Nail in the coffin? Windshield Rust.

[T4RBoarder]

Hey guys, I've got an issue with my mothers cruiser and need some really big opinions cause I'm not sure how to approach this. Back story: '98 LC 180k miles. Uncle purchased new. Windshield very poorly replaced in early '99 (looks like metal screws in the trim), wind noise since. Mother purchased in '06 and has since attempted everything possible to kill it. Probably 2011 rust started forming around the windshield on the A pillars, lost the horn in '12 due to shorting out and melting the assemblies, also in '12 the passenger floorboard started getting wet when raining (sunroof drains clear). Fast forward three years, rust is worse, leaking is worse, lots of wind noise and I got a call last week saying that the A/T temp and brake light were on, and the tach was dead. Later that evening I received word that the truck started shutting off intermittently (always restarts). Parked the truck indoors for a few days, everything was fine...until it rained again. Cue repeat. Truck has been at a friends shop since. Diagnosis...windshield is leaking so bad that it is getting either the ECU or wiring harness wet in the passenger side footwell area.

My question is, how should I go about seeing if I can get the windshield resealed/rust fixed? Attached are some pics of the rust a few years ago, it has chipped in some places the last time I saw it (December). The windshield could use a replacement but windshield shops I've talked to won't touch it and it's near impossible to find a shop that knows what to do with these anyway. Should I have them talk to their insurance agent? Just do a walk in body shop appraisal? Can this even be fixed? Appreciate any input guys and I'll answer any questions/clarify if I can!

 

[super90]

Body shop is your best bet. They will likely have to remove windshield, fix the body work, repaint, and install a new windshield. The windshield guys don't want to risk damaging that A pillar and then they are to blame...

Good luck.

 

[TXLX100]

The windshield is going to have to come out in order to determine how bad it is. It's probably really bad just looking at the rust you can see on the a-pillar. I'd shop around for a body shop that has done heavy rust repair on a-pillars before. It may require some extensive rebuilding depending on how bad the rust is.

 

[T4RBoarder]

The windshield is going to have to come out in order to determine how bad it is. It's probably really bad just looking at the rust you can see on the a-pillar. I'd shop around for a body shop that has done heavy rust repair on a-pillars before. It may require some extensive rebuilding depending on how bad the rust is.

That's what I'm afraid of, that is has gotten so bad underneath (hence the increased wind noise and leaking?) This will all likely have to be out of pocket too? Couldn't file a claim for anything like this?

 

[TXLX100]

If it's cracked, you might get them to pay for a windshield job, but I seriously doubt they will participate in any rust repair.

 

[TwiceWithHair]

If it's cracked, you might get them to pay for a windshield job, but I seriously doubt they will participate in any rust repair.

I say you drive behind concrete trucks when you see em. Insurance pays for MY cracked windshield. But like txlx100 said, I doubt they'll help with your rust issue.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[hoser]

Besides the cost of the body work. There is a high chance of breaking the windshield upon removal. If those side trim pieces need to be replaced, they are ~$130/ea.

 

[jemsec]

Body work, new windshield and your done. Better than replacing your LC. Then it will be ready to go again unless you have other rust that is or will be an issue.

 

[TXLX100]

I had to have some light a-pillar work done and it was $1500 with the new windshield and all new moldings.

 

[canman]

Anything can be fixed if you are determined...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/a-little-surprise-after-removing-the-windshield.808023/

 

[mbashier]

Another concern will be the floor of the vehicle. If water has been leaking all these years and is trapped in the sponge like floor sound isolator and metal floor, it could be really rusty. I found the same issue with my car when I bought it. Windshield was leaking water all the way down to the harness and floor. I had to strip it down, sand it, spray some phosphoric acid, and coat with some rust proof paint.

 

[T4RBoarder]

Guess I should give an update...it was diagnosed as the ECU getting wet. My mom went and picked it up and has been driving it since, she is just dealing with the random stalling when it rains. I give up.