Chinese made aftermarket windshields

[andrew.lori]

FYI ... I talked to these guys today and they have 5 new 510 Front glass coming in for stock. The guy I was talkig to
didn't know what thickness their glass was ( China 5mm ) ( OEM Datsun 7mm ) he did say to call in 4 wks and he could have one measured for me. They MFG in the UK so it is possible the quality will be better than the Chinashield.

Has anyone herd of these guys ... Pilkington Glass

http://www.pilkington.com/the+americas/ ... efault.htm

Andrew

[iceD]

At one time Pilkington was the biggest distributor of glass in the world. Keep us posted on this subject.

ice D

[m33pm33p]

Yes keep us posted please, I need a new front windshield.

[bertvorgon]

Pilkington still makes very good glass, I just had one installed into my Honda Oddysey.

I just talked to my contact in the glass industry( NATIONAL GLASS), who, while NOT familiar with the company that made the Chineese glass we are getting ( FUYAO GLASS INDUSTRY GROUP CO.LTD. ), did say that during the laminating process, THAT can cause the glass to become more brittle. That would suggest that is why we seem to be suffering the micro surface abrasion, in a very short period of time. Also, the reason it chips so easily, from such small stone strikes. I had a stone thrown up the other day, that WACKED my Toyota windshield, and it hardly made a mark!

He has given me a name to call, who may be able to help us go forward with this. It may also be a duplication of what Byron has already found out, but, I will check this path out also.

I just looked up FUYAO on the net...and their e-mail is all in Chineese...thought I might send them some feed back on the glass,,,but.......my Chineese is rusty these days....

[bertvorgon]

Just an update...I have talked to someone local here...maybe sounds good.

I have sent Andrew a PM..as we need to confirm some things, then we will go from there.

EDIT:

Ok, Andrew and I have talked, he is going to check the thickness when some arrive in the East.

My contact here, has also sent our request for a thickness check, plus, has confirmed these are of a much better quality than the Chineese ones...THEORETICALLY!

The price will also be very reasonable, ever more so if the quality factor is there too.

They are on a ship now, so we will revisit this in a month or so, when it arrives.

[merlin]

If this turns into a good source, I'll consider stocking a half dozen for resale at a later date.

[qwik510]

If this turns into a good source, I'll consider stocking a half dozen for resale at a later date.

I would like to get some down here on the East Coast, USA if possible. I would stock some for others too.

[bertvorgon]

I will keep everybody posted for sure. I do mind taking this on at this point. As Andrew and I discussed, a windshield is beyond one of those necesary parts.

When I talked with my glass guy, he was shocked that they had disappeared off the map. I said to him...when you think that it really only been in the last 5 years, that 510's have come onto their own, in terms of the "new" collector appeal, that the demand is quite suddenly ramping up. Those of us "lifers" have know that for awhile now, but, the newbies have been getting the shock of their lives now, as they try to find parts, and the windshields are part of that. Of course with no demand these past some years, why would a glass company keep making them.

Anyhow, stay tuned,,,this is only the beginning of this one.

[vdubjim]

Pilkington is the replacement glass company that 90% of shops in the usa use.

[andrew.lori]

Just Called for an update from Pilkington..... status is they expect them in before the end of this week and sugested I call daily for updates .
Also said that if these are of the Spec and Quality we want there should be No Problem getting more.

I will call them again tomorrow afternoon and see if there in and advise .....

Andrew

[defdes]

Could you post the contact info so us down here in the States could find the nearest local distributor?

[andrew.lori]

The contact info is in the link at the top of this page .... 1800 # and whoever answers canhelp you .

AM

[andrew.lori]

Not in stock yet ... they took my number and will call me when they arrive.

[bertvorgon]

thanks for keeping us up todate, I was just thinking about this today, as I worked on my 510 for a few minutes.

[510ER]

I will be making a trip from seattle to virgina in late june this year of you east coast fellas want some I would have no problem transporting a few out there I will be in a full size truck