05 runner windshield rock star

[tcpoob]

on I-495 in metro Boston. my insurance policy with Metlife has no deductible and free to use any shop. it's a 1.5-2 inch diameter star on the left bottom, driver side. insurance *recommends* get it repaired. i was hoping to get it replaced. any advices on repair vs replacement?

any shops i should avoid for this work?

should i check out toyota dealship service dept for the glass work? it seems most people don't use dealership for windshield - is it more because of the potential higher cost? thanks.

 

[sharp4runr]

Call up a company called Safelite, not sure if the service Boston but they are nationwide from what I hear. Great company to deal with. They are the windshield experts so go by them rather on what your insuarance "recommends/suggests" to repair/replace. Safelite has a good reputation from everyone I've spoken to.

 

[Jaebster]

From my experience, spider cracks (especially when 1.5-2 inches big) are not repairable. Safelite will not even try to fix it. In general, they will fix rock chips with the max size of a quarter. Also, the insurance company will (should) require full windshield replacement if the chip is on the driver side.

 

[tcpoob]

crack got bigger

i inspected the windshield again after lunch and the crack just got bigger.
at 8:20am, it was
*
Now, it's
*----

i think i am gonna have it replaced. maybe i'll get the work done by jn phillips, or safelite. I am also considering Giant Glass or Diamond Triumph.

From what I read, Safelite uses in house developed glass. On the other hand, the 05 Toyota OEM windshield probably isn't that great from what people say in this forum - light, fragile.

 

[sharp4runr]

Safelite replaced mine with OEM glass. Had to ask for it, and verify that my insuarance was willing to do it but it happened. Only difference is the glass is stamped as Lamipane instead of Temperlite like the rest of the glass on the truck.

 

[tcpoob]

replaced

had mine replaced that weekend at jn phillips shop. they used p&g glass.

when i first got it back, i immediately noticed in their parking lot that two side plastic (or was it rubber) black bands (trim) formed a sharp angel at where it curve to the roof. normally i think it should be more tucked in and smooth. i am not happy about it but didn't call them. another thing is the glass doesn't seem to dispel rain water as well as the original - many say the original has some special coating to form drops of water that dispel quickly. this is a 2005 4wd v6 sr5. i didn't find that in the manual or sales flyer. sorta regret i didn't insist they use the original part.

Safelite replaced mine with OEM glass. Had to ask for it, and verify that my insuarance was willing to do it but it happened. Only difference is the glass is stamped as Lamipane instead of Temperlite like the rest of the glass on the truck.

 

[tcpoob]

Re: replaced

replacement windshield caught a small rock on highway last Fri the 13th and formed a dime to quarter size star/spider, near the middle of the windshield but slightly closer to driver side. hasn't grown in size since then so i am calling in and getting it taken care of tomorrow. will see if i can get it replaced.

that sucks, only 15 months since last replacement.

had mine replaced that weekend at jn phillips shop. they used p&g glass.

when i first got it back, i immediately noticed in their parking lot that two side plastic (or was it rubber) black bands (trim) formed a sharp angel at where it curve to the roof. normally i think it should be more tucked in and smooth. i am not happy about it but didn't call them. another thing is the glass doesn't seem to dispel rain water as well as the original - many say the original has some special coating to form drops of water that dispel quickly. this is a 2005 4wd v6 sr5. i didn't find that in the manual or sales flyer. sorta regret i didn't insist they use the original part.

 

[CRDT4R]

They usually just fill them for free before they get any bigger so they do not have to replace the windshield. I have had mine filled on other cars before and it works great, can't even tell where the crack ever was

 

[snowjay]

Re: crack got bigger

i inspected the windshield again after lunch and the crack just got bigger.
at 8:20am, it was
*
Now, it's
*----

i think i am gonna have it replaced. maybe i'll get the work done by jn phillips, or safelite. I am also considering Giant Glass or Diamond Triumph.

From what I read, Safelite uses in house developed glass. On the other hand, the 05 Toyota OEM windshield probably isn't that great from what people say in this forum - light, fragile.

Safelite and Diamond are technically the same company.

I had my my windshield replaced by them with PPG glass which is an OEM replacement. It's identical to the original in every respect and unless you notice that it doesn't say Toyota you'd never know. My shop did an excellent job and everything looks as it should on the car.

 

[Nuke]

I had a local joint here in Kentucky replace the windshield on my 3rd gen this past summer. They came to the house and had it done in about 45-60 minutes for about $150. Nice job.

The windshield on my 4th gen just got a crack so I'll be doing it again soon.