errrr ... windshield replacement ... where from ?

[fenixus]

just another of my brilliant questions

i have a long crack on windshield. was able to get away with it when state inspected my car 2 years ago and crack was much smaller .... hmmm, it grew, now undoubtely i need to replace it before summer (inspection).

do you always get a brand new windshield for some draconian money as dealers price it ? or rather you get it from junk yard or get an aftermarket replacement in whatever shop ...

never done that before, wondering which way to go. thanks.

[carsrus]

I would just hit up any local shop. I got a new windshield installed on my dads truck last week for $145, with new moulding. I got quotes from between 110 to 160 for the same car.

Most dealership outsource this job to local shops. Junkyard prices are only 20% cheaper then new in my research so new is the way to go.

[liensalebuyer]

look for glass that has PPE logo at the bottom. Some aftermarket glass is very thin and can crack easily. What I would do is shop around, let your fingers do the walking.

[JJ9284]

Call up one of your local auto glass companys and get a quote. i think i payed like ~$150 for my camry. usually they come out to your house or say work and replace it there so its real convenient.

[LynchburgCSI]

You Tube

You Tube

Sorry I had to.

[JohnGD]

Yes, the dealers all outsource the installations They charge you like $1500 then turn around and pay $300 to one of these installers in vans. Yes, they laugh all the way to the bank.

Get a PPG windshield. Look up your local installer and get a quote. I'd even get a quote from Safelite.com and use that to haggle with the PPG installer. Don't get Safelite glass IMO they stink, unless they agree to a name brand glass at added cost. However, the techs install well using alcohol, gloves and the proper heat-applied adhesive and give you a drive-off time and would make sure the windows are rolled down a bit. They need to make sure this structural part is installed correctly for your safety. It's like those faulty accelerator pedals -- Toyota workers can install defective parts, perfectly. No problem with their techs, only their no-name glass. So I won't just pick a guy at the street corner asking for $50 to install using black silicone caulking.

Again, get a PPG glass, the brand that flies on Boeing planes. (or United or Asahi -- all three are OEM).

an example of PPG products:
http://www.ppg.com/coatings/aerospac...s/default.aspx

Originally Posted by fenixus

just another of my brilliant questions

i have a long crack on windshield. was able to get away with it when state inspected my car 2 years ago and crack was much smaller .... hmmm, it grew, now undoubtely i need to replace it before summer (inspection).

do you always get a brand new windshield for some draconian money as dealers price it ? or rather you get it from junk yard or get an aftermarket replacement in whatever shop ...

never done that before, wondering which way to go. thanks.

[fenixus]

thanks. will look around and ask about pricing of PPG windshields. did you mean $150 installation price or total ? it sounds like an absurd to me after hearing people replaced front glass on their cars (other than camry) for like $400-600 total ...

than ks to everybody on the tip about stealership practices though

[JohnGD]

There are places that use probably salvaged windshields and install them for $150. They also install side windows for about $50, parts and labor.

If you get new aftermarket off brand glass, yes, you'll come out less than $400 including new moldings. Still AS-1 safety certified (supposedly) and imprinted as required by law. Name brand material adds a couple hundred.

Originally Posted by fenixus

thanks. will look around and ask about pricing of PPG windshields. did you mean $150 installation price or total ? it sounds like an absurd to me after hearing people replaced front glass on their cars (other than camry) for like $400-600 total ...

than ks to everybody on the tip about stealership practices though

[heartdisease]

My dealer is an American Family preferred installer and they sub it out. No one will pay for original glass not even the insurance. I just had it done. The shop they sub to I got a quote from before they said $180. You should be able to find a decent shop Just ask your dealer who they sub to.

[fenixus]

wow, hard to believe but it must be true then thanks.

[haux]

I will have to thank you guys for this information as well. I've got a huge crack in my windshield from 2-3 years ago and planned on getting that replaced.

Just to throw in some information, a few years ago I paid $90 for a front passenger side window. I installed that myself though, so there was no labor.

Quick question about the moulding. Do shops automatically replace them, or only if they need to be replaced? I've actually got an OEM top horizontal piece, but not the two on the sides. Is their aftermarket moulding going to be fine?

[fenixus]

interesting ... seems NJ area is more expensive as i get quotes ranging from $229.50+tax (A-1 Auto Glass Inc using standard DOT aftermarket replacement), through $300 total (EZ Auto Glass using Criminax glass), up to over $420 total (Safelite with national warranty for life of vehicle).

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by JJ9284

Call up one of your local auto glass companys and get a quote. i think i payed like ~$150 for my camry. usually they come out to your house or say work and replace it there so its real convenient.

may I ask who replaced it that cheap for you ? you from Connecticut ? that's pretty much tri-state area, wondering how come NJ/NY get such high pricing ($300 avg)...

[fenixus]

i think i found a winner. it's actually a local shop in Passaic, NJ:
http://www.a-1autoglassinc.com/services/

they use either PPG glass or LOF or FYG, guy said he prefers the other one (non PPG) actually. the guy also explained to me that Solara's windshield is a tad different from Camry, especially moulding is completely different. anyways so far best price (220+tax plus moulding either 20 aftermarket or 41 OEM)...

...

found another one that actually prefers using PPG glass and price is only a few bucks more than prev shop (261+tax). Ventura Glass, East Rutherford, NJ, $275+tax (OEM mouldings included). I guess it's time bringing the car in next morning and meet with them.

[fenixus]

thanks everybody for your opinions.
I think I will stick to PPG glass as most trusted here and OEM moudlings. most of you pointed PPG as good brand (i trust windows in Boeing too hehe).

somehow quotes i get for my '00 Solara are $100 more than for your camry, perhaps that's because Solara's body is that different than Camry, or maybe my area is more expensive. anyways, seems ~$300 total is average in local shops around here.