2015 Update: Windshield Options

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DirtyLawyer

DirtyLawyer

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Apr 19, 2007
Threads
87
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597
Location
Boise, ID
I have read many threads. The recent heavy rain has revealed a leak, keeping the floorboards damp. I have checked my sunroof drains, all good. My current windshield is not the original. No idea when it was replaced, and guessing it wasn't installed per FSM. It has a few stars, so I think I'm just gonna replace the glass and have it installed correctly.

True "factory" bronze Lexus windshield for my 97LX is $875 (and that is with a "discount"). Sooo, that's not gonna happen. I have read the general praise for PPG and Pilkington, and the cautions against glass made in China. I have a new OEM toyota gasket, so now looking for glass.

In speaking with the local company that does all of the local Toyota dealership's glass work, they advised that the Chinese company Fuyao recently purchased PPG. Internet research supports this claim, and it has just happened within the last few months. Local glass company says Fuyao is now producing glass in North America, and is the OEM supplier for Mercedes and a few other major brands. Haven't found anyone dealing in Pilkington - yet.

*1/3/15 UPDATE: I have been offered two different Fuyao windshields - both had "Made in China" stickers, and also DOT markings indicating same - the shops tell you it's US glass - but it's not. American glass is difficult to find. Also, the guy who showed up today to do the job wasn't keen on using my printed copy of the FSM instructions. Insisting the job be done correctly comes off as being an annoying high maintenance customer, go figure. The search continues*

So, the question is this: does anyone have RECENT experience with windshield replacement on their 80 series? Anyone go with Fuyao recently and can comment on quality? I am in SF Bay Area (Northern California).
 
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I wouldn't be as concerned with the glass as I would be with the installation method. They are supposed to use a urethane adhesive when installing a new windshield. I've read other threads where this was NOT done and they had leaks just as you're describing.

You might check with a local auto glass shop and see what it would cost to have it removed and reinstalled with the urethane glue (as per FSM spec). Or you could tailgate a gravel truck and wait for the inevitable to happen then file a comp claim :hmm:
 
I just had my windshield replaced with Fuyao glass as it was the only immediate option without a stupid blue tint band.
Being very skeptical I did tons of research and found Fuyao to be one of the largest most advanced glass manufacturers supplying oem for many auto companies.
The glass looks identical to the original oem taken out. No flaws and a perfect leak free fit.
The biggest key as stated by txgringo is proper installation. I used a local company that has been in business for decades and supplied copies of the installation method from my FSM. After speaking with the tech I knew there would be no problems.
Just stay away from the large chains like Safelite, you're just rolling the dice as to which rookie is going to screw up the install.

Good Luck! Steve
 
Due to a recent rock encounter, I had to replace an improperly installed Pilkinton that squeaked , moaned and shuddered at any offroad or harsh paved roads conditions.

Called up CDan and ordered a new gasket, and went through USAA and SafeLite to replace the windshield. They gave me a choice of blue band or not, and here in AZ I chose the blue and glad I did. SafeLite sent two technicians to do the job and were well aware of the FSM method to install the new glass (hence why two guys were sent). It has been several months now squeak free and I drive six miles each workday on corrugated dirt roads to get to work.

Worry less about the glass, and more about the gasket and installation.
 
Both companies mentioned are glass suppliers for different OEM applications. I wouldn't question the quality for either one.
 
Glad this post came to the top of the forum. I just got off the phone with my local glass dealer and they said they were okay with doing it per the FSM. Just need to find out more information on the gasket and if they use a poly glass.

Posting to subscribe!

Also, same water issue on the bottom. Seems like my drains are clean...
 
Had mind replaced this summer by a local chain. I had dealings with them before and they were very professional. I'm not sure of the brand, but it was not the OEM with the bronze Lexus tint as it was way too expensive. They were going to use an aftermarket gasket, but I supplied them with the Toyota OEM which was very reasonable in price. No issues to date, and they told me it was normal to use the urethane adhesive nowadays.
 
An update: I had an appointment to get a Pilkington "OEM" windshield installed for $160. I verified on phone and in person it would be American glass, Pilkington brand. I told them I would supply the genuine gasket and a printed copy of the install instructions. In my area, seemingly all glass shops with good yelp reviews (and the one used by the local Toyota dealer) are run by certain folks who I have caught in various bait and switch scenarios when I have called vs. gone in person to verify pricing and product. Completely shady business practices.

Before the windshield removal, I asked to see the new glass. It wasn't Pilkington. It was Fuyao. They told me when the warehouse "runs out" of one brand, they send the next one they have. Great, but I want the glass we agreed upon. Aside from that, another glass shop told me that Fuyao bought PPG and was still American made. Well, the Fuyao windshield they were going to install had a "made in China" sticker on it. I told them I was told I'd get American glass, and I don't want Chinese glass.

I understand that the FSM installation procedure is absolutely critical, but given the stories I've heard, I'd prefer US glass. Just FYI for others. Check the glass before install, if you were promised a certain type of glass.
 
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Let me echo that WHATEVER GLASS goes in THE FACTORY INSTALL PROCEDURE MUST BE FOLLOWED. Furthermore NEVER REUSE THE WEATHERSTRIP. Usage of anything other than a new OEM weatherstrip (I don't care where you buy it) is foolish and shortsighted.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled programming.
 
I bought my lx450 in July had to replace the windshield right off the bat.had some guy come to house.Long story short he didn't seal it right.took it to a local glass shop and had order a new gasket for it he did it on tuesday I watch he do the whole job this time.rained like hell Tuesday night no leaks so far...................yeah .But kinda pisst me off to spend another 155 bucks cause the first guy didn't bother to do the job right.My fault I trusted him to do the job,That will teach me.
 
They ONLY way I have found to get these things installed right is to watch the installer like a hawk while he does it. Seriously, you need to plan to be there watching for the whole install to make sure there's sealant between the glass and gasket. There's probably one or two glass guys in the country for which this isn't necessary, but good luck finding them. Most of them are under the assumption that you're an idiot who's never installed a windshield so they can do whatever they want.
 
Yeah, one place today told me that no glue was required "because of the gasket". No thanks.

You'd think that with the number of 80s on the road for so long, there would be more knowledge of this issue on these trucks.
 
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I had to turn away 3 different glass installers before I found one that wanted to even listen to me. They all have a big head and think you're crazy for telling them to look at the install instructions. All of them told me they could have reused the old gasket also. Told them I'd love to see them scrape all the old adhesive out of the channel from where it was glued to the windshield. It is seriously so much easier to remove the glass when you just cut the old gasket and don't worry about saving it.
I'm in my mid 20s and I felt like the installers didn't take me seriously enough to listen to me.

Big key thing is to make sure they agree to do it to your specs before they even start!! Don't let them remove the glass first.
Also have them check the glass for defects yourself before they even start.

I had mine done a few months ago. Supplied my own gasket. First installer was a complete ass. I made him leave.
Second guy was also an ass and the glass was already broken before he got it out of the truck
Last time they sent 2 guys. I told them how it needed to be done. Told them the gasket needed to have glue put into the channel on the gasket before it was even put on the new glass. He didn't listen. He put the gasket on and them lifted up the outer edge and put glue in there. It made a mess and they spent a good deal of time just cleaning the glue as it got squeezed out. But they didn't want to listen to me. I heard them talking bad about me when I walked inside saying I was trying to micromanage them. Yes they are glass installing experts but I'm the land cruiser expert compared to them.
Like someone else said watch them like a hawk!!!!!

Honestly after seeing it done it's not really that hard.

Also most of these independent glass install companies pay their guys based on how many installs they do in a day. So they are in a hurry to get it done anyways (which doesn't help). I reminded them that skipping on the steps I'm telling them need to be done will probably cause it to leak and when it leaks they have to come back to fix it and reinstall glass. I live about 35 miles from their office so coming back to fix a leak would cause them to lose money because they didn't want to listen to me.


Rant over. Hopefully I added something to this threat. We are seriously a glass installer's worst nightmare.
 
Mine had aftermarket glass with aftermarket seal with NO adhesive. It leaked , rattled. I bought oem seal. Had it r&r'd at good local shoo that followed my fsm prints. Been good ever since . This is with aftermarket glass still.
 
How much did the replacement glass plus the new weatherstrip cost?
 
I'm getting estimates from $160-$250, but that doesn't include the OEM gasket. I'd recommend getting the gasket, then go shopping for glass and competent install. I might just give up on my desire for US glass, and just go with Fuyao and correct installation. The Fuyao glass I was show today (but with an incompetent installer) had a nice tint to it, but no shade strip at the top and no black border - make sure to specify as there are several options floating around. Most places will show you all the glass available, then let you choose - almost all the places I've talked to get their glass from the same warehouse, they don't keep it onsite.
 
I've had the windshield in my LX450 replaced twice in the past three months. The first replacement was done by a mobile glass installer who was doing a windshield at the neighbors. Ortiz Mobile Auto Glass was close, and gave an okay price, or so I thought. The windshield was branded Benson. It was defective and when the sun shone on it, it was fogged up in the laminate layer. The fog looked like there were hand prints in the laminate, but it was foggy throughout. Driving at night the windshield wasn't bad to look through, but when the sun was shining, the fog was intolerable. It was like road spray all over the windshield but it was between the layers of glass. I could not get Ortiz Mobile Auto Glass to do anything about it. He lied to me repeatedly, saying he would be over tomorrow with a new windshield to replace the defective one. That never happened. Unfortunately I paid with a check, and not my charge card. I was out the $220. If I could find him, we would be going to small claims court. He is pretty slippery, and won't answer my phone calls. For $220 it is a lesson learned. I did file a case with the Better Business Bureau, but all that does is give Ortiz the reputation he deserves.

Three months later there is still broken glass coming out of the heater system from Ortiz Mobile Auto Glass crappy work. I spent a good two hours vacuuming the broken glass out the the interior after Ortiz left. When I go offroad, more broken glass shakes out of the heater system on the passenger side.

After six weeks I went to the local Safelite shop and had the windshield replaced in their shop with what is branded as KY. I had my choice between the blue tint and the Lexus bronze tint. I chose the bronze tint. It turned out that the first replacement windshield was leaking since Ortiz Mobile Auto Glass had not used any sealant on the gasket (he said he had sealed it well). I'm happy with the bronze tint, it doesn't leak, and the glass is clear without any interior fog.

I don't think you need to use the factory service manual to replace window glass. I worked in an auto body shop when I was in high school, and helped replace a number windshields which used the same style of rubber gasket. A new gasket is needed, and sealant is needed to keep this style in windshield installation from leaking.

I would only use a reputable shop for windshield replacement, and I would only pay with a credit card. You will probably get a better job done in shop than by the mobile guys. There is almost always corrosion under the windshield rubber, and the glass installer has to wire brush the corrosion away, and treat the corroded spots with a quick dry primer made for dealing with the corrosion they encounter. Chances are better for a good job on corrosion treatment in their shop, rather than your garage. If your windshield is done in shop, more applications of anti-corrosion primer can be used, and it can be allowed to dry longer while the tech works on another windshield. If my LX450 windshield needs replacement again, I would use the local Safelite shop again. I would try to make an appointment at the end of the workday, and arrange to pick it up the next day. If the corrosion needed treatment again, I try to supply the POR15 to use, and it could dry overnight before the windshield was installed the next morning.

Safelite charged me $20 less than the mobile hack who installed defective glass and did not seal the windshield.
 
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