UPDATED, see bottom.
I needed to have my 05 Tundra windshield replaced, so I called around for pricing, and settled on Expert Auto Glass Repair (AKA Az Auto Glass Experts, AKA probably other names, glass companies tend to have many) at (602) 900-1181. The Tundra is a simple install, no surprise that the tech did a good job on it, but I had questions for him as I have two 80 series trucks that also need windshields. Those are not so simple, and many folks who have theirs replaced find out later that they were installed incorrectly and leak, or they have to explain to the tech how to do the job to get it done right.
Chris A. knows his stuff. As soon as I mentioned the vehicle he explained that they are generally more expensive to install and why, including the sealant used in addition to the gasket. He knew what type of sealant it was, which was news to me- I assumed it was the same butyl sealant used on newer glass, but it's not. I showed him my trucks, and he quickly spotted that the LX glass, a previous replacement, was not done correctly- the cowl wasn't removed, so the gasket wasn't tucked under it like it is supposed to be, and no sealant was used. I've put off the replacement of the LC's (original) glass for years just because I didn't want to deal with finding someone who knows what they're doing, or having to educate someone who should. I'll be calling him when I bite the bullet and have these two windshields done.
When pressed, he admitted that all glass is not created equal, and said he used FYG* glass in his own vehicles, and would also recommend Pilkington, especially for classics. I asked about LOF and PPG (which were the only two manufacturers that GM would accept in lease-return vehicles back in the early 90's, when I had a job inspecting those cars) and he informed me that LOF (Libby-Owens-Ford) no longer exists (it was bought up by Pilkington, as a matter of fact) and that PPG was now PGW, and he doesn't care for it.
So, if you don't know a guy, this guy has been doing auto glass for 17 years and knows what he's doing. You can and should request him when you call.
I also asked him about tinting the windshield, which is something I had done on another vehicle, very light tint, 85% IIRC, and it helped quite a bit. I expected to get an admonition about laws and such, but he surprised me by telling me he always has his tinted, *and that he knows a guy that does excellent work and stands behind it, XXX, (XXX)-XXX-XXXX. He also mentioned that one of his friends not only got the tint (which blocks UV), but also got a second clear UV film on top of the tint and it really made a difference. I imagine it was probably close to twice the money, and twice the chance of issues later, but it's an option.
After the Tundra was done, I called Expert Auto Glass back for pricing on the 80's- the '94 LC was quoted at $214.38 and the '96 LX would be $258.32. Both prices were for FYG glass and included the new gasket and sealant. The year probably doesn't matter, but the LX has bronze tint across the top (and it's a luxury vehicle
), while the LC replacement glass top edge is blue. My factory LC glass didn't have any tint across the top, but that's not an option, at least not from FYG. (Turns out it is an option for FYG glass, at a premium over the blue strip, but less than the LX bronze.)
*UPDATE 5-4-2020: I called Expert Auto Glass Repair and requested Chris to replace both of my 80-series windshields last week. They got me the glass in the options I wanted (no colored strip across the top) but unfortunately Pilkington no longer makes glass for the 80 so I went with the FYG. Chris came out on time and he and his partner had both 80's done in a couple of hours. Done correctly, I might add. He mentioned a spike in 80 series glass replacements lately due to this post, so apparently a few CSC folks (or lurkers) have new windshields. Hopefully they are as happy as I am.
I tried to give his tint guy some business but after setting up an appointment with him he wouldn't answer his phone or texts and never showed up. Might have been because he works in the East Valley and didn't want to come to North Phoenix, but in any case I won't be giving him a reference since he never bothered to let me know.
I needed to have my 05 Tundra windshield replaced, so I called around for pricing, and settled on Expert Auto Glass Repair (AKA Az Auto Glass Experts, AKA probably other names, glass companies tend to have many) at (602) 900-1181. The Tundra is a simple install, no surprise that the tech did a good job on it, but I had questions for him as I have two 80 series trucks that also need windshields. Those are not so simple, and many folks who have theirs replaced find out later that they were installed incorrectly and leak, or they have to explain to the tech how to do the job to get it done right.
Chris A. knows his stuff. As soon as I mentioned the vehicle he explained that they are generally more expensive to install and why, including the sealant used in addition to the gasket. He knew what type of sealant it was, which was news to me- I assumed it was the same butyl sealant used on newer glass, but it's not. I showed him my trucks, and he quickly spotted that the LX glass, a previous replacement, was not done correctly- the cowl wasn't removed, so the gasket wasn't tucked under it like it is supposed to be, and no sealant was used. I've put off the replacement of the LC's (original) glass for years just because I didn't want to deal with finding someone who knows what they're doing, or having to educate someone who should. I'll be calling him when I bite the bullet and have these two windshields done.
When pressed, he admitted that all glass is not created equal, and said he used FYG* glass in his own vehicles, and would also recommend Pilkington, especially for classics. I asked about LOF and PPG (which were the only two manufacturers that GM would accept in lease-return vehicles back in the early 90's, when I had a job inspecting those cars) and he informed me that LOF (Libby-Owens-Ford) no longer exists (it was bought up by Pilkington, as a matter of fact) and that PPG was now PGW, and he doesn't care for it.
So, if you don't know a guy, this guy has been doing auto glass for 17 years and knows what he's doing. You can and should request him when you call.
I also asked him about tinting the windshield, which is something I had done on another vehicle, very light tint, 85% IIRC, and it helped quite a bit. I expected to get an admonition about laws and such, but he surprised me by telling me he always has his tinted, *
After the Tundra was done, I called Expert Auto Glass back for pricing on the 80's- the '94 LC was quoted at $214.38 and the '96 LX would be $258.32. Both prices were for FYG glass and included the new gasket and sealant. The year probably doesn't matter, but the LX has bronze tint across the top (and it's a luxury vehicle
), while the LC replacement glass top edge is blue. My factory LC glass didn't have any tint across the top, *UPDATE 5-4-2020: I called Expert Auto Glass Repair and requested Chris to replace both of my 80-series windshields last week. They got me the glass in the options I wanted (no colored strip across the top) but unfortunately Pilkington no longer makes glass for the 80 so I went with the FYG. Chris came out on time and he and his partner had both 80's done in a couple of hours. Done correctly, I might add. He mentioned a spike in 80 series glass replacements lately due to this post, so apparently a few CSC folks (or lurkers) have new windshields. Hopefully they are as happy as I am.
I tried to give his tint guy some business but after setting up an appointment with him he wouldn't answer his phone or texts and never showed up. Might have been because he works in the East Valley and didn't want to come to North Phoenix, but in any case I won't be giving him a reference since he never bothered to let me know.
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