Need to replace the windshield. Lots of people seem to have issues after that-- why? What should I ensure the mechanic does?

[Obioban]

Going to use OE Toyota glass, because I can't stand the waviness of safelite/chineseium.

In terms of installation steps, what do I need to make sure happens to ensure I don't have leak/rust issues down the road?

 

[Trapper50cal]

These are notoriously hard to do correctly. "Pointers" won't cut it. The installer has to have done at least a dozen
of them to be trusted. And no handing it off to the new guy.

I'm not sure you'll find OEM glass, IIRC most go with aftermarket.

Post up in your local Clubhouse to see if there's a "go-to" guy in your neck of the woods.
Not only do they have to have actual experience, they need game plans in case they run
into one that has been done improperly in the past as it relates to side trim pieces and rivets
vs. screws, etc.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Lots of threads on the topic and several really good youtube videos on the install. Basics of it is checking for rust after removal, taking care of it if it's there, making sure new windshield has a really good seal, and that rivets are used for the side pieces, not screws.

 

[anthonydiaz85]

I have a full crack from top to bottom and I’m having major anxiety about this job being done wrong. I found a shop who knows exactly how to do it but they said it’s too much work so they stopped doing them. From everything I have found the prep process is crucial. Cleaning and repairing any rust. Then the next is the rivits. Although I have read some members have had no issue with the screw type for the molding.

 

[Trapper50cal]

Lots of threads on the topic and several really good youtube videos on the install. Basics of it is checking for rust after removal, taking care of it if it's there, making sure new windshield has a really good seal, and that rivets are used for the side pieces, not screws.

For folks who already have one done incorrectly with screws...
Don't people usually redrill and nutsert?

 

[Obioban]

I assume that, at this point, the car is old enough that going to a Toyota/Lexus dealership for the job is not a way to have it done correctly? They don't have a TSB/procedure to follow to ensure it's done correctly?

 

[TahoeZ]

I assume that, at this point, the car is old enough that going to a Toyota/Lexus dealership for the job is not a way to have it done correctly? They don't have a TSB/procedure to follow to ensure it's done correctly?

Dealers rarely do glass. They typically sub it out.

 

[DuckLN]

Ask your insurance co to cover oem and you may get it. Also, there are trim Molds on the sides that are expensive if you get oem. Make sure your installer is familiar with the rivets.

 

[FrankieJoe14]

You can sometimes call your local Toyota dealer and see who they use for them, and then contact that person directly. If they've done a few they'll know the deal with the rivets.

I suggest buying all new moldings as well. The two that go up onto the roof are EXPENSIVE but they usually bend them when replacing the windshield, and they WILL let water inside.

 

[Rhetoric]

Insurance paid for my last windshield install. I have a $0 glass deductible. I requested OE glass and it was approved in <24hrs.

OE Lexus glass
L&R side mouldings
Rivets
Top trim moulding

 

[Obioban]

I'm doing OE glass under insurance for sure. I'm just trying to figure out where/how to have it installed correctly.

 

[terryscott621]

You'll need 8 rivets for the side windshield trim (Toyota part # 90269-04053), but I'd buy at least 10. I'd suggest buying these ahead of time. Most places will not have the correct ones on hand. The place I used said they had some that would fit, but when the installer and I compared the ones they had on hand and the OEM replacements I had, they were different. This is where most get leaks because the installer uses the incorrect rivet or a screw or something else and the larger holes are where water seeps in. I used these generic ones from Amazon and they worked well (Amazon.com: OAUTOO 20pcs Windshield Side Molding Aluminum Rivet (Black) with Plastic Cap for Toyota 90269-04053 Land Cruiser & LX470 1998-2007 : Automotive - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBHLJG5L?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1 ). No leaks after about 8 months now.
Another thing to consider is how good of condition your windhsield trim is in. If your insurance will cover it, I'd suggest getting all new trim. My installer was able to save mine after a lot of work to get it to look good. He told me that you can't really tell if you'll be able to reuse the trim until you remove it. My windhsield had been replaced in the past by a previous owner at some point and they used a lot of glue to hold the trim down, so it took alot of work to remove it and alot of work to reinstall it and make it look good.


This is the video to watch to familiarize yourself with the windshield replacement. He does a good job showing exactly what needs to be done.