Need opinion on what to do with NOS windshield

[d3ltax19]

Hi all, I hope you can help me. I recently purchased a NOS windshield for my Fiat x1/9. It arrived by UPS freight intact. But on close inspection it seems it has some delamination begining at the edges. Below are some pictures to of what I see. My questions are;
1 is this normal for a 20yr old NOS windshield
2 is it safe to use?
3 will it get worse if I use it?
4 what should I do?

Thanks!

[Brent Deines]

It is not unusual for a 20 year old windshield.

I would say that it is not as safe as a new windshield, but is it safe enough? I can't make that call. It may or may not pass the ball drop tests that a new windshield must pass. You might want to get something in writing from the seller stating that it meets current safety standards, but in the end you will have to decide. I see 20 year old windshields in cars all the time, many of which are beginning to separate, but that does not necessarily mean they are safe. Personally I would be far more concerned about the 20 year old adhesive holding the glass in the car than I would about the glass, but that's just me. I ride a motorcycle so the safety issue of that windshield would not concern me, but I would never install it in a customer's car.

There is no question that it will get worse as time passes, but how fast is anyone's guess.

I would contact the seller, show them your great photos, and ask if they have another shield that is in better condition. If they do, have them send you photos of the edges and make the switch if they have one that you are more comfortable with. If they don't, you will have to decide if you want to send it back and find another one somewhere else, or if you can live with it.

I guess it also depends on if this is a show car or a daily driver, and how hard it is to find that shield. I can't remember for sure but the moldings may hide much of the problem temporarily, but only temporarily.

[Glasseye]

The amount of delamination you show is not excessive for a windscreen that is 20 years old. If my memory serves me correctly the windscreen on the X19 sits very deep into the aperture and the chrome finisher is fitted into the urethane at the same time. Make sure that the installer applies a good obscuration band to the inner glass and seals the chrome on both the inner and outer edges, ensuring no moisture can reach the glass edge.