Windshield in the US? Anyone successful w/ cross reference?

[ElanBRG]

I need a windshield for my 91 Elan here in the US. Searching around these forums, lots of chatter about the UK, but that's not a good option since SJ wants $1000 for shipping it here.

The usuals don't have and don't think they can get it (Dave Bean, JAE, etc). I tried a glass supplier called Pro-Source in Mass that was recommended by RD, but they don't have any either.

Does anyone know where to get an Elan windshield over here, or has anyone been successful using the 92 Isuzu Impulse windshield or the late 80's Geo Metro that has been discussed as cross references? I don't want to go the cross reference route until someone confirms it works because others have speculated they won't work.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

I have seen the Isuzu windscreen suggestion but have never heard of anyone that confirmed it. Since the M100 has a "stronger" rake, I highly doubt anything except the screen from a Noble is a probable interchange. From what I read, the surrounding tint of the Noble screen is different as is the mirror mount.

As far as I know, Triplex still offers the correct screen - I bought a couple from them (actually from AutoGlass) when I did my last container order from the UK.

[ElanBRG]

Thanks!

It does seem like a unique windshield shape with a lot of curvature, tapering, and rake. I'll probably have to go the route of SJs. Fortunately, I have $0 deductible glass policy, so hopefully they will be willing to pay the huge shipping bill since one can't be bought in country. It's about $1500 for everything, including shipping, which really isn't that crazy for such a rare and unique car. I have cars that the windshield costs $12K just for the part, so they should be happy it's not that one.

Does this look like the full list of what is needed, or am I missing anything?

WINDSCREEN (Green tint) C100B1124F EACH $381.90 1 $381.90
WINDSCREEN BONDING SPACER A075U0588Z EACH $1.34 4 $5.36
CORNER CAP for WINDSCREEN TRIMS A100B0661F EACH $12.53 2 $25.06
TOP WINDSCREEN FINISHER A100B0727F EACH $12.29 1 $12.29
FINISHER, WINDSCREEN SIDES A100B0728F EACH $13.35 2 $26.70

[clemo]

If you read the full manual it says windscreen pillar seals are part of the windscreen replacement . In the past on UK cars some have managed to get them replaced as part of the full replacement. Though from what we know that are now unavailable Unless you guys know any different over there ?

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Both B100V0117F and B100V0118F are active part numbers in this month's price book. They are £115.80 each.

Dave Bean has them listed for around $319.00. I can probably offer my spare set of seals for $250.00 each although I only have the one set

SJs has the seals listed for £65.00 each but theirs are reproductions.

Sometimes, the carriers need to be replaced too: A100U0487F and A100U0488F They are now obsolete

SJs lists them at £55.50 each

I have a few of the carriers available for $75.00 each.

I also have a spare windscreen ($950.00) but I wouldn't know how to pack or ship it, so would be by collection only.

I have the other bits you listed available except the corner caps as well. I have the last version of the corner caps that Lotus offered, but they are not exactly the same as the original version. (the vacuum formed block that you cut out yourself.)

[DeanG]

I bought my windscreen from DBE. Shipping was free if it went to a commercial address. I bought some parts from John and some from DBE. A local glass shop did the swap for me.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Unfortunately, DBE is having trouble sourcing screens right now.

[ElanBRG]

Thanks!

I'll add these to the rather long list of what it takes to replace this windshield:

Description Part Number Unit Unit Price Quantity
A POST SEAL L/H B100V0117F EACH $87.10 1
A POST SEAL R/H B100V0118F EACH $87.10 1
A POST SEAL CARRIER L/H obs A100U0487F EACH $47.57 1
A POST SEAL CARRIER R/H A1U0488F EACH $20.77 1
Net Total $242.54

[Brit-Car-Nut]

I spoke with Ken at Dave Bean (DBE) and they can still get replacement M100 Windshields (Screens) but they order as needed and they are drop-shipped from their supplier. They expect it usually takes a couple of weeks to get one to a customer.

Also, I checked Lotus UK's stock on "A" Pillar Seals and they have 1 ONE LH side and a few more RH side seals in stock.

Unfortunately, I have found that you get what you pay for. As far as I have heard, the reproduction seals available so far have been a big disappointment.

[ElanBRG]

Ordered all the parts from SJ for about $1800 including shipping. I have someone lined up to install it, and have the official shop manual for them. Total will be over $2,000, so fortunately, I have a $0 deductible glass insurance that pre-approved all these costs.

[clemo]

Ordered all the parts from SJ for about $1800 including shipping. I have someone lined up to install it, and have the official shop manual for them. Total will be over $2,000, so fortunately, I have a $0 deductible glass insurance that pre-approved all these costs.

Result ....

[Brit-Car-Nut]

So, what is the outcome? What has happened since your last posting?

[ElanBRG]

So, what is the outcome? What has happened since your last posting?

I was given the flight numbers for the windshield last week. There was a delay as SJ had to order a specific customs-approved shipping container for the windshield and that didn't come in as soon as expected.

The windshield should be at my house with all the bits by the end of the week, and then I will have a local auto glass company install it.

Insurance approved all the costs.

[Neil D.]

Nothing against Autoglass, bit you may be better off using a good bodyshop

Neil

[ElanBRG]

Nothing against Autoglass, bit you may be better off using a good bodyshop

Neil

I don't think we even have that company in the US. I am definitely not using them. I am using a local auto glass specialist that is certified to the standards here in the US. I wouldn't expect a body shop to try to do a windshield. I bet they will take the work and then subcontract it out to an auto glass company and charge you double.

[ElanBRG]

Received the windshield on Thursday. I am fortunate the glass made it ok from the UK given how poorly SJs packet the windshield. It was flopping around inside the box with very little packing material.

The glass guy came out on Saturday and did an amazing job. I hung out with him and his attention to detail is rare. He did a great job with all the trim and made sure everything was perfect. I provided him access to the shop manual.

My carriers were in perfect condition. It's hard to imagine that they would ever need to be replaced because they looked like they are made from aluminum.

It's so nice have a fresh new windshield, and I'm so glad this $2,000 expense was 100% covered by Grundy insurance. If you are in the US, they are hands down the best for claims and low premiums.