Stupid Windshield--Are They all Crap???
- Thread starter Border411
- Start date
Boaz
New member
I got my windsheild for 199 installed by a local auto glass installer. It took about 2 hours and he came to my house to install it. THe brand of glass is Remington. i dunno if thats a cheapo brand or not but I figured the damn windshield will probably chip or crack again at somepoint. If that does happen I wont be out 600 bucks!
Got my first chip yesterday. Oh am I pissed!! I got so pissed that I blamed it on the car in front of me!! lol
Luckily, I have a what-they-call "Bullseye chip". So I bought the windshield-repair kit for it and I am going to try it tonight. Has anyone try these windshield-repairing kits?? If so, please post your results (good or not?) TIA
Luckily, I have a what-they-call "Bullseye chip". So I bought the windshield-repair kit for it and I am going to try it tonight. Has anyone try these windshield-repairing kits?? If so, please post your results (good or not?) TIA
tipotex
New member
Walked out to find a foot-long crack in my windshield, emanating from a tiny rock bite at the extreme lower edge of the glass (driver's side). Crack must've spread while the Runner was sitting in the driveway. Same story as a lot of folks here -- barely 3 months old, barely 3K on the odometer.
I'll post quotes that I receive on OEM and third-party replacements, just for comparison...
I'll post quotes that I receive on OEM and third-party replacements, just for comparison...
Boaz
New member
I shopped around and found a local mobile windshield company. The price was 199 installed. The glass is made by one of the top 3 windshield makers. I forgot the name but any how, my point is judging from the amount of members who have replaced windshields I dont think it will be my last. So I just put in the cheapo windshield and hope is lasts. If it cracks next week Im out 199 bucks instead of 300-400. Just my $.02.
Jake
Jake
tipotex
New member
Well, I was quoted $368 for the OEM glass by my local Toyo dealership, plus $75 to install.
A well-regarded local body shop said they have all their windshield replacements done on-site by Safelite.
Safelite quoted $205; the quote rep. at what sounded like a national service center cheerfully pronounced that the glass had to be, by law, exactly the same as what the vehicle came with. Yes, well...
I called the local Safelite outlet, which confirmed that I'd need to hit the dealership to get the OEM water-shedding glass.
Can't comment on the earlier post about Safelite having poor glass -- I've used them in the past on other vehicles, no issues...
A well-regarded local body shop said they have all their windshield replacements done on-site by Safelite.
Safelite quoted $205; the quote rep. at what sounded like a national service center cheerfully pronounced that the glass had to be, by law, exactly the same as what the vehicle came with. Yes, well...
I called the local Safelite outlet, which confirmed that I'd need to hit the dealership to get the OEM water-shedding glass.
Can't comment on the earlier post about Safelite having poor glass -- I've used them in the past on other vehicles, no issues...
tipotex
New member
Appears that only the Toyota OEM glass is treated. Like many others, though, I'm going for the cheaper alternative and having a third-party windshield installed. We have so much road construction where I live, windshields are practially a "consumable" item -- I'd rather not be spending $450 for each replacement.
And anyway, upon reflection, I think the water-shedding is more important for side and rear glass; for the front, there's those convenient windshield wipers that Toyota thoughtfully installed.
And anyway, upon reflection, I think the water-shedding is more important for side and rear glass; for the front, there's those convenient windshield wipers that Toyota thoughtfully installed.
silver4x419
New member
Well, I think Toyota Glass is pretty weak myself. On my 2005 Tacoma, I have a chip when I had it a week.
I also noticed there are a bunch of light scratches in this glass. I figure I will make a claim next week and have new glass installed, but not OEM, will prob go with the PPG Glass.
I also noticed there are a bunch of light scratches in this glass. I figure I will make a claim next week and have new glass installed, but not OEM, will prob go with the PPG Glass.
Border411
New member
tipotex said:
I agree...the Toyota Sh!t is going to go. I dont see how it helps at all. I didnt notice a difference when I traded in the 97 Grand Am with the windshield clearing itself better.
If you want it to clear like a pro---use RainX.
I am not getting a toyota windshield again.
GalacticRunner
New member
Don't know if it has been mentioned here yet or not, but I just talked to my insurance company. I told them I did not want a replacement windshield that was not a hydrophill when this is what is stock on the truck. The agent looked up my policy and stated I have 100% glass coverage and I could go where I wanted for my replacement. I clarified that I could probrally get a windshield 200-250 dollars cheaper at a local shop but she stated that did not matter. Where ever you choose is what they will pay for, So everyone with glass out there why go for the cheapper made replacements when they will pay for stock. Even though they are not great at least they have the hydrophyll glass.
My dealer was more than happy to replace the windshield, and with no out of pocket for me, I was very happy too.
My dealer was more than happy to replace the windshield, and with no out of pocket for me, I was very happy too.
charlier180
New member
A few weeks ago I took a stone hit on the windshield of my 4Runner. The crack in my windshield is now 5"vertical x 12" horizontal . I spoke with my insurance agent who told me I could have the windshield replaced under my policy for my $50 deductible. There was no problem with using the Toyota OEM glass. What I did find interesting was that the insurance would not pay for the replacement if I had it done at a Toyota dealer.
The insurance agent stated that many dealers do not have the knowledge and equipment to do the job properly and that most dealers farm out the work anyway. Some of these glass sub-contractors are not known for using quality materials or sound procedures. As a result, my insurance company will only pay for glass replacement work done by a certified auto glass company.
Needless to say I contacted one of these companies which has ordered a Toyota OEM windshield for my 4Runner. Hopefully, I will not run into any more stones anytime soon.
BTW, Can someone explain to me why so many people here are not using their car insurance to replace their windshields? Don't you have Comprehensive coverage on your 4Runners? Are your deductibles higher than the cost of paying for the windshield yourselves?
The insurance agent stated that many dealers do not have the knowledge and equipment to do the job properly and that most dealers farm out the work anyway. Some of these glass sub-contractors are not known for using quality materials or sound procedures. As a result, my insurance company will only pay for glass replacement work done by a certified auto glass company.
Needless to say I contacted one of these companies which has ordered a Toyota OEM windshield for my 4Runner. Hopefully, I will not run into any more stones anytime soon.
BTW, Can someone explain to me why so many people here are not using their car insurance to replace their windshields? Don't you have Comprehensive coverage on your 4Runners? Are your deductibles higher than the cost of paying for the windshield yourselves?
