Sourcing the Correct Windshield for the Canadian 1.7EL
Because the 1.7EL was sold exclusively in Canada across the Touring, Premium, and later Aero trims, finding parts can seem tricky until you look at how it was built. Under the Acura badges, the front glass dimensions match the four-door Honda Civic sedan of the same era. It uses NAGS part number FW02183 (most often ordered as FW02183GBN, which includes the green solar tint and blue upper shade band), corresponding to original Honda part numbers 73111-S5D-A10 and 73111-S5D-A00.
You cannot use glass from a two-door Civic coupe. The coupe utilizes NAGS FW02184, which has a distinct rake angle and different perimeter dimensions along the A-pillars. The four-door Civic sedan glass, however, is a direct match for your Acura EL.
| Component / Spec | Acura 1.7EL Detail |
|---|---|
| Industry Glass Code | NAGS FW02183 / FW02183GBN |
| OEM Glass Reference | 73111-S5D-A10 / 73111-S5D-A00 |
| Roof Reveal Moulding | OEM 73150-S5P-A01 / NAGS GGG 2183 |
| Wiper Arm Sizing | 21-inch (driver side), 19-inch (passenger side) |
| Factory Sensor Brackets | None (standard glued mirror button only) |
Glass Features and Hardware Compatibility
Modern windshields are often loaded with embedded heating elements or optical acoustic barriers, but the 1.7EL keeps the layout simple. Every trim level utilizes standard laminated safety glass without a heated wiper park zone or rain sensors. The interior rear-view mirror mounts straight onto a pre-bonded metal button attached to the upper center of the glass.
When I replace the front glass on these cars, I supply aftermarket windshields produced by established manufacturers like PGW, FYG, XYG, or Pilkington, which deliver the exact factory curvature and solar protection. Along the roofline, the glass is finished with a fresh rubber reveal moulding (matching OEM 73150-S5P-A01 or aftermarket profile F2183UM), which sits flush against the painted roof channel.
Handling the Cowl Panel and Surrounding Trim
At the base of the windshield sits a two-piece plastic cowl grille that protects the cabin air intake and houses the wiper posts. The driver side 21-inch wiper arm and passenger side 19-inch wiper arm must be unbolted to access this area. Because these cars have endured years of harsh Canadian seasons, the plastic cowl retainers become brittle. Releasing these clips cleanly without cracking the cowl panel is essential to ensure that leaves and runoff water drain properly away from the fresh-air ventilation intake below the glass.
