Replacing the Windshield on Your 1987-2007 Peterbilt 378
If you drive a Peterbilt 378 built between 1987 and 2007, you already know it is an absolute workhorse. I have wrenched on dozens of these rigs over the years. They are built to handle the heaviest loads across Canada, but all those highway miles mean your front glass takes a serious beating from rocks, ice, and road debris. When that classic split windshield gets a crack right in your line of sight, you need it fixed fast so you can pass inspection and get back on the road.The Quirk of the Peterbilt 378 Split Windshield
The 378 uses a traditional two-piece flat glass setup. While it looks simple from the outside, installing it correctly takes a specific touch. We are not just slapping a glued piece of glass into a modern car frame; we are dealing with heavy-duty rubber weatherstripping and a cab that flexes under massive torque. If the seal is not seated perfectly, you will deal with whistling wind noise and water dripping onto your dash the next time you drive through an Ontario rainstorm.Signs It Is Time for New Glass
You cannot afford to ignore a damaged windshield on a commercial rig. Here is what I look for when inspecting a Pete 378:- Spider cracks: Even a small rock chip will spread fast when you hit a frost heave or pothole on the 401.
- Drafts and leaks: If the original rubber gasket from the 90s or early 2000s is dry-rotted, water will find a way into your cab and ruin your electronics.
- Severe pitting: Years of sand and winter salt on Canadian roads will sandblast the glass. This creates blinding glare from oncoming headlights, making night driving a real safety hazard.