Jump to content

Windshield Replacement options


Recommended Posts

So I've been debating this for awhile and finally got some local quotes to replace the windshield.   Of course they told me that I can't use the glass from xxxx years and it has to be for an 89.   They did humor me and after some coaxing they gave me prices for the other glass and gasket.  

 

 

From what I've found searching people are stating that all cherokee windshield glass is the same cut and shape, it's just different tinting....  

 

I have a few questions though

 

 

1.    Does anyone know the tinting area difference between an 89,    say mid 90's   and then 98 glass?

 

 

2.    For the seal The 1996 cherokee I have in my drive way has a rubber seal, and it's much narrower than the 97+ seals I've seen,   can I have them use this rubber seal on my 89    or am I stuck between the  97+ seal gasket and the original chrome clip pieces?  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I asked for the later rubber gasket glass in mine.  Fit is fine.  I didn't notice the tint being different, but I didn't drive it much with the old glass in.  I cut off the little tabs that the trim mounted to, but you don't have to.  My glass was for a '94, and has a wide rubber gasket.  The '97+ windshields I've seen installed use a narrower gasket.  If it is different, that windshield may require the little trim mount studs to be cut off...  ??

Then again, the seal width may just depend on the windshield manufacturer. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The rubber gasket is not a seal, it's just trim as is the metal trim, has very little sealing utility.  The seal is on the inside in the form of a wide bead of urethane goo glue. Although I think the rubber looks a lot better (unless you like chrome), some shops will just cut to size and not use any pre-fab template.  If you're paying more than $200, installed, find another shop.

 

I have about 4" of tint on the top of my 88 MJ.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now that I'm looking online, OMIX - ADA sells the one pieces trim seal and says it fits 95-2001,    I'm confused though because the rubber on the 97's i've looked at have 2-2.5" of rubber around the window wherease the 96 in my yard is less than 1.25"  

 

 

 

THe glass shop locally is telling me they show two different gaskets for the different years.   Listings 95-96    vs 97-2001

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now that I'm looking online, OMIX - ADA sells the one pieces trim seal and says it fits 95-2001,    I'm confused though because the rubber on the 97's i've looked at have 2-2.5" of rubber around the window wherease the 96 in my yard is less than 1.25"  

 

 

 

THe glass shop locally is telling me they show two different gaskets for the different years.   Listings 95-96    vs 97-2001

 

I own two 2000 XJs that were bought new and have the original windshields in them. The rubber trim gasket measures 7/8 of an inch.

 

I think you are measuring the black contact area on the back (inside) of the glass, not the trim gasket. That black area on the inside surface is bonded to the glass at the [glass] factory to provide a better surface for the urethane adhesive to bond to. Its width could very well be different for aftermarket glass than for OEM Jeep glass.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Most glass places won't install the rubber trim if it's not theirs. I ordered a factory replacement trim (7/8" rubber for the newer Cherokee) and safelite and other places wouldn't replace it and warranty it.

 

So I had safelite get me the newer Cherokee glass (all the same but they have to order and document it as that specific glass) and they put their rubber trim on it, which is like 1.25" wide or so. It's a cheaper version than the factory one I have but it looks OK I guess.

 

And it was $200 and a lot quicker and nicer people than the last company that installed the windshield so crooked and it leaked, but they wouldn't warranty it even though they said that it should be warranted. Straight from the owners mouth.

Safelite, if possible, is the way to go anymore in my opinion.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That sounds incredibly reasonable... I have no-deductible glass coverage though, so I've been waiting for something (anything) to happen to the windshield, but the longer I wait the more concerned I get that if I do make a claim they'll just write the truck off.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Put a piece of '98 glass in my prior MJ with the newer style rubber gasket. Liked how it turned out. 

 

$35 windshield from the local Pull-A-Part and used a local "independent installer" (where I work).

They supplied a new style gasket and installed for ~$80.00

Most places around here ( ATL ) are like $225 and up. 

 

Warranty is an important factor and while desired guess the guy seen in my mirror is just too damn cheap. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I called Speedy glass here, $333 for a new windshield. But everything is more expensive in Canada.

Speedy and other Major Brand name glass shops in Canada are Stupidly over priced...

 

 

In Ontario a Glass installed is about $160 from pretty much anywhere except a Major Brand Glass shop and that's a mobile shop to where they come to you...

 

 

 

 

The glass will fit all years of XJ and I have the Newer 97+ glass and rubber seal installed in my MJ and no fitment issues or complaints from my glass guy...

 

Just find someone else to do the job as it sounds more like an " i don't want to install your glass" kinda shop 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 years later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...