Windshield Breaking

snakebyt · #1 (**permalink**) 06-25-2002, 05:08 PM

I have a Contemporary Classic with a 351W small block. I built it in 1990. My problem is that the Windshield cracks right down the middle under strange circumstances. It doesn't crack when I'm driving, it cracks after I put it in the garage. WHen I drive in, everything is OK; when I come out the next morning it's cracked from top to bottom almost straight down the center line. Anybody have any ideas or advice. This is my third windshield and I'm at a loss to explain what the problem is.....

Thanks
Tom Lebovic

Pete C · #2 (**permalink**) 06-25-2002, 05:22 PM

Is the windshield making contact with the screw in the support bracket? Mine did and predictably, the windshield split right up the center.

xlr8or · #3 (**permalink**) 06-25-2002, 05:23 PM

I would check the windshield frame for flex and that is mounts solid without stressing the brackets. If it is mounted under stress it will transfer that to the glass. Are you replacing the glass with the frame out of the car? I would have the frame in and then mount the glass. If the glass is mounted first then you may be putting stress on the frame that eventually pops the glass.
Solid windows should never be mounted under stress. They should fit cleanly and have any gaps filled from behind to have a consistant surface to mount to.
If you ever watch a windshield replacement on a new car, they cut out the old window and then lay a thick bead of a heavy rubber material that cures after the glass has been set into it and basically holds it in like glue so there is zero stress on the glass.

Hope this helps.

Scott

Scott S · #4 (**permalink**) 06-25-2002, 07:39 PM

I agree with Pete C, mine did also, one screw would just nibble at the edge of one of the visors.

Scott S

justa6 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-25-2002, 08:34 PM

I had the same problem along with 3 other Cobra's at last years Run and Gun. All on the same night after we parked them. Mine was locked in my trailer so it wasn't touched by anyone.

I ended up putting a Lexan windshield in and couldn't be happier. Its coated and doesn't scratch, easy to clean and 1/2 the weight.

Regards,

johnnycobra555 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-26-2002, 11:45 AM

where can one get this type of windsheild installed?

and is it expensive?

Mr.Fixit · #7 (**permalink**) 06-26-2002, 01:53 PM

even with the coating, lexan does scratch. you can polish them out for the most part though. Take off the windshield wipers too.

RACER X #99 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-26-2002, 02:03 PM

I vote for the Laxan windshield also. My Contemporary broke two windshields doing open track.
You can buy a piece of Lexan II (scratch resistant) and use your old glass as a template and cut the Lexan slightly larger all around about 1/8 " The lexan cuts easily with a jigsaw. I bought a 4x4 piece in a local glass shop. about $100.00
Cranky

snakebyt · #9 (**permalink**) 06-27-2002, 08:27 AM

Thanks to Bob M for his lead to Racing Shields (800) 554-7527 in Indianapolis IN.!!!
Brad was very helpful and my new screen is on its way.. Price about $130 plus shipping. I'll let everyone know about the installation..

Thanks again Bob....

Tom Lebovic

snakebyt · #10 (**permalink**) 06-27-2002, 08:31 AM

One other thing: Brad says his coating is more scratch resistant than other types of coatings. He says that I can leave my wipers installed without a problem. Time will tell I guess. Either way, I don't see the wipers being much of a problem since the only time I've turned them on was to prove the the DMV inspectors that they work.....

Tom L

justa6 · #11 (**permalink**) 06-27-2002, 12:44 PM

Glad to help. Brad sent me a kit that has a piece with his coating on one side and nothing on the other (uncoated). With it he included a piece of medium steel wool.

I took the steel wool and couldn't tell which side was which so I just went ahead and rubber the steel wool on a side. It looked like I painted it grey. My keen alert mind told me to hope that was the uncoated side. I then turned it over and really rubbed it and could not tell anything had happened. Clear as a bell. I HAVEN'T tried it on my windshield but cleaning it has been really easy and it comes out perfect.

Its so nice to not have to worry about installing another windshield...

Regards,

Monster · #12 (**permalink**) 06-27-2002, 10:02 PM

I agree with all on the Lexan. Here's a post on the subject I did a while ago for anyone that wants to go the do-it-yourself route (which was not that difficult).

Windshield replacement information

good luck,
Mike "monster"

bmalone · #13 (**permalink**) 06-27-2002, 10:09 PM

Guys:

Can anyone recommend a cleaning solution that will not scratch my Lexan. Apparently it is not coated. So far have been using water and paper towel. Tried a little ammonia/water, vinegar/water, and Windex (separately), but it looked like it was scratching. Thanks.

sfry · #14 (**permalink**) 06-27-2002, 10:19 PM

bmolone,
Go down to your local airport. Find a place that sells pilot supplies.
They should have a winshield cleaner/wax made by Meguiers. It works perfect. Then you can contact BSR and buy the tearoffs that the Winston Cup guys use. This should solve your problems.

Shannon

Monster · #15 (**permalink**) 06-27-2002, 10:26 PM

You can also go to TAP plastics they have a range of cleaners and polish for plastics. I use "No touch" glass cleaner and it works well for me however I did use the "scratch resistant" Lexan.

Mike "monster"

bmalone · #16 (**permalink**) 06-27-2002, 11:09 PM

Thanks guys, checked out the TAP Plastics Web site. I also heard maybe photography stores will have plactic cleaner. I'll give that a try too.

justa6 · #17 (**permalink**) 06-28-2002, 06:37 AM

Those are a good set of instructions.

I'd just like to comment that if you call Brad at www.Racingshields.com he will be more than happy to help you. Their antiscratch coating is simply amazing. Brad told me that wipers wouldn't be a problem with it. This is the same company that makes the visors for Simpson Helmets. The coating allows a LOT of different options on washing your windshield.

Also I HIGHLY recommend buying 1/4 thick Lexan as its much stronger and not very much different in weight. Also Brad has true .25" Lexan rather than normal 1/4" which is around .23 (don't ask me why they measure that way)?

Anyway I couldn't be happier with the new windshield, however, I don't have wipers so I can't say how they would work.

Regards,

CobraMan · #18 (**permalink**) 06-28-2002, 01:28 PM

I don't think that using paper towel is advisable. I think it can tend to scratch. I only use a 100% cotton towel, actually the same towels I use for doing detailing. I have a black Contemporary that was built in '91. The paint looks new. I have always used cotton towels. It's the only material that ever touches my car.

Hope this might help.

bmalone · #19 (**permalink**) 06-28-2002, 01:55 PM

CobraMan:

I am meticulous like you wouldn't believe with the 100% cotton (USA only) towels. Keep one for every purpose, sealed in a plastic bag when not in use, etc. I used the complete ZainoBros kit, and my '90 looks amazing. Actually got all the swirls out of the paint, and it is redder and redder each time I wax. My wife thinks I have lost my mind

.

Its not the towels so much as the solution, I think. But its probably a good idea to stick with the coton towels.

Pete C · #20 (**permalink**) 06-28-2002, 02:35 PM

Bill,
I just had a Lexan (not scratch resistant and that is a bad idea) windshield installed this spring. Don?t ever use ammonia, it will leave a haze on the windshield that, as far as I can tell, will never come out!

Cheers, Pete