As the car is getting to this age in life, aftermarket replacement parts like windscreens are getting harder to obtain, something that was highlighted by Japspeed recently announcing that they are no longer producing stuff for the Z32 - that personally doesn't bother me, but I have heard along the grapevine that folks have been trying to get replacement screens and have been told that there are none in the country and that availability is now nil.

 

As my car is in for repaint, I am having the screen taken out and replaced which kinda put me on edge a little, so I've done a bit of digging around.

 

True, Z32 windscreens in any tint spec are not available at the moment - there are none in stock in the UK and there are no plans to bring it back in as a mass produced stocked item part. These screens are all made by PilkingtonK Automotive glass.

 

The windscreens are however still able to be obtained as a 'special order'. PilkingtonK do keep all the molds of windscreens produced by most mainstream manufacturers for the past 30 years or so. Having also heard from a number of sources that having a screen specially made could cost around £700, I decided to order one through National Windscreens (who have always been my preferred glass fitter) just to see what happens. I have this morning had confirmation of an order for £185 fitted, however lead time is around 8 weeks. Until I get confirmation of delivery date, I'm not holding my hopes of them being able to maintain that price, but we'll see what happens!

 

So, just a heads up, if you need a replacement screen, be prepared to wait and be prepared to possibly pay more than you were ever used to!

8 Week Lead time sucks, but considering their rarity and that they are made to order , £185 Fitted is a bargain !

8 Week Lead time sucks, but considering their rarity and that they are made to order , £185 Fitted is a bargain !

 

I am expecting the price to change!! If it doesn't, that'll be a huge bonus. People are being quoted £700+ for one.

Hmm there was a thread on the Facebook group about this and one was sourced in the end I'll have to find out where from.

 

Did you try autoglass si as that was mentioned for a good price?

Hell no! Autoglass are an utter rip-off, always have been. I was quoted £600 or something for a replacement about 5 years ago and ended up going with National Windscreens.

 

Autoglass have the monopoly with the insurance firms and charge a premium for private jobs.

Just to add to this but it would good to buy a non runner 300zx just for parts. Ok you would need room to store it dry and it would need to be in a ok condition but if you are going to keep your Z for life then it would be a good idea before they all go.

From memory , Jeff at Zedworld said the Z screen was the same as a 5 series BMW, not sure which year, but hopefully Jeff will see this and clarify

From memory , Jeff at Zedworld said the Z screen was the same as a 5 series BMW, not sure which year, but hopefully Jeff will see this and clarify

 

:lol: I think you're getting confused with the top trim seal.

I would have thought that the cost for a replacement windscreen would be covered by the insurance

policy (as mine does). Doesn't get around the delay in sourcing the screen, but the most you should have

to pay is the excess (which in my case is £75). Replacement would be for a damaged unrepairable windscreen.

I would have thought that the cost for a replacement windscreen would be covered by the insurance

policy (as mine does). Doesn't get around the delay in sourcing the screen, but the most you should have

to pay is the excess (which in my case is £75). Replacement would be for a damaged unrepairable windscreen.

 

True, but those wishing to have their cars repainted/restored and want their screens replacing or swapping out for blue-glass, that solutions isn't there.

I've managed to remove the blue glass from my last Zed and have stored it up my loft.

 

I've also managed to get the current glass out for the respray.

PilkingtonK do keep all the molds of windscreens produced by most mainstream manufacturers for the past 30 years or so. I have this morning had confirmation of an order for £185 fitted, however lead time is around 8 weeks.

 

It was Autowindscreens that fit my Pilkington blue screen about 5 years ago, paid possibly £150.00 and i did hear that 8 week lead time but all of a sudden they were ringing me.

 

Think you'll be ok at that price :).

:lol: I think you're getting confused with the top trim seal.

 

Yes Si the top seal not the screen.

 

On similar note, several years ago I posted here a company in Tamworth who had 20 blue screens in stock that were also quick clear heated like Ford one`s and the take up was erm zero, despite the fact they were under £200 then, times change and things get harder to source would be a different case now I bet.

 

Jeff

I have all blue glass to install, my bronzes tint front screen has a small crack above the rear view mirror wonder if I can get it replaced with blue tint under my insurance or will they order bronze, they can pay for the trim as well. Then I can keep the other as a spare.

Do you know if the late UV cut glass is possible to special order Si?

have you tried Ireland si? even northern Ireland might have something.

Ahhh memories >>> http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?171266-windscreen-tech&highlight=Windscreen

 

 

Jeff

It's not as bad as you think. You'll always be able to get a screen from Pilkington. Once stock has gone, it'll be made to order at their classic car dept. Check out https://www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk/automotive/classic-car-glass/photos The screen is not made with a mold, a better term would be a 'form' made from wood. Either the form is stored somewhere or they just knock up a new one from the drawings they have on file.

 

A friend of mine ordered a 89' Pontiac Trans-am screen directly. £470 and about 8 weeks, but was able to specify whatever tint he wanted, sunshade band, was even able to have a custom frit (the black around the edge which is screen printed onto the glass). Screen fitted perfectly!

I had my screen replaced by national windscreens after finishing my restoration. Cost was around £200 so was reasonable.

I got it in a blue tint as I want to change over at some time, anyone know of a set of blue glass for a swb? Excluding screens

True, but those wishing to have their cars repainted/restored and want their screens replacing or swapping out for blue-glass, that solutions isn't there.

 

It is if its broken........:whistling:

I got it in a blue tint as I want to change over at some time, anyone know of a set of blue glass for a swb?

 

I have inquired about some SWB door glass in blue, i shall keep you in mind and fire off further questions regarding 1/4 and rear screen.

I have inquired about some SWB door glass in blue, i shall keep you in mind and fire off further questions regarding 1/4 and rear screen.

That would be great, it looks a little funny at the moment

This sounds like a party for a group buy. Surely if Pilkos get an order for say 10, the price would tumble. Worth an ask.?

This sounds like a party for a group buy. Surely if Pilkos get an order for say 10, the price would tumble. Worth an ask.?

 

I would be interested.

Do you know if the late UV cut glass is possible to special order Si?

 

Keep in mind the technology/feature of UV cut glass found on late model Z32's was only placed/used on the door glass. I spent a lot of time sorting through all the part numbers and Japanese literature to come to a conclusion on the different glass options.

 

I'd also like to state that while there is blue glass tint for the Z32...starting in 1995 all JDM and Euro spec cars got green tint glass. USDM got green tint in 1996. The green tint can sometimes appear as blue or clear depending on lighting conditions.

 

Good info this at my blog: https://z32enjoytheride.wordpress.com/2015/06/19/post-41-9900-spec-uv-insulated-cut-glass/

Well researched Greg - Thanks for posting.