Replacing my windshield in or around Jacksonville

[Florent]

Hi,

does anyone have any recommendations as to where to go to get my windshield replaced in or around Jacksonville?

I am not in a hurry, I am just looking at doing it before March.

[Mark D]

I personally wouldn't trust anyone but a DMC vendor to replace the windshield in my car. The windshield is structural to the integrity of the roof so when it is removed you need to support the area below the T panel inside the car. The support needs to be in place before removing the glass, during the installation of the new glass, and afterwards for a period of time while the windshield urethane is curing.

Without supporting the roof during windshield replacement the roof will sag forward slightly and cause the doors to go out of alignment. The front of the doors will end up lower than normal and the rear of the doors will be up too high.

Checking google maps you are about 5 hours from DMCFL, but if it were me it would be well worth the trip to have someone do it who knows the proper procedure and has the jig to hold the roof in place while doing the work.

http://www.dmcflorida.com/service.htm

[sdg3205]

+1

It's an excuse for a Dmc road trip.

Plan on staying overnight as the adhesive needs time to cure.

[whocruiser]

+1

It's an excuse for a Dmc road trip.

Plan on staying overnight as the adhesive needs time to cure.

And for overnight visits to DMC Florida there is a nice La Quinta Inn basically adjoining their back parking lot that you can easily walk to and from, and where they have kindly pre-arranged a DMC customer discount if you need a room ;-)

[Morpheus]

I personally wouldn't trust anyone but a DMC vendor to replace the windshield in my car. The windshield is structural to the integrity of the roof so when it is removed you need to support the area below the T panel inside the car. The support needs to be in place before removing the glass, during the installation of the new glass, and afterwards for a period of time while the windshield urethane is curing.

Without supporting the roof during windshield replacement the roof will sag forward slightly and cause the doors to go out of alignment. The front of the doors will end up lower than normal and the rear of the doors will be up too high.

Checking google maps you are about 5 hours from DMCFL, but if it were me it would be well worth the trip to have someone do it who knows the proper procedure and has the jig to hold the roof in place while doing the work.

http://www.dmcflorida.com/service.htm

+1. Supporting the roof structure is very important during windshield replacement on our cars. Definitely go with a vendor on this. Best part about it, your FL insurance should cover windshield replacements 100%!

[Florent]

Thank you all, I was hoping to avoid a long drive but it seems like it's the way to go.

[16949]

+1. Supporting the roof structure is very important during windshield replacement on our cars. Definitely go with a vendor on this. Best part about it, your FL insurance should cover windshield replacements 100%!

My windshield is fine but I think I need it re-sealed or something, small droplets (rain/wash) gets in one area sometimes. I'm guessing insurance wouldn't cover that repair.. I'd also like the black piece repainted although maybe that is something I could just have left off and trim spray it myself.

[Morpheus]

My windshield is fine but I think I need it re-sealed or something, small droplets (rain/wash) gets in one area sometimes. I'm guessing insurance wouldn't cover that repair.. I'd also like the black piece repainted although maybe that is something I could just have left off and trim spray it myself.

On my previous car, I had the black trim strips powder coated and they turned out great. I suppose you could take them off and spray them yourself too. That would be a great way to try and find where the leak is coming from--spraying some water around the seal with the trim removed.

Honestly, you may be able to seal the leak yourself as well. Just get some RTV sealant from the Auto Parts store.

[16949]

On my previous car, I had the black trim strips powder coated and they turned out great. I suppose you could take them off and spray them yourself too. That would be a great way to try and find where the leak is coming from--spraying some water around the seal with the trim removed.

Honestly, you may be able to seal the leak yourself as well. Just get some RTV sealant from the Auto Parts store.

Powder coating is definitely the better way to go, and do all the black pieces. I just don't like the idea of being at the mercy of the powder coat guys to get my parts back.
You're right, once the piece is off, it may not be a big thing, I may be able to DIY on the leak area. It only does it in heavy storms a certain way, so it's minor.

[DMCMW Dave]

. I just don't like the idea of being at the mercy of the powder coat guys to get my parts back.
.

One note on powdercoating - if the people doing it are idiots (i.e. in a hurry) they can overheat and warp the parts. Normally this isn't a problem but I've heard of it a time or two from people having to re-buy the parts.