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2008 Gallardo Superleggera rear side window replacement

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Old 10-06-2015, 10:54 AM
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2008 Gallardo Superleggera rear side window replacement

The rear side windows of the 2008 Gallardo Superleggera
are made from polycarbonate rather than glass. A little bit
of weight savings... plus a cool sound when you knock the
window with your knuckle... but not so good when it does
come to longevity: if the top protective layer ever starts to
delaminate, then virtually nothing can stop it; the damage
simply keeps on growing over time, regardless of whether
you drive in the rain or just maintain a garage queen.

Often the initial damage comes in the form of a tiny rock
chip. While trying to clear bra the polycarbonate windows
can help minimize such damage, it doesn't help with large
debris, and it introduces the risk of damage to to top layer
when the time for clear bra replacement comes.

My left rear side window started to show this damage a few
years ago. Eventually it grew into two large spots; the total
size was about half a credit card. I pondered clear bra, then
vinyl. I pondered trying to re-coat it, either with clear coat,
or hard-to-come-by Lexan repair chemicals. And I pondered
getting the windows replaced, of course.

Fast forward to August this year, and a 3,000 mile road trip.
Yup, right rear side window -- same thing: the disheartening
sound of a rock chip impact... and, two days later, damage
that had grown to the size of a finger nail.

Alright... it was time to tackle this. No more procrastination.

I got both rear side windows replaced while the car was at
the shop for its 90k service anyway.

I went with the standard glass windows, not polycarbonate.

Why? A couple of reasons. First and foremost, I simply don't
want to deal with this problem ever again. Second, it's much
less tricky to successfully glue in glass, at least based on my
experience a few years ago, when my engine cover window
got replaced due to the same basic problem (de-lamination):
back then it took a second round of glueing. And third, cost.
While glass windows are hundreds of USD a piece, the poly
versions are ~10x that -- you can get an idea by looking at
the various price lists on-line.

Since I was extra anxious about this repair job, I watched it
in person. As a result I have a ton of pictures. A few of them
are attached; if you find yourself in need of more (because
you face this same repair), then drop me a line.

Last but not least, so far I am very happy with the repair job.

The work was contracted out from LGLC to George from San
Jose -- he is knowledgeable, meticulous, detail-oriented, and
professional... and he charges a reasonable price.

So thumbs up from me -- CA rainy season, here I come! :-)
 
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