2014 Replacement Windshield
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wadle5
New member
Only concern I would have with Safelite, is they are notorious for improper removal and install of windshields. Often have found damaged around the pillars and roof from improper removal. And with improper install poor application and sealant that down the road ends up resulting in rust. Just be careful and make sure it is put in properly with proper weather stripping. In regards to OEM vs A/M it literally just comes down to what you want. Although OEM is usually a little bit stronger/thicker thus more resilient to chips, and cracks. I guess is this not covered by insurance or are you paying out of pocket?
cbreze
Member
Had my windshield crack one day when the defroster heated it up a bit. Seemed odd to me and I wondered if it was maybe defective somehow. There's a whole big thread on this issue somewhere. In any case I decided to go with another glass and it has been fine. I think installation is the key thing. An oem replacement not installed correctly would be more of an issue.
Definitely find an installer that will do a good job. The people that did my windshield for the previous owner did a terrible job. I wish I knew who did it because they would owe me correct installation and repairs to the roof because it's rusting now. See here for details: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...u-do-your-4runner-today-1314.html#post2127337
In addition, some of the black adhesive never dried for some reason, so it makes a mess if I try to pull it out. It's messy stuff, and it can be hard to clean off if they get it on the paint.
Take detailed pictures of how it's installed from the factory to make sure they do it right, and carefully check for any damage like scratches. After all the adhesives dry, you could try to gently pull back the weatherstripping and look for hidden damage.
My windshield is Pilkington, and it's covered in tiny pits from road grit. I don't know how long it's been installed for.
In addition, some of the black adhesive never dried for some reason, so it makes a mess if I try to pull it out. It's messy stuff, and it can be hard to clean off if they get it on the paint.
Take detailed pictures of how it's installed from the factory to make sure they do it right, and carefully check for any damage like scratches. After all the adhesives dry, you could try to gently pull back the weatherstripping and look for hidden damage.
My windshield is Pilkington, and it's covered in tiny pits from road grit. I don't know how long it's been installed for.
Big Dustin
New member
I agree, PGW (PPG) makes really good replacement glass. I use their glass in my work truck which is in some extremely rough environments daily, and have never had any issues.
puckitpuck
New member
Since we are in the topic of replacing glass. Here is my day that related to glass.
01:00-09:00 someone that do not have my truck key decided they want to take a bag of shop towel and Toyota tool pouch from the trunk. Eventhough truck lid was cover from the lid cover thingy, they break the passenger side rear quarter panel window to grap the stuff.
09:00 I filed a Glass claim for rear quarter panel window with Geico. Gonna cost me $50 for deductible.
Got a claim number for Safelite to do the work.
09:30 Called Safelite to verify that work order has been file from Geico. Yes they said. Asked what kind of part they are ordering, they said aftermarket part. Told Safelite I want OEM. Safelite said to talk to Geico.
09:45 Called back Geico and ***** :wtf: about aftermarket part that Safelite suggested. Geico said for this one time only they will allow Safelite to use OEM. email and new work order from Geico to Safelite sent.
10:00 Called back Safelite to verify that Geico resubmit the work authorization and that they will be ordering OEM. it would take 5-7 business days to get the part.
Thats my day.
also Toyota dealer price for OEM rest quarter panel window $335, online search OEM ~ $200
I need to read Geico fine print about Glass Claim... :grouphug:
01:00-09:00 someone that do not have my truck key decided they want to take a bag of shop towel and Toyota tool pouch from the trunk. Eventhough truck lid was cover from the lid cover thingy, they break the passenger side rear quarter panel window to grap the stuff.
09:00 I filed a Glass claim for rear quarter panel window with Geico. Gonna cost me $50 for deductible.
Got a claim number for Safelite to do the work.
09:30 Called Safelite to verify that work order has been file from Geico. Yes they said. Asked what kind of part they are ordering, they said aftermarket part. Told Safelite I want OEM. Safelite said to talk to Geico.
09:45 Called back Geico and ***** :wtf: about aftermarket part that Safelite suggested. Geico said for this one time only they will allow Safelite to use OEM. email and new work order from Geico to Safelite sent.
10:00 Called back Safelite to verify that Geico resubmit the work authorization and that they will be ordering OEM. it would take 5-7 business days to get the part.
Thats my day.
also Toyota dealer price for OEM rest quarter panel window $335, online search OEM ~ $200
I need to read Geico fine print about Glass Claim... :grouphug:
My windshield was sand blasted in Death Valley this past winter so I had it replaced. My insurance allows a free windshield replacement each year so the price was covered. The insurance company didn't allow an OEM windshield, but they said that Toyota uses Pilkington as the OEM glass provider and that the Pilkington windshield is the same thing but just doesn't say Toyota. I see no difference from the original. The dot pattern around the rearview mirror is exactly the same, and the glass looks the same. On my last 4Runner, I had the windshield replaced and could definitely tell it wasn't the same as the OEM. I don't remember what brand that one was, but I'm definitely very happy with the Pilkington.
LandCruiser
New member
I'm on my third windshield.
They're all the same.
If you have a crack, the windshield heater will make a propagate real fast.
They're all the same.
If you have a crack, the windshield heater will make a propagate real fast.
1000MPH
Senior Member
A lot of threads on replacement windshields. Here's one that I thought was interesting.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/200226-well-stinks-windshield.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/200226-well-stinks-windshield.html
marshal
New member
i have a PPG windshield on mine, with the warmers - its pretty solid. it has some chips in it at this point but I'm sure it will crack in the next year or two and i'll have it replaced with another PPG.
id like to have Toyota glass, but the only reason id want it is because it says toyota on it.
id like to have Toyota glass, but the only reason id want it is because it says toyota on it.
LandCruiser
New member
I have had a PPG and now have a Pilkington. Both have had the heated elements on them. The PPG got blasted and chipped really bad when I had to drive down 25 a lot.
Both look real clear when new, but quickly get pitted (so did the Toyota OEM).
mnofpeace
Member
I had the same...a crack during the winter that then grew all the way across the lower 1/3rd of the glass...looking to replace it in the next two weeks. It happened while my wife was driving so i cannot attest to anything hitting it, but she says nothing did so...
Ive gotten a few estimates, ranging from 350-600...with and without the windshield warmer option...ill just choose and move on...%$#@ happens, ya know.
Ryan1975
New member
Howdy neighbor. Do you still stick by this post? I will need a new windshield soon since I commute back and forth from DTC everyday. Do you have a recommended PPG installer / retailer?
mdrudy
New member
I found a PDF of a Toyota bulletin somewhere on the forum that basically instructs the techs to use OEM glass. It specifically states that OEM is the only glass that they recommend (maybe just for the windshield though).
It may help encourage your insurance company to cover OEM glass.
Maybe somebody knows where that bulletin is and can link to it? If not, I'll scan the one I found and re-post it.
It may help encourage your insurance company to cover OEM glass.
Maybe somebody knows where that bulletin is and can link to it? If not, I'll scan the one I found and re-post it.
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Ryan1975
New member
I'm not convinced that OEM is the best answer though. Especially after a discussion I stumbled across last night on Facebook. Apparently OEM doesn't use a film on the outside which makes it prone to chips / cracks? Anyone confirm? I'm willing to give PPG (now PPW) a try.
mdrudy
New member
Yeah. I'm not sure what is best but if you do want OEM the bulletin helps persuade insurance to cover it (when they first balk...In my experience)
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