By far installation is more important than if the glass is OEM or aftermarket. But check the features of the glass. For example, the 4Runner OEM glass has UV protection in it and is hydrophobic, so i'm sure the newer 100's will be the same. I doubt you will get that in aftermarket glass.
100 series Windshield Replacement Question: OEM vs. After Market Glass
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You mean its afraid of water? har har.
The PO on my '99 had a "Made in China" windshield put in. I don't know how long it has been installed or the road conditions the PO subjected it to...however whomever installed it did a poor job on the weatherstripping...I have an inordinate amount of windnoise coming from the side of the windshield with the poor weatherstripping. It's on the project list...as it is pitted too.
I had mine replaced and the guy told me the toyo glass is photocromatic on top, gets darker with more light and clearer at night.
Pitbull said:
i second this completely, i had a honda that the windshield looked like you are describing. i did not watch the process, but whatever the hell kind of buffing magic they did made it look new and it was not that expensive.
rule303 You mean its afraid of water? har har.
Talk about timing with this thread....
When I picked up the 99 three or four years ago, one of the first things I noticed at highway speeds is a slight wind noise. Then I opened up the back side windows, and that slight wind noise was very loud and noticable.
I took it to three or four glass shops and only one knew what needed to be done - Elite Auto Glass. They said the windshield was installed wrong, mentioned the molding and special pop rivets, but suggested that if I could live with the noise, that I should wait for the windshield to be replaced. Being Colorado, I figured that would be pretty soon.
Well, finally this past spring, we caught a rock just right and cracked the windshield.
So off to Elite Auto Glass. The windshield was only $186. The young lady behind the counter was a complete dip**** though. I told her that the pop rivets would need replacing as well as the molding. Did she pass that along to the technicians - NO.
So they said the moldings are shot and need replacing at $138 each. I have an email into Dan to check the pricing.
So it is very important to find an installer that will do it correctly, because the side moldings are more expensive than the windshield.
When I picked up the 99 three or four years ago, one of the first things I noticed at highway speeds is a slight wind noise. Then I opened up the back side windows, and that slight wind noise was very loud and noticable.
I took it to three or four glass shops and only one knew what needed to be done - Elite Auto Glass. They said the windshield was installed wrong, mentioned the molding and special pop rivets, but suggested that if I could live with the noise, that I should wait for the windshield to be replaced. Being Colorado, I figured that would be pretty soon.
Well, finally this past spring, we caught a rock just right and cracked the windshield.
So off to Elite Auto Glass. The windshield was only $186. The young lady behind the counter was a complete dip**** though. I told her that the pop rivets would need replacing as well as the molding. Did she pass that along to the technicians - NO.
So they said the moldings are shot and need replacing at $138 each. I have an email into Dan to check the pricing.
So it is very important to find an installer that will do it correctly, because the side moldings are more expensive than the windshield.
Same experience
Hey Michael,
I just had my 02 LC windshield done at the same Elite Auto Glass today. I wish I would have read your message first. They gouged the paint and punched holes in one of the trim pieces. They didn't tell me about either issue and I saw it before I left the store. The tech wouldn't even come out and face me when I called them on it. The rather grouchy-upity girl behind the counter apologized (sort of). They're supposed to have a "professional" paint touch up guy take care of the gouge on Monday. I'm going to push for them replacing the trim as well. It was good as new when I took it in other than the usual sand pits in the windshield. This is my second experience with these guys. I should have learned. On my wife's LX470 they didn't get the trim stuck down tight where it runs up toward the luggage rack. Have you had any luck getting your trim replaced?
John
Hey Michael,
I just had my 02 LC windshield done at the same Elite Auto Glass today. I wish I would have read your message first. They gouged the paint and punched holes in one of the trim pieces. They didn't tell me about either issue and I saw it before I left the store. The tech wouldn't even come out and face me when I called them on it. The rather grouchy-upity girl behind the counter apologized (sort of). They're supposed to have a "professional" paint touch up guy take care of the gouge on Monday. I'm going to push for them replacing the trim as well. It was good as new when I took it in other than the usual sand pits in the windshield. This is my second experience with these guys. I should have learned. On my wife's LX470 they didn't get the trim stuck down tight where it runs up toward the luggage rack. Have you had any luck getting your trim replaced?
John
had my oem glass replaced about 6 monthsa ago with Pekar (sp?) glass. its all scratched up already and has a chip in it. i deffiently think the oem glass is better.
what is hydrophobic glass???
what is hydrophobic glass???
bwbski26 said:
built in water repellant
sailerj said:
John,
Once I had brought it to their attention, they told me what was needed. I ordered the parts from Dan, and when I rescheduled the appointment, I brought the parts with me. It appears to be fixed properly. I should probably go check, but I might not really know until I go to have the windshield replaced again.
If I was to go back to Elite, I would talk to the older lady that is there, instead of the younger blond.
Michael
so is rain ex a hydrophobic glass treatment? If not what is the difference
hoser
SILVER Star
The previous owner on my LX replaced the windshield with non-OEM glass. The difference in the amount of heat (from the sun) can felt between the windshield and the side glass. If you have non-OEM glass, just park facing the sun and feel the heat with your hand. Then turn the car 90 degress and face the sun with the driver's side window and see what I'm talking about. Perhaps it is the tint in the side glass?
I have not been able to compare my non-OEM to an OEM windshield but perhaps the OEM windshield has UV and Heat protection just like the side glass? This should help with better fuel efficiency (less use of AC) and less fading and cracking of interior leather.
Next time, I'll buy the glass from Lexus and have a glass specialty shop install it. I am curious as to whether the LX windshield is different than the LC windshield. Anybody know?
I have not been able to compare my non-OEM to an OEM windshield but perhaps the OEM windshield has UV and Heat protection just like the side glass? This should help with better fuel efficiency (less use of AC) and less fading and cracking of interior leather.
Next time, I'll buy the glass from Lexus and have a glass specialty shop install it. I am curious as to whether the LX windshield is different than the LC windshield. Anybody know?
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bwbski26 said:
yes, its the same thing
I had a non-oem windshield put in my 80, and it always bugged me that the tint was different from OEM. I ended up replacing it with an OEM. It also chipped constantly. I'm pretty sure it wasn't as hard or tough as OEM.
If you're picky, and most LC owners are, then buck up and get OEM.
If you're picky, and most LC owners are, then buck up and get OEM.
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hoser said:
I think the tints are different - other than that I don't know.
I had to have Safelite out three times to get mine right (they ended up buying me new side moldings - which is a whole other story in itself). The key is finding a guy that's done 100's before - preferably many times.
Jim_Chow
V8_Fan
hoser said:
I heard LX glass is thicker for better sound insulation. Also, driver's side wiper blade has the wing attachment for sound reduction, too.
Just had my windshield repalced yesterday in my driveway for 320.00. The guy was a pro. Replaced all rivots, scraped all old glue off, very precise. He says the the lc is one of the more technical windshield to do. His name is the "Glass Man" here in Basalt,CO.
Highly recommended if your in need a fix here in Colorado.
Highly recommended if your in need a fix here in Colorado.
I just did the glass too
Did you replace it yet? I have a good friend who is a body man in Chino CA at MK Smith Chevy. His auto glass guy did my 99LC for $165. He was very skilled. It's much more important to do the job right. THe previous post about rivets is key. My guy took his time and (about an hour) to prep the area and all that. He said this car and the Lexus require the most patience and a lot of glass guys want to run through it, and then you're stuck with a crack or two down the road.
Make sure the guy has done the LExus and similar cars and will take his time. My chevy had a mickey mouse windshield replacement and it cracked one hot summer.
As far as OEM and aftermarket glass is concerned, I'm not and neither is my buddy. It's all about installation. Happy to help refer my friend's glass guy if anyone in So Cal needs it. email me at pablo3b@verizon.net
Did you replace it yet? I have a good friend who is a body man in Chino CA at MK Smith Chevy. His auto glass guy did my 99LC for $165. He was very skilled. It's much more important to do the job right. THe previous post about rivets is key. My guy took his time and (about an hour) to prep the area and all that. He said this car and the Lexus require the most patience and a lot of glass guys want to run through it, and then you're stuck with a crack or two down the road. Make sure the guy has done the LExus and similar cars and will take his time. My chevy had a mickey mouse windshield replacement and it cracked one hot summer.
As far as OEM and aftermarket glass is concerned, I'm not and neither is my buddy. It's all about installation. Happy to help refer my friend's glass guy if anyone in So Cal needs it. email me at pablo3b@verizon.net
right, there is plenty of aftermarket glass with the correct tint out there. it's all about finding someone with experience who will do the job right the first time
