>It ain't legal, but I use a metal sputtered, very, very light grey
>window tint on the windshield.

Some windshields are factory-tinted. If it's light it should give no
problems at night and remain undetected by testing authorities...

>It reduces the UV significantly, and
>helps glare. I first tried the sunstrip across the top of the windshield
>but didn't like that, so I opted for the very light grey without the strip.

Think I'll have to get a band for the Caravelle... black, or perhaps
a body-matching dark blue... put a logo on? Volkswagen? VW? SVX?
Porsche? VW SVX PORSCHE? SUPERCHARGED? VANAGON.COM?

>Works for me.
>
>But my question is ..... Is the original glass as hard, harder, softer
>than aftermarket windshield glass, and is there a difference in thickness?

If thinner, you'll have sealing problems. If softer, it'll be more
impact-resisstant... but more prone to scratching by grit when using
the wipers etc.

And... is it laminated?? There are still unlaminated windshields
being made... interesting driving when they get a good hit by a
pebble... in the cold & rain... away from home...

I know my diesel Corolla's windshield is a replacement (nonlaminated,
no tintband) and it is absolutely covered by microscratches... bad
driving into a low sun!!
--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin
New Zealand
Fossil preparator
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut