I hired safelite to do a windshield on my 86 325e so far they have ordered an m3 windshield and claimed that i modified my car, dropped the OEM replacement and now showed up with an aftermarket window with no gasket or lockstrip.
The question is will an aftermarket window seal up properly?
Do they need to replace the seal? according to them they "never" need to.
What is the chance of them damaging the new lockstrip while installing it?
Can I replace the lockstrip on the rear myself ? or should I have safelite do it for 100 labor. and i provide it.
Thank You
Last edited by skunkworks; 09-04-2012 at 10:04 PM.
Use the SEARCH feature! Pinkerton or something to that effect, is one of the OEM windshields. I recently paid $165 including tax to have one installed. I have a cabrio with the "rusted" chrome lockstripping, so I pulled the black lockstripping at the pick n pull first (no intention of replacing my windshield at the time). The steel lock at the bottom can be reused, but new is better in case they bugger it up!
Last edited by 87Cabrio89is; 09-04-2012 at 10:58 PM.
The seal can be re-used if it's not torn. It probably needs to be cleaned up because of the old sealant stuck to it. Most shops couldn't be bothered to clean up an old seal properly to re-use so that's what they want to work with a new seal only.
Lock strip can be re-used as long as it isn't dry and brittle. 20+ years old will make hard and easy to break. If your lockstrip gets damaged, you could always pull another from a wreckers to install. Or go all out and buy new.
This can be done DIY. I pulled a good windshield at a wreckers and installed it on the car in my driveway. I was happy with both the price and workmanship (no leaks). If I can do it, anybody could do it. And I've done this on other BMWs besides the E30. Just takes time and patience.
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In the family: 1958 Isetta 300 in Federweiss/Pastellblau, 1987 635CSi, 2000 M5
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Post #8. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...ght=windshield
Everything you need to know about installing a windshield. Same applies to backglass. There's a special tool that makes installing the lockstrip a lot easier. If your flaps doesn't have it a good auto body supply shop will.
Last edited by e21Terry; 09-04-2012 at 11:15 PM.
"The water was not fit to drink. To make it palatable, we had to add whisky. By dilligent effort, I learnt to like it." Sir Winston Churchill
Well, the M3 windshield is different but it will interchange.
As far as an aftermarket standard E30 windshield, I see no problem with it. There's a place local to me that does them for $120 installed (brand new glass) and they will re-use the seal and lock strip.
I had Safelite do mine in my driveway while I had a beer. I had purchased a new black lock strip on E Bay the week before. Took about an hour and yes, he used a special tool to slip it in. I would never expect an original lock ring to be reused simply because of its age.
It sounds like English, but I cannot understand a damn word you're saying!
OK. SO my 90 325is just got painted. I figured that the shop didnt need to be too careful with the old rubber when taking out the front & back windows since I was going to replace them anyway.
Ordered new from PelicanParts. Bought the slightly more expensive BMW version hoping to save some pain. Took them to the shop when they came in and TOO BIG. Searched the part numbers and yes, I did order the correct parts. Got an RMA, and PP wasn't particularly helpful with trying to figure out what was going on. I went up to BMW of S.Atlanta's site. Entered the VIN for the car. Ordered new gaskets. WHen they came in too them over to the shop. TOO BIG.
So now I'm not quite sure what to do. Maybe both me and the shop are idiots. I looked at the install link above too. I'm going to try to post pictures. Hopefully someone here can drop a clue as to what might be going on.
TIA,
Chuck
20190208_143728.jpg20190208_143739.jpg
Here's the old front gasket that pretty much fits inside the new one.20190208_150620.jpg
Did you lay it over the front to see if it is in fact the front gasket?
It looks like you're pulling them too tight when installing them. If you start with the lower right corner, you should be pushing the seal down onto the body and toward that lower left corner as you install it. It may seem like you're causing it to "bunch up" as you're putting it in, but it will shrink over time (years), so excess is better.
Last edited by Critter7r; 02-09-2019 at 01:33 PM.
I agree with pulling them to tight. It will test your patience, particularly trying to get the corners right and center the seam. I installed the gasket and had a local shop come out and install the windshield and seal. Glad I did, was worth paying someone who had the right tool and knew how to use it.
2004 525i Sport, Manual - 1985 325E Coupe Manual
The rear gasket has very defined right angle bends at the lower corners.
Just an update on this. BMW of South Atlanta, once informed (same pic as posted here) sent another set of gaskets and informed/asked BMW about this.
I also talked to RhineWest in San Antonio. They said that this is one of those things. Some fit better than others and keep trying until you get a set that fits better.
With that in mind I went looking for new, old stock. 4 new gaskets showed up today, so game on.
I'll keep you all posted.
History on this car. It was up on Car Domain; originally a TX car with all receipts, but we got it from a guy in PA. My nephew, who owns a shop up in PA was going to do an M30 swap. That was over 2 years ago.
I finally had it and went and got the car, now just a shell and parts. Dwight at Zionsville saw it and wanted to know what he could trade to get it. The body shop, once they had it sanded said it was a very good car.
SO... Rod's Custom is going to do the upholstery next. I picked up some electric Vader seats. We bought an aluminum block S52 that Metric Mechanic is turning into a 3.0L for us. Suspension starts with Ground control coil overs for the 5-lug. The rest are a mix of Ireland Engineering, Garagistic, TMS, et al.
I have pic, but this probably isn't the right thread to post.
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