If you’ve spent a considerable amount of time and money restoring a classic car, you no doubt want to keep it in pristine condition. But what happens if any of the windows on that car incur damage? How on earth do you find replacement auto glass for a vehicle that’s several decades old?
At Only 1 Auto Glass, we understand the value that classic cars hold, and we also know how important it is that they remain flawless. If you find your vintage vehicle requires any type of auto glass replacement, here’s what you should know.
Is It Safe to Purchase Used Auto Glass?
If you need replacement auto glass for a classic car, you may be able to find it at a salvage yard if you’re lucky. While there aren’t a ton of vintage vehicles hanging out in salvage yards these days, some yards do keep them around. And even yards that don't have them may be able to connect you with locations that do.
Is buying used auto glass actually a good idea? That’s a tough call. On the one hand, you can save a considerable amount of money by opting for used. On the other hand, installing used auto glass on your classic car may put your safety at risk.
Even if you manage to source original used glass that fits your classic car, it might have minor chips or cracks — it’s decades old, after all. And even if those chips and cracks can be repaired, they’ll take away from your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal.
What’s more, if you plan on taking your automobile to a shop to have the glass professionally installed, you could run into a snag. Professionals likely won’t install glass with any degree of existing damage because it could get worse and cause liability issues for the shop.
Purchase Custom-Made Auto Glass
Fully intact, replacement auto glass for a decades-old vehicle can be tough to come by. That’s why most classic car owners opt for auto glass replacement with custom-made products.
In terms of cost, custom replacement auto glass is quite reasonable, and in most cases, it’s a safer option than used glass. However, if you’re striving to keep your car as authentic as possible, reproduction glass obviously won’t fit the bill.
Search For the Original Glass
Though it can be challenging to locate authentic replacement auto glass for a classic vehicle, it’s not impossible. If you own one of the more popular makes, such as Ford or Chevrolet, you may be able to find an original piece of glass through an auto restoration expert.
If you own a rarer make, try searching for classic car clubs in your area; there’s a good chance you’ll find someone who knows where to locate what you’re looking for. As a last resort, you can always take a trip to the salvage yard to see if you can track down the original glass.
Keep in mind that classic auto glass is considered a vintage item, so it may cost even more than a custom-made replacement.
Opt for Professional Installation
When it comes to replacing auto glass on a classic, rare vehicle, you can’t entrust the job to just anyone. The technicians you hire for the job must be properly trained, certified, and of course, experienced. At Only 1 Auto Glass, we check every box.
Regardless of the make or model of vehicle you bring in, when we perform an auto glass replacement, we meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. And because we strive for excellence, our technicians are certified by the National Glass Association.
When you’ve invested so much time and money into your vehicle, the last thing you want is an improperly installed windshield. That’s why it’s our goal to offer you unmatched peace of mind.
Take the Proper Post-Installation Precautions
After you have replacement auto glass installed on your vintage vehicle, you must take a few precautions to ensure it lasts as long as possible. That’s especially true when your vehicle undergoes a windshield replacement since new windshields can be more susceptible to issues than other windows.
Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll need to do:
● Avoid driving the vehicle for at least an hour after the installation is complete.
● Drive slowly over bumps and potholes and on rough roadways to minimize vibrations that can mess with the sealant’s curing process.
● Shut your doors and trunk as carefully as possible for a few days after you get your vehicle back.
● Let any retention tape sit for at least 24 hours after installation.
For a more in-depth breakdown of what you should do to make your replacement auto glass last, check out how to prolong the life of your new windshield.
Looking for Classic Car Windshield Replacement in the Twin Cities?
When you need windshield replacement experts, you need our team at Only 1 Auto Glass. We specialize in all forms of auto glass replacement and repair for all makes and models of vehicles, and our number one goal is your complete satisfaction.
To schedule an appointment, learn more about our services, or request a free estimate, give us a call today at 651-789-1111 or contact us online.