>>
> I have to replace a cracked windshield on my 87 Westy.
> Do I go with the VW or can I use any local windshield outfit?
> How much should I expect to pay? Anything I need to watch out for?
>

Hi Herman,

I had this done on my 89 westy last month.  I got the official VW Sekurit
brand windshield from a local auto glass place.  I provided them with the
numbers listed on my cracked windshield and they special ordered it for me.
It took about a week to arrive.  Total cost for the windshield and
installation was $277.  My insurance covered all but the deductable.  They
used the existing windshield gasket.  It is tinted like my original one (all
around tint, no blue strip on top).  Since I heard on this list that leaking
might be a problem, I let the glass shop know this up front and I requested
that they assign this job to their most experienced and trusted installer
and asked them to make sure that it was sealed properly according to the
Bentley specs.  I left copies of the Bentley windshield removal/replacement
procedures with them.  I was very pleased with the job and the windshield.
If I had known it was going to turn out as well as it did, I wouldn't have
waited as long to get it done.

It may take a little longer to get it, but I would recommend going for the
official windshield.  My pretty-picky insurance company didn't give me any
problems when I requested a factory windshield, even though it was probably
more than a generic one.  If you can't get the factory one, I hear that PPG
(Pittsburgh Plate Glass?) is another good brand.

Hope this helps,

Steve

89 Westy