> I am going to have my windshield replaced on my 87 Syncro
> this week and was wondering if there are good and bad
> brands

I am not aware of any significant brand differences, but I can tell you
this...
If an auto repair shop pays an auto glass specialist to go to their
garage and install a windshield for one of their customers, the going
rate (as of about a year ago) was around $135 installed (wholesale).
Obviously you can expect to pay more as a retail customer, but if you
are quoted over $200 installed, it might be worth shopping around. The
prices for windshields can vary dramatically.

Also, clear windshields versus tinted-at-the-top ones are about the same
price. I prefer the tinted ones, as it reduces glare. The tint is minor
(and graduated) such that it is hardly noticable cosmetically unless you
look carefully.

> ...Do most of the places that do new winshields also
> replace the rubber?

Generally not, and this is a good time to do it. We have them, of
course. A new seal is only about $50, so it's worth doing while the
windshield is out. A dryrotted seal can cause rust under the lip, which
will be a much more expensive repair down the road verus just putting in
a new seal preventatively now (no matter how good the old one may look).

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215)  234-VWVW

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