In the year and 1/2 I've had my Vanagon I've replaced the windshield
twice.  The first time was at a local "glass shop".  Totally
unsatisfactory.   It leaked like a sieve.  I had to make appts, get it
back to them, leave it for a day, and deal with increasingly surly
workers that seemed to think I was an  a** hole for hasseling them.  By
the third trip back I was told that it could"be made leak free and I
might just have to accept that!
Luckily(I guess) before the rains started last year I took a large rock
hit on the freeway that cracked the windshield clear to the edge.   This
time I used Cascade Auto Glass (Oregon) and got a new tinted windshield
with a new gasket installed in the parking lot at work in about 30
minutes or so .  The windshield is warrenteed for life against leaks but
surprise:  It hasn't leaked a drop yet through some very heavy rain and
power spray car washes.
P.S. thanks to all who gave suggestions regarding the problem with
headlights that suddenly stop working.

Jaymac,  87 Vanagon GL

> .
>
>             Eric                   86-VW4x4
>             vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
>             Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
>
> On Thu, 18 Nov 1999, HERMANN DE BOER wrote:
>
> > Hi!
> >
> > 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?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Hermann the German
> > 87 Westy GL "Europec"
> >