Lancia Beta Forum

Hi all.
I will at some point need to replace my windscreen on my 81 Spyder which was manufactured in 1980.
I understand the options for screens from Pilkington's but how do I identify exactly what tint my windows are?
Pilkingtons are unable to ID from the data printed on the glass and the LMC are unable to ID from the VIN.
When I look through the door glass it appears to be a green tint but when I put a sheet of white paper a behind it and look at it then it could be blue.
The front windscreen against white paper looks clear but with a blue tint across the top, but this of course could have been a replacement at some point in its life and maybe a match to the original may not have been available at the time.
Has anyone else had the same problem?
Any advice or information would be very much appreciated.
Thank you
Clifford

As far as I'm aware, Spiders had clear glass all round.
Does your white paper test show this on the side windows?

In the end, unless you are seeking originality, it'll be your choice.

My hpe has a clear screen without a tinted band, when I get around to changing
it, I'll be choosing a tint and top band.

Regards, Nigel

The clear paper test on the side windows is part of the confusion really Nigel as that looks kinda green but arguably could be blue tint. But it is definitely not clear.
My understanding is that the size and shape of the Spyder's door windows is different to the Coupe and therefore the glass is therefore not interchangeable. Do you know whether that is the case?
If it is, then unless the glass was re-cut from a Coupe they must be tinted side windows from a Spyder, but I don't know whether Lancia tinted them for non UK models and maybe the glass came from one of those.
Regards
Clifford

Hi Clifford

Spider Glass is Clear BUT in reality it shows a tint with paper behind it. Coupe Glass is obviously much greener and VX Glass is Bronze. Try to avoid Green quarter lights against lighter Spider door glass.

Eric

Thanks for the further insight Eric.
I haven't checked the quarterlight glass.
Are you saying they tend to be darker than the window glass?
Certainly the windscreen glass does look clear with the white paper test, whereas the door glass does look slight green or even blue tint.

The windscreen for a facelift spider is 82315498 this is the same as coupé there was no athermic (as they describe it) option on the spider. This is from the parts book, there is a later spider microfiche which could have other variations, when I have time I'll check it.

Clifford,

To answer your other question, Spider door glass is different to Coupe as the
B pillar is slanted forward on the Spider.

Cheers, Nigel

Hi Clifford

Particularly with mirrors through the glass over time Spiders can acquire green tint Coupe 1/4 glasses as replacements because there were a lot more Coupes around and broken mirror and 1/4 glass is a distress purchase.

Eric   

Thank you all for all of your input on this.
I think I am fairly clear on what was original, what may have happened over time and can now relate all of that to making a decision on a screen replacement when I need to.
I am taking the view that it if isn't broke then don't fix it at the moment but at least I am now better prepared for when I have to take action.
Regards
Clifford