Good installers probably started at a big shop. The guy I use worked at a big shop, but he had enough cutting corners trying to be the lowest price. Insurance isn't going to want to replace all the moldings and will want to use the cheapest piece of glass that can be found. If a molding gets deformed installing or removing, it could leak and rust and its a big headache if not addressed. Yeah, they'll stand behind it, but how many times do you want a windshield cut out of your vehicle? Somehow I still have factory glass in both my old vehicles, just keep getting lucky and fixing chips when they happen.
To Safelite or Not? Windshield Replacement.
- Thread starter OG 91 LC
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- Thread starter
- #25
Hey!!!!????? Mine has the same upper molding at the top!!!!
Those pics and that rust are crazy!!!!
Those pics and that rust are crazy!!!!
Mine rusted in the exact same part on the passenger side. And looks like the a-pillar molding might be urethaned down too. We got out for $1500 with the rust repair but wasn't nearly that bad'. I had them burn the paint around the roof rack, versus painting all the way to d-pillar, doesn't look awesome.... But you have to really look to see its been painted.
SafeLite does a great job. Their work is guaranteed, especially if you go through your insurance company. They didn't replace my moldings, but they did use rivets and followed the FSM to a tee. They also went over and above to make sure that everything was perfect and fixed a lot of stuff from the botched previous install for free. In fact, he even asked me if I have new moldings because he would have used them, no problem.
Safelite did ours, no issues.
- Thread starter
- #29
So I called local dealer. I was given the number to the guy they use for windshield repair/swap. He claimed to have done plenty of windshield swaps on 100s.
He let me know he uses rivets, but they are modified rivets from the Toyota Camry because they work better.
I asked about the kind of glass that he uses and he answered with FY. He said it was OE for other vehicles and made in China.
He guaranteed his work for the life of the truck/ownership.
His cost is almost $100 less than Safelite.
Do I go with the local guy that claims????? Or do I go with the Safelite that has national recognition and the deep pockets in case something goes wrong.
I just want it done right.
He let me know he uses rivets, but they are modified rivets from the Toyota Camry because they work better.
I asked about the kind of glass that he uses and he answered with FY. He said it was OE for other vehicles and made in China.
He guaranteed his work for the life of the truck/ownership.
His cost is almost $100 less than Safelite.
Do I go with the local guy that claims????? Or do I go with the Safelite that has national recognition and the deep pockets in case something goes wrong.
I just want it done right.
hoser
SILVER Star
The first pic has the OEM upper molding. The last pic is what I believe to be aftermarket and comes in a roll. My installer insists the latter seals better.
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2011
- Messages
- 1,224
Hoser is correct. The installer purchased all 5 Toyota OEM molding pieces for the repair, so I was a little surprised when I saw this trim piece. I too initially thought, crap, I've been running around without the upper trim piece for 4 years. I'm guessing they put that on in addition to the other trim. It fits like it's OEM. The OEM piece leaves the roof's edge exposed and this one covers it. Not sure if that's better or worse.
- Thread starter
- #33
I decided to go with Safelite. I'm at my local Safelite installer as I write this.
Windshield was not factory so I figured it had been replaced. When the technician took the windshield off he said it just popped off. Not cool. Previous windshield install was done bad. There were no rivets just screws. Not cool. There were some scratches and rust forming on those scratches. Not cool. Technician was going to get some acid on the scratches and then primer as well. Only urethane sealants used.
They will try to use rivets, but the holes from the use of the screws may not allow that to happen. They may use a different gauge of rivets to make it happen.
As far as the molding at the top of the windshield (first pic above) that is the one I went with. That's similar to factory from the techs standpoint. The other molding ( second pic) he claims will develop wind noise, so they will not guarantee it if I wanted to use it. It was an option if I wanted it.
Tech was cool. I was able to hang in the shop and ask questions as he worked on the truck.
Truck got the rivets installed.
Out in 2 hours.
Happy with the install.
More bummed about all the dirt/rubber left in the car.
I'll report later.
Windshield was not factory so I figured it had been replaced. When the technician took the windshield off he said it just popped off. Not cool. Previous windshield install was done bad. There were no rivets just screws. Not cool. There were some scratches and rust forming on those scratches. Not cool. Technician was going to get some acid on the scratches and then primer as well. Only urethane sealants used.
They will try to use rivets, but the holes from the use of the screws may not allow that to happen. They may use a different gauge of rivets to make it happen.
As far as the molding at the top of the windshield (first pic above) that is the one I went with. That's similar to factory from the techs standpoint. The other molding ( second pic) he claims will develop wind noise, so they will not guarantee it if I wanted to use it. It was an option if I wanted it.
Tech was cool. I was able to hang in the shop and ask questions as he worked on the truck.
Truck got the rivets installed.
Out in 2 hours.
Happy with the install.
More bummed about all the dirt/rubber left in the car.
I'll report later.
Thats quite a broad statement; you really can't say that considering the number of safelite shops around the country, all with installers of varying degrees of skill and experience.
My 05 is my wife's DD and when we got a crack in the windshield, I had not heard about the issues with the 100 series windshield and so we just made the appointment with safelite. They came to my house the first time in November, and did the swap. Then noticed the car had a lot of wind noise coming from the top sides of the windshield. Called and they came back and did something to it, not even sure what, and the wind noise was worse. Then took it to their shop, had an installer ride with and hear the wind noise, and he basically had no suggestions. Said maybe OEM glass would help and new trim, but that had to be approved by my insurance co. So he said he would talk to his manager and they would contact me. I called my insurance company in the meantime and got it all approved. Of course a week and half goes by and I hadn't heard anything from them and called them. Girl said she can't find anything in the notes on my account. Serenity now. ...ok, get me the manager.....yadda yadda yadda....long story.....they came to my house a third time and completely redid the install with new glass and new trim. As of right now, the wind noise is gone, but I have no faith in the install. I was present for a few minutes on the last time they came to work on it and after they removed the trim I could see all the screw holes the previous guy made, some of them not in the right place. So shoddy workmanship, disorganized staff, just overall an unpleasant experience. At least it was covered by insurance. However, I would have gladly paid several hundred dollars out of my own pocket for it to be done right, the first time, with quality parts and glass.
I can definitely say that the Safelite in Greenville SC and the techs involved in working on my 100 most certainly did NOT do a great job.
You're right. How about this: In the 21 years that our insurance agency has been in existance, I can count on one hand how many times SafeLite had to redo work that we sent them. As for as location, we are operating in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, and Montana with over 7000 policies in force. I think it's safe to say that, based on my experience, I will not take my personal vehicle anywhere else nor would I recommend any other shop to my clients. Sorry that you had a bad experience. From what I have seen, that is very rare.
I know this is an old thread, but was wondering if someone has the specifics on how to remove and replace the side trims of the windshield.
Situation... 2005 LX-470, only owner. Developed a water leak from the top left corner (driver side). Water drips on my thigh. Pulled down headliner and found the leak coming through the windshield. I could see the water drops coming in. Saw little brown spots. Hmm? Rust? Went up to the roof. Lifted the upper trim and whala! Rust in that corner! Water coming in from under the rubber underneath the windshield. Guys at Safelite are very good. Used them on my 2013 BMW and did a great job. Can remove the glass at home, let me repair that corner, and come back the next day for replacement. Very affordable price. But,... I want to try to patch it up before replacing a factory-installed windshield, and see how long I can stretch it. I know it will be a matter of time. After rust starts, there is nothing that can stop it, unless the area is repaired.
I want to be able to remove the trim, clean up the rusted area, and apply urethane, and some kind of marine caulk, to stop the water from sipping in. It is not much really, but it is in a very stubborn corner, and it got under the windshield. But I don't know how to remove that stupid trim. Do I just pull it? Where are those rivets? I cannot see them? Do I have to pull the thin rubber off first to see the rivets underneath? After I see the rivets, how do I remove the trim? Break the head of the rivet? How do I install the new trim? I've heard of some screws, really? The guys at Safelite tell me they use rivets again.
Or, maybe I should just let the guys from Safelite replace the glass. I may still need to buy the new trim. I bent it too much pulling the top part. I was able to re-bend it a bit, but still had to glue it down with some weights for it to stay down, until the glue dried. It has held fine so far after a week.
Situation... 2005 LX-470, only owner. Developed a water leak from the top left corner (driver side). Water drips on my thigh. Pulled down headliner and found the leak coming through the windshield. I could see the water drops coming in. Saw little brown spots. Hmm? Rust? Went up to the roof. Lifted the upper trim and whala! Rust in that corner! Water coming in from under the rubber underneath the windshield. Guys at Safelite are very good. Used them on my 2013 BMW and did a great job. Can remove the glass at home, let me repair that corner, and come back the next day for replacement. Very affordable price. But,... I want to try to patch it up before replacing a factory-installed windshield, and see how long I can stretch it. I know it will be a matter of time. After rust starts, there is nothing that can stop it, unless the area is repaired.
I want to be able to remove the trim, clean up the rusted area, and apply urethane, and some kind of marine caulk, to stop the water from sipping in. It is not much really, but it is in a very stubborn corner, and it got under the windshield. But I don't know how to remove that stupid trim. Do I just pull it? Where are those rivets? I cannot see them? Do I have to pull the thin rubber off first to see the rivets underneath? After I see the rivets, how do I remove the trim? Break the head of the rivet? How do I install the new trim? I've heard of some screws, really? The guys at Safelite tell me they use rivets again.
Or, maybe I should just let the guys from Safelite replace the glass. I may still need to buy the new trim. I bent it too much pulling the top part. I was able to re-bend it a bit, but still had to glue it down with some weights for it to stay down, until the glue dried. It has held fine so far after a week.
YardPig
SILVER Star
Ask Safelite if you're getting Toyota or Pilkington or Chinese glass...you'll see a bit of a difference in price.
hth
Steve
Pilkington is Chinese now, I confirmed with the rep. In fact all aftermarket windshields for the 100 are DOT 563 China now. I went through several, all wavey junk.
I'd love to know who makes USA made 100 series glass. Even Toyota OEM AGC Automotive glass is no longer made in Japan.
Safelite replaced the windshield on my '98. Not happy. Broke a bunch of plastic pieces and pretended it didn't happen. Didn't dress the headliner where it meets the windshield properly and it now looks like s***. I wrote them a letter about my issues and there was no response....piece of s*** company.
- Thread starter
- #39
I ended up with Chinese made windshield and not USA made. It's been a while and all good so far.
