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Windshield recommendation

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 5:33 pm
by 5765
My original (!) winshield is showing its 70 years. Crazing at the lower center area. Since I have to do some paintwork after my also original cowl latches failed to perform their function, I thought I’d take care of the windshield.

Any recommendations? My mechanic is partial to LP from general use; I’ve seen that Cee Bailey is a regular advertiser with our community.

Experience? Recommendations? Advice?

Thanks!!

Re: Windshield recommendation

Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2018 12:20 am
by 5765
Nobody has experience with replacement windshields?

Re: Windshield recommendation

Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2018 3:19 am
by 4004
You may want to consider shipping cost - last LP I ordered came UPS ok. LP is an old reliable company that I have known when I lived in Florida and they were "Luminated Plastics" in Ft Lauderdale IIRC, but changed to "LP" when they moved north - that was near 55 years ago. Others on this page have commented how pleased they were with CB - commenting about the excellent fit with minimum trimming .Give 'em a day or two and I feel sure gurus will comment. 2c

Big Edd

Re: Windshield recommendation

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2018 7:25 am
by 6643
Years ago I was an LP Aero dealer. I found their customer service exemplary. Never had an issue with anything of theirs I sold. That said, I never tried to install one of their windshields on a Cessna.

I've heard a lot of good things about Cee Bailey, especially re. fitment, but I've never done one of theirs, either.

The "new guy" on the block is Great Lakes Aero. They compete aggressively on price; I don't know anything about them other than that.

UPS rates have skyrocketed on large packages, so be sure to factor shipping costs into your decision.

Re: Windshield recommendation

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2018 8:02 am
by 6298
I have put several LP aero’s. The had to be fit and trimmed a few times to fit well. I went to Cee Bailey because I liked the rounded look and the fit the first time. Shipping has gone crazy. The last one I bought I drove to get and the saved shipping paid for my fuel so I could visit my late friend before he passed.

Re: Windshield recommendation

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 1:55 pm
by 5765
Thanks for the input, guys.

My airplane has the original windshield, which is "flat" across the face of it, with big bends at the "corners".

When I looked up prices, there is a huge difference. Plus the question of thickness. I can't see any reason to go thicker than OEM since sound reduction is not an issue...

What is the OEM thickness, anyway?!

Re: Windshield recommendation

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 7:11 pm
by 6643
5765 wrote: Wed Aug 01, 2018 1:55 pmWhat is the OEM thickness, anyway?!
I'm not certain, but I think it'a 1/8". Could be wrong, though...

Re: Windshield recommendation

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 10:39 am
by 5765
As a follow up...

The price differences are dramatic between suppliers and manufacturers...

I ended up ordering an LP clear windshield from Aircraft Spruce. $382 delivered to Southern California versus $570 from Univair. Cee Bailey much more expensive and not preferred by my mechanic, so the choice was easy!

Thanks for the feedback!!

Greg

Re: Windshield recommendation

Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2018 2:25 pm
by V529
I see I'm late to the discussion. Your LP Aero plastics will be fine.

For me personally I have a Great Lakes windshield, I installed it new .....in the ....late 1990's. It's probably good for another "X" number of years yet.

That being said, since windows do last a long time, next windshield replacement, I will go with a Cee Baily. The thicker material, rounded front shape(lack of squared edges to distort your view), which lends itself to a stronger windshield, ease of install, etc, sold me on Cee Baily a long time ago.

On a square face windshield, (not a Cee Baily) If you ever want to scare yourself, put a "sticky' note pad page (single) in the center of your windshield and watch that dude flutter as you get above about 110mph. Yes, that's the center of your windshield moving in and out at the speed of a guitar string.