Reproduction windshields?

[TJ Hopland]

A friend of mine just inquired at one of the big reproduction auto glass resellers about a windshield that was being reproduced as of a few years ago but very expensive so he didn't order one then.   Today its no longer available and he was told its because there was pretty much only one company in Peru that was doing most of the reproduction stuff and about 3 years ago their factory got a contract to switch production over to Tesla.   Anyone else hear or experience that?

That brings up another question, How is something like say a 59 windshield made?    Can it be done with a fairly simple and crude wooden stick jig sort of thing?   Or does it require a much more complex and precise die/mold sort of thing?  I'm just wondering what the chances are of some smaller company taking on reproducing these.   If it requires a die/mold sort of thing seems like pretty much no chance of that happening. 

[Abe Lugo]

There is a company in Sweden that will make custom ones.   I'm sure it's near 3K.  But the people that need them are putting big buck into show cars.   The patter is made with a combination of a wood or metal frame and fiberglass laid over the shape that is needed. So there a bunch of up front work needed. 

The best best is to find a parts car with nice glass and use it.

[rwchatham CLC 21892]

Auto city classic has windshields for most cars .

[TJ Hopland]

Auto City is who my friend was dealing with that told him about the loss of that one production facility. 

[Rossoroo]

I got a windshield from "Balls Rod and Custom"

https://www.ballsrodandkustom.com/ 

[pininfarinacad]

Is there something I have missed here? 59 cadillac windshields are highly available, for less than $500 each.

[TJ Hopland]

I was just bringing up 59 because I think it was one of the years with major curves in it that people would be familiar with. My friends case is a 63 Ambulance.  I don't remember what other years or models it interchanged with, I think he said there were a few but its still apparently a rare part.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

The problem with the Ambulances/Commercial Conversions, these in most cases use a totally different windscreen to the basic car, so they would be scarce.

I have never heard of any Ambulances needing a windscreen replaced, as their usage is a lot different to the normal car which means less likelihood of breaking a screen.

Bruce.