FJ windshields

[the magnetguy]

You would think that with all the technological advances in automotive engineering, that auto manufactures would be able to come up with a solution for the Horrid ''Rock chips/cracks in windshield'' dilema!! With the near vertical glass on the FJ , I can see where this is going to be a problem with a lot of owners. I know that if there was a solution to a ''No Crack'' windshield - that a lot of glass companies would be out of business! - however wouldn't it be great if someone came up with a product (other than bullet-proof glass) that could protect auto windshields from these Horrid flying rocks!!! - Any ideas out there??
-Tim

 

[FJCruiserOwnersGroup]

You would think that with all the technological advances in automotive engineering, that auto manufactures would be able to come up with a solution for the Horrid ''Rock chips/cracks in windshield'' dilema!! With the near vertical glass on the FJ , I can see where this is going to be a problem with a lot of owners. I know that if there was a solution to a ''No Crack'' windshield - that a lot of glass companies would be out of business! - however wouldn't it be great if someone came up with a product (other than bullet-proof glass) that could protect auto windshields from these Horrid flying rocks!!! - Any ideas out there??
-Tim

Jeep Wranglers, Honda Elements, Hummers H1, H2 and H3 ... I've had 'em all and the only thing I've learned from driving around on city streets is that my local windshield guy REALLY likes to see me!

 

[rlynch356]

1 had a Rock chip at 53 miles - go figure
make your deductible low and replace it when ever it gets bad.
i got tired of breaking windshields on the track (porsches) from thrown debris, stress fractures, etc. that i replaced my track cars windshield with a Lexan one - they are great but prone to scratches - GE does make a coating that is in use by NASCAR that allow the use of wiper blades with lexan - basically is is a hard outer coating that does not scratch as easy as normal Lexan (same stuff is used on new jet's )

 

[TwoSticks]

I took a rock chip dead center of the windshield. It really sticks out because the yellow on the roof reflects in the minute cracks such that it looks like I hit some sort of bug!

 

[montanafj]

There is a product that I am putting on my FJ windshield when I pick it up tomorrow. I own a window tinting business in Montana and I install the 3M paint protection as well. I bought my FJ in Powell last weekend which is 120 miles away, so tomorrow I am covering as much of the painted areas as I can as well as the windshield to keep it looking new for as long as possible. Doing all this in their shop before I drive home. I can let you know how difficult the windshield install is in case anyone wants to do their own. The material is clear and covers the outside of the entire windshield, it reduces the impact and has the same scratch resistant properties as the glass. With proper care it will last for years and if it gets beat up to bad you can remove it and put new on.

 

[FusionCruiser]

There is a product that I am putting on my FJ windshield when I pick it up tomorrow.....

Please share... What is it? Can the general public buy it?

Thanks,
Shawn

 

[FJCruiserOwnersGroup]

There is a product that I am putting on my FJ windshield when I pick it up tomorrow. I own a window tinting business in Montana and I install the 3M paint protection as well. I bought my FJ in Powell last weekend which is 120 miles away, so tomorrow I am covering as much of the painted areas as I can as well as the windshield to keep it looking new for as long as possible. Doing all this in their shop before I drive home. I can let you know how difficult the windshield install is in case anyone wants to do their own. The material is clear and covers the outside of the entire windshield, it reduces the impact and has the same scratch resistant properties as the glass. With proper care it will last for years and if it gets beat up to bad you can remove it and put new on.

How does the windshield protection hold up? And is it at clear as the glass?

I've had the 3M product on the Cobra, and it did keep the rock chips on the rear fenders to a minimum. I've seen other guys put it on the hoods of the cars, and they seem happy with it.

Now ... if they could come up with something better than BBQ paint for the sidepipes ...

 

[sc40]

so holdon, is the 3m stuff noticable? does it help a lot?

 

[montanafj]

Sorry for the long wait, just got the FJ on sat and spent a few hours putting the 3M paint protection on the vunerable areas. Yes the paint protection works well I have had it on all of my vehicles.

As for the windshield material it is pretty dificult because the winshield is double curved so the material has to be formed to it which is not an easy task. Once formed the install is similar to window tint only alot thicker so one has to squeege very well. Once it is dry it is as clear as the glass. The material is not a 3M product and is new to the market. It is called Clearplex you can scrape snow off it and use your wipers it does scratch like glass so if your wipers are in rough shape or the scraper is nicked it will damage the material. The nice thing is it can be removed an replaced with new in a few years. I am thinking about pre forming the material so a kit could be sent out then you could get it installed.
Vern

 

[beaufort-fj60]

thread from a window tinting forum..

http://www.tintdude.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=25504

 

[Corey]

Ha, those guy's over there are clueless when it comes to Toyota quality.

I still do not have my FJC, but I am keeping my deductable at $500 I think, just to make the premiums smaller.

I only have 2 chips in my '91 4Runners windshield, and that is since owning it November of '98.

Hopefully I will have good luck with the FJCs windshield.

 

[Noisycow]

Cars have been made that actually run on water as fuel, but rock chips are forever!

 

[slepe67]

Well, glad I searched first, but, here's one for ya. My wife had been behind the wheel on the TEST DRIVE, and after a span of 30 seconds into the test drive, a rock hit the window and CRACK! Then, today, ANOTHER ONE!!!! How did that 3M Clearplex stuff work? Both cracks are at the pillars, and one split the windshield from top to bottom the first washing. Toyota is replacing the windshield anyways, as it cracked on the test drive, but crap, I've had it a week and have two huge cracks in it, and dont drive off road EVER! YET....any suggestions other than LEXAN?

 

[mapleton cruiser]

i have two big cracks in mine got them the first couple of months i had my fj, went to the dealer today to see how much a new one was , and ouch $1,079.00!!!!!! youve got to be kidding.

 

[Zack1978]

On the FJ Cruiser specific site, there is a 3 or 4 page thread about windshield cracks. I know the windshield is flat, however this seems to be VERY abnormal. Any clue as to what is going on?

Zack

 

[klaus9000]

It's flat. Make sure to have glass coverage.

 

[mbisson]

Make sure they order the molding also. It supposed to be replace with the windshield. Or you may be waiting a few weeks for new molding after getting your new windshield.