches the top and bottom seals in those pics above and the glass is concaved in the middle NOT touching the straight edge on the aftermarket WS...





Where the Stock OEM windshield is close to a 1.5" gap on top and bottom from the seal when the straight edge is equaled out...





If someone can post a pic of a PPG or Pilkington windshield side shot of entire truck so that everyone can see how the contour of the roofline is lost/messed up.

[Cape Cod Blur]

I stopped by the local glass shop today and spoke to the person at the front desk. They said instead of a windshield from China, a Pilkington windshield could be ordered without an issue. ( I could not tell her at the time if this was curved or flat one ) When I inquired about a GM windshield, they said that if the car was 3 years old or less, it wouldn't be an issue, but after a car if older than that, it would be tough to do, requiring getting an adjuster involved, etc.

I have not asked another shop. Nor have I stopped at a GM dealer to inquire.

My other concern; The glass is suppossed to act as a unit with the structural reinforced 'A' pillars in the event of a rollover. I agree a flatter glass most likely is not as strong as a curved unit, but I wonder about the thickness, and integrity of the non GM glass. Installation is a wildcard regardless, hoping its not the installers first day on the job!

Jeff Cape Cod Blur

[Dicktator]

I am on windshield #3. Second was aftermarket, don't remember the name. Stamp in glass passengers side.
My last windshield is OEM/SSR windshield.

Florida Law, windshield/labor paid in FULL by Insurance Co.

After second windshield I asked for OEM, no problem. Last I knew they were 70 left in a warehouse in Michigan.

I think the OEM windshield chips easily.

My aftermarket didn't hold up to an 18" piece of guard rail at 55 mph. Car ran over the guard rail, flew up and landed flat on my windshield, drivers side. I looked like I had the measles, little red dots of blood all over my face and arms, glad I wear glasses.

Dicktator

1. SSR Logo
2. Vacuum part of install
3. Caulk
4. Replacing trim
5. All done.

[06 Blue SSR]

Originally Posted by bdmridgeback

Well, today I got a crazy wake up on SSR windshield info.

A couple guys heading to the FL Keys meet stopped by for me to install
some Huper Optik Ceramic 70% Window film on their windshields.
I preshrunk them on my factory windshield a few day prior to them getting
here to save some major time for them.

First truck went to install and found out the film I shrunk on my truck NO where near would fit his SSR. His had a Pilkington windshield in it,
mine had the stock SSR logo'ed one in it.

I asked Bill if the wind noise was higher in this truck over his other and
he said YES it was.

Here is s side view of a stock windshield, you can see that the "Bow" or
Bubble in the window matches the roof curvature...



Here is the aftermarket glass, you can see that it is FLAT as a board and doesn't match the roof line curve...




I could see that this could cause much more wind noise in the cab because of the very flat surface of the windshield.

If your SSR has a aftermarket windshield (NO SSR Logo) in it, post a side shot of it on here along with the brand name stamped on the glass for reference.

I am curious if all the aftermarket shields are like this or if it was just an oddball.

Mine was one of the two that was tinted before the Keys run. I looked at mine today and found out that Gardian made the factory windshields with the SSR in them. So a replacement from them just might be the correct one with the right curves in it.