Windscreens: Tinted vs Clear
Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2018 7:55 pm
I was looking to replace my original windscreen (windshield) on my US spec 69 S4 drophead.
The reason for replacement is that while the screen is intact and not cracked with one rock pit (that I have lived with for 49 years), the glass is just not very clear when driving into the sun. Even after meticulous cleaning. Too many small pits and general hazing.
It appears that the US suppliers only carry the tinted version (no top dark stripe) instead of my original clear one. I was wondering if anyone knows if and when the tinted versions were originally fitted by the factory. I don't recall if it was an option when I purchased my original car in 1969.
I can get a clear windshield out of the UK but so far the cost is substantial because of packaging and shipping.
The odd dilemma I have is that I currently have one clear door window and one tinted (Sundym) one. So I already have some tinted glass on the car. The tinted door glass was something I installed maybe 40 years ago after I broke the original clear one repairing the lift mechanism. The tinted one was supplied locally (probably Bean) and instead of returning it to swap for a proper clear one I went ahead and installed it anyway as I didn't want to wait.
So, I would like to cure the long-standing clear/tint mismatch while fitting a new, clear windscreen:
Either:
1. Replace the windshield with a tinted version and replace the original, clear door glass with a tinted one (all tint)
or.
2. Try to obtain a clear windshield ($$$$?) and replace the tinted door glass with a clear one.(all clear)
Any opinions on tinted vs clear. My car is generally cosmetically original but certainly not concours original (engine, wheels all changed). I realize the tint is somewhat subtle. Just wondering if it is period correct and in character? Is it worth the extra money to obtain the clear ones?
The reason for replacement is that while the screen is intact and not cracked with one rock pit (that I have lived with for 49 years), the glass is just not very clear when driving into the sun. Even after meticulous cleaning. Too many small pits and general hazing.
It appears that the US suppliers only carry the tinted version (no top dark stripe) instead of my original clear one. I was wondering if anyone knows if and when the tinted versions were originally fitted by the factory. I don't recall if it was an option when I purchased my original car in 1969.
I can get a clear windshield out of the UK but so far the cost is substantial because of packaging and shipping.
The odd dilemma I have is that I currently have one clear door window and one tinted (Sundym) one. So I already have some tinted glass on the car. The tinted door glass was something I installed maybe 40 years ago after I broke the original clear one repairing the lift mechanism. The tinted one was supplied locally (probably Bean) and instead of returning it to swap for a proper clear one I went ahead and installed it anyway as I didn't want to wait.
So, I would like to cure the long-standing clear/tint mismatch while fitting a new, clear windscreen:
Either:
1. Replace the windshield with a tinted version and replace the original, clear door glass with a tinted one (all tint)
or.
2. Try to obtain a clear windshield ($$$$?) and replace the tinted door glass with a clear one.(all clear)
Any opinions on tinted vs clear. My car is generally cosmetically original but certainly not concours original (engine, wheels all changed). I realize the tint is somewhat subtle. Just wondering if it is period correct and in character? Is it worth the extra money to obtain the clear ones?