Windshield Replacement on 3rd Gen

[P.K.]

Hello Folks,

I have had a long crack along about 80% of the bottom of my original windshield for a few years. I own a 1996 4Runner. A co-worker of mine suggested that this was unsafe for at least a couple of reasons. One reason was the structural integrity added by the strength of the glass if I was ever unlucky enough to roll over. The other reason was that the windshield also directs the passenger air bag towards the passenger should we be so unlucky as to be in a head on collision and that crack may hinder this from happening properly.

Well both of these reasons lead me to believe I should get this windshield replaced.

I phoned around and found out that not only are there different qualities of glass, but there are also different qualities of installations. The technicians talked to me about "full cut" vs. "partial cut" as well as the possibility that the factory trim may not stand up very well to removal and reinsertion.

Do any of you folks have any experience or advice along these lines?

thanx,
P.K.

 

[Griffeycom]

Buy a genuine Toyota Windsheild. Either from your local dealer or from a site such as discounttoyotaparts.com.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Or if the shop offers it then go with PPG glass which is a superior product and very resistent to cracking. I had one in my Eclipse for 4 colorado winters and zero cracks but it was pitted to hell when it was time to replace it.

 

[SH0ck-D]

go used and save yourself 300 dollars.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

My brother is an installer and he has me setup for a PPG replacement for under $100 and that is the price but the markup is something like 300% but most insurance companies have a $100 deductible since it's just not cost smart to just outright buy one new.