Windshield Once Again

Replaced the windshield last October and all was well. After repainting the 74.5 the past few months of reassembly and the first outing the windshield cracked overnight at the motel. I figure due to a stress and the temperature being fairly cold that night. Anyway I will need to replace it because it detracts from the whole look of the car not to mention the passenger having to look at it. So my question is should I just try to buy the less expensive glass replacement with the thought of it's probably going to need replacement every so often or do the more expensive one might last longer. The one that I had just used was found at my glass shop, which had been on his rack for 30+ years and was in really nice shape. Now he can get me a new PPG replacement for $230. The Moss looks like around $180 and the Victoria $120. Not to sure which way to go but was kind of thinking to go with the lowest priced one. Any feed back about any of these items would be a help. Oh ya almost forgot, it didn't crack because of the screws or rivets in the frame so we don't need to go down that road.

Just like anything else you get what you pay for. I will only use PPG. It fits better and is less likely to crack. The fit has everything to do with having it developing a stress crack down the road. I have seen glass do fine for as much as 6 months. Then one day your snaping your top down and she pops. I would guess your's cracked in the area of the top clamp.

Cracked about 12-18" in from the passenger side from the bottom up. When we came out from the hotel the crack was from the bottom and about 4-6" long. As soon as we started the car up it snapped the crack to the side pillar. Doesn't go to the top.

By saying in the area of the top clamp. It dosen't always start at the top. Did it start under where the top clamp is.

Not really, I figure I may have put a twist in it when lining up the Pillars with the windwing frames.

More than likely it was a stress problem. It's very important that the glass is not under any kind of stress. I have seen windshields crack after an new convertable top was installed too tight. Over the years I have only had one crack after installing it. Fortunately is was in one of my cars and not a customers. I drove it for three years with that damn crack just because I didn't want to deal with it. That was one that I had had installed in my car for 9 months. Then one day I was snapping the top down and POP. Believe me, there were some choice words that came out of my mouth.

I'm now convinced. I'm going to remove those covers pop riveted on that allow access to the windshield pillar studs and screws. I believe it will be the best way to confirm proper shims, alignment, and stress free installation.

Procrastination sometimes pays off, it's now time to secure my windshield.

I was having the same thoughts about glass supplies and choices, and you beat me too it!

I've found that though VB lists their stuff cheaper, the shipping and handling is higher compared to Moss. Anyone have an opinion about Moss's "bevelled" corner glass?

Same topic different question though: I want a glass that is "hard". My car is a daily driver and I've experienced quite a bit of sand pitting in the past. New cars don't seem to suffer from this as much. Is the Triplex glass harder than the "aftermarket" one listed at Moss? What about PPG. I think the cost isn't imporant when compared to the effort to do these jobs. Best to get the best the 1st time than do it more than once.

-Ernie