windshield

[ljg]

I am having a terrible time with the replacement of my windshield.  The factory non-tinted one is much too small in at least one of its dimensions.  An aftermarket one does fit but obviously doesn't have the correct markings.  I also had some difficulty with the new MB aluminum windshield trim.  We did get them to fit but their shape just isn't perfect.  At least six trim pieces were ordered.
Has anyone else struggled with this issue?
ljg

[66andBlue]

Hello L.
a couple of years back I helped friend installing a new windshield with a new frame. The new aluminum frame had to be adjusted to the curvature of the opening by careful bending and careful pounding the frame already fitted on the glass with a very soft mallet (or palm) to get the four corners correct. Is that where you are having problems?
What do you consider to be the "correct" markings? There were a lot of different OEM suppliers over the years and I assume all of their window markings would be "correct". See: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=10480.0
And why is the original window too small?  

[ljg]

Thank you for your reply.  Your description of the aluminum trim is much like our experience.  The OEM windshield from MB did not fill in the upper corners well at all.   Even with an experienced glass man, cord placed in the gasket, etc. it wouldn't work.
We obtained a second MB glass and the same problem with size occurred.
I would have liked the MB markings on the glass as my car has only 14,000 miles.
Thanks again

ljg

[rmmchl]

my glass guy sent the first ppg glass back, but the problem was him, not the glass. The moldings are usually bent wrong , even when new--Mine were brand new---I had to show the guy how to do it. The trim must be manipulated and put on the the rubber molding, and on the glass first. Then the whole thing is inserted with the rope technique starting from one corner. On mine, we started with the passenger side upper right first.

[ljg]

Was your PPG glass clear or tinted?  Why didn't you use the MB glass?
thanks,
ljg

[rmmchl]

from what they tell me ppg makes them for mercedes---retail on the ppg is under $200.00-3x that for mercedes brand-yes, it is tinted just like the factory, although not as "green" as the factory-they don't make "green" anymore as I understand------Safelite can do this for you. Just have to find someone who has been there for years. Nothing special about this glass or installation if they put molding and rubber on first-they charge reasonable fees. They haven't been told they should charge us a fortune, like all the other crap on these money pits!