Posts: 569
Threads: 91
Joined: Jan 2021
On my trip back, no idea when, I received a crack in my Driver's side windshield. When Viracon was still in business, this would have been easy. Either get it from them to a glass installer or go to the factory and have it replaced. It appears that Newell used the same windshields from around 1991 till 1999.
Not so now. Evidently the glass tooling was sold to RV Custom Glass Solutions and they now supply newell and installers on demand. I spoke with them and they assured me that the tint band and overall tint will match the old Viracon windshields as they have not changed the vinyl nor formulation of the glass and it's made on the same tooling as before.
They were VERY helpful and I am expecting a picture of the glass shortly. In any event, newell does NOT have New Old Stock. I can only hope that they do match, other wise I will be setting up for an extended haggle with my insurance carrier to replace the passenger side as well. Seems to me it would be pretty distracting to have two different colors on your windshields!
Oddly, my carrier Progressive, has you call their main number, then the transfer you to their RV Glass dept, who then transfers you to Safelite who then transfers you to their RV Glass department. Be prepared for a shuffle. The Safelite RV Glass department supervisor indicated that, in the event the one side does NOT match, they would try and convince the insurance carrier to replace the other side. However, that is not a guarantee.
I am hoping it doesn't come to that.
Be seeing you,
Rick Miller
#423
1996, 45'+, Non-slide, Series 60, ABS, 1.5 Bath, Reverse Floorplan
Posts: 1,036
Threads: 140
Joined: Sep 2021
Out of curiosity what does it cost to replace the glass out of pocket? I called Newell and got the gasket price of $448. I didn't think to ask about glass. Mine has a slight water leak on the inside so at the very least I need to replace the old gasket.
--Simon
1993 8v92TA #312
(This post was last modified: 12-11-2023, 08:16 AM by
BusNit.)
Posts: 569
Threads: 91
Joined: Jan 2021
Newell quoted me around 567 for the glass plus about 250 shipping and their 10% handling fee. But since they are not NOS, you can order the glass from anyone... may be less expensive.
Be seeing you,
Rick Miller
#423
1996, 45'+, Non-slide, Series 60, ABS, 1.5 Bath, Reverse Floorplan
Posts: 1,036
Threads: 140
Joined: Sep 2021
Thanks Rick. I was having dreams of the glass costing 1500 a piece. I may consider just driving to Newell and have them supply and change the gasket. New glass would be nice. Driver side has a crack on the inside at the bottom maybe from flexing along with some bullseye hits.
--Simon
1993 8v92TA #312
Posts: 55
Threads: 8
Joined: Nov 2022
Supposedly there is a passenger glass piece waiting for me in New Bern NC. I just went thru this with Progressive as well. I am waiting for the installer to call to set up for install. Wednesday will be a week since it was delivered to them, that is when they will get there chains rattled.
Karl and Lisa G.
Coach #385
Toad - Not ready for that yet
Posts: 291
Threads: 17
Joined: Jun 2023
(12-11-2023, 08:07 AM)Wanderman Wrote: On my trip back, no idea when, I received a crack in my Driver's side windshield. When Viracon was still in business, this would have been easy. Either get it from them to a glass installer or go to the factory and have it replaced. It appears that Newell used the same windshields from around 1991 till 1999.
Not so now. Evidently the glass tooling was sold to RV Custom Glass Solutions and they now supply newell and installers on demand. I spoke with them and they assured me that the tint band and overall tint will match the old Viracon windshields as they have not changed the vinyl nor formulation of the glass and it's made on the same tooling as before.
They were VERY helpful and I am expecting a picture of the glass shortly. In any event, newell does NOT have New Old Stock. I can only hope that they do match, other wise I will be setting up for an extended haggle with my insurance carrier to replace the passenger side as well. Seems to me it would be pretty distracting to have two different colors on your windshields!
Oddly, my carrier Progressive, has you call their main number, then the transfer you to their RV Glass dept, who then transfers you to Safelite who then transfers you to their RV Glass department. Be prepared for a shuffle. The Safelite RV Glass department supervisor indicated that, in the event the one side does NOT match, they would try and convince the insurance carrier to replace the other side. However, that is not a guarantee.
I am hoping it doesn't come to that.
Rick, I know this is a bit older thread but I am now on the hunt for a new windshield. Do you have the contact info for the RV Custom Glass Solutions? Several places come up when you do a search.
Here is the one that come up:
https://rvglassexperts.com/rv-windshield-replacement/
Cracked mine when I was first trying to park my Newell at my house. I was having an issue with the HWH system, have that fixed now so I am hoping I will be safe to replace the glass and hopefully will not have this issue again.
Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
Posts: 569
Threads: 91
Joined: Jan 2021
Sure thing,
www.coachglass.com
My insurance company handed it off to safelite who handed off to coach glass who handed it off to a local installed. I hand picked the glass company and the installer.
It was an exercise in frustration, but the glass was of high quality and, essentially identical to the original. Just be aware it will likely not match perfectly unless you change both
Be seeing you,
Rick Miller
#423
1996, 45'+, Non-slide, Series 60, ABS, 1.5 Bath, Reverse Floorplan
Posts: 291
Threads: 17
Joined: Jun 2023
(Yesterday, 06:37 PM)Wanderman Wrote: Sure thing,
www.coachglass.com
My insurance company handed it off to safelite who handed off to coach glass who handed it off to a local installed. I hand picked the glass company and the installer.
It was an exercise in frustration, but the glass was of high quality and, essentially identical to the original. Just be aware it will likely not match perfectly unless you change both
Appreciate it Rick!
I am going to just pay for the windshield myself, not going through insurance. Looks like that is the same company, they have a location right in Lakeland which is not too far from me, so I may just take it directly to them.
Unless someone else has a recommendation for an installer here in the Tampa Florida area?
I have a Wanderlodge buddy that had a side window replaced up at a place I believe in Brookesville, Florida, I may ask him who that was. He is a very particular guy and he said they did a good job.
Jeff LoGiudice
Temple Terrace, Fl
1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40
1998 Newell 2000 #490
1986 MCI/TMC 102A3 (sold)
Posts: 88
Threads: 23
Joined: Jul 2022
I just had both my windshields replaced, had the originals in them. new glass was from custom glass solutions. I think there windshields are better than coach glass.. good luck on getting the top tint to line up, but if it doesnt just have a tint guy come out and tint both pieces across the top. total cost was 1600.00 installed ( I let state farm pay for that)
Adam & Dana Mize
coach # 480
1998 45' 2 slides
Detroit Diesel series 60 turned up to 745 hp
