OEM Glass

[Bill Skinner]

Is there a difference in the quality of glass provided by windshield providers? I have spoken with several suppliers that claim that their date coded glass meets OEM specs. With one well known supplier requesting substantial increase in price over others. What route should I take, and can someone recommend a supplier? The car will be shown NCRS. I am not necessarily looking for the cheapest price, but the best quality.

[Chuck G.]

Re: OEM Glass

Hello Bill; Have bought date coded windshields and most recently a date coded drivers door glass from OEM Glass is Bloomington. Have been pleased with everything. OEM is the "grandfather" of the repro glass business. Their etched logo's are "right on" from an authenticity standpoint. I have no personal experience, but have been told that the logo's from other manufacturers are not quite correct. Other members with more experience might shed more light on this subject. If you're not in a hurry, you can save some money by ordering your glass, then picking it up personally at one of the major swap meets that OEM attends. I've picked up windshields at Corvettes @ Carlisle and saved the packing/shipping charges. Hope this helps. Chuck Gongloff

[Jack H.]

Re: OEM Glass

Since OEM Glass is reproducing using PPG logo, Etc. I'd be kind of surprised to find a whole lot of competing sources. Typically, to get the original manufacturer's marks/logo, you either have to buy from him in a special order lot and/or purchase rights to used his "marks". You just might find what you think are other sources turn out to be large catalog houses buying from OEM in quantity, getting discounts and passing along part of the savings to their customers.

I've found that asking how/where about mfgr source specifics from various sales sources often reveals interesting facts AND most reputable sales sources are happy to talk about the how/where specifics of the products they sell.

Now, I have an OEM Glass windshield in my '65 and its just fine. However, it wasn't made in '65 and since it has contemporary origin has to obey current Federal standards. This means it's NOT an exact duplicate of the original. Very subtle differences in markings, the top band of tint, and a permanent 'reproduction/source' ID mark placed out of sight at the very edge that gets covered by the surround gasket contrast it from the real McCoy '65 original. So, do your homework with the other sources of supply and see what you can find.

Yes, there is a difference in glass quality. Things like opacity, ripple and specific shatter characteristics vary. Federal standards only define minimum requirements in various spec areas. Nothing prevents a given manufacturer from going beyond Federal minimum specs with his product....

[Gene M.]

Re: OEM Glass

Bill, Info on other window glass. The side glass repops are thinner (about 1/32", very noticeable) and looking on the edges appear totally differ in coloring and construction from originals. This may be of concern points wise on the judging field.

[Lou R]

Re: OEM Glass

I bought a front windshield for my 66 coupe from OEM a few years ago. It is tinted since my car has A/C. When having my car judged it is obvious quickly that it isn't original glass. The tint line on the repro is parallel to the upper edge rather than straight across creating a narrower tint in the center. I do not know if OEM has changed this in the last few years but I doubt it. Compare to be sure.