Windshield edge distortion?

[re_guderian]

Anybody just live with it? I'm on WS #2 that has about 2" of distortion on the far passenger's side near the top. It's an insurance job. The install job is fantastic, no noise at all, no leaks. Does anyone put up with this, or should I insist on OEM glass. Is OEM glass distortion free? Forgot how nice it was to not have windshield noise. But at 6'4", my eyes are at the bottom of the tint strip, right in line with the distortion. Just wondering if "zero distortion" at the edges is the norm...

 

[hankinid]

Anybody just live with it? I'm on WS #2 that has about 2" of distortion on the far passenger's side near the top. It's an insurance job. The install job is fantastic, no noise at all, no leaks. Does anyone put up with this, or should I insist on OEM glass. Is OEM glass distortion free? Forgot how nice it was to not have windshield noise. But at 6'4", my eyes are at the bottom of the tint strip, right in line with the distortion. Just wondering if "zero distortion" at the edges is the norm...

You have 3 choices for glass...

1. OEM Toyota...probably north of $1K, a crap shoot whether your insurance company will include it under your glass coverage.

2. Pilkington...a very workable substitute. It should be marked in one of the two lower corners as DOT177. Researching that on the DOT windshield page you'll find "DOT177 L-N SAFETY GLASS S.A.DE C.V. OF MEXACALI TOLEDO, OH, USA - See more at: DOT number search: DOT Number Database " A quick google notes some installers report issues with the built in rain sensor, but only on German cars...no mention of issues on Toyota products. Anecdotally, I have zero issues with replacement Pilkington glass on my 200 and wife's 100.

3. Normally, "CCG"...translate into "Cheap Chinese Glass". Take a look at the DOT info number, google it, and you'll find where it's made. Many issues on mud with distortion.

I see no issues with distortion but only on 2 samples...see my sig for year and model info.

Make sure, if you get the windshield replaced, that any moldings Toyota notes as "replacement items" need to be replaced with OEM new parts during installation. If you mention rivets and your installer says he uses screws, avoid him.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Steve

 

[OregonLC]

I've got the same on my G37x, only on the Driver's side where it begins the curve toward the a-pillar. Highly annoying, I feel your pain.

I've had this happen with two replacement windshields now. Once with our old ES350. On that one I knew I was selling it so it wasn't worth the fight. On the G it was replaced before I got it. I'm tempted to pay for a new one out of pocket but there's always something else more important to buy. At first it was messing with my eyes, but now I've grown used to it.

If I ever replace it, I'd be very specific with the shop of my expectations on optical distortion and have a plan agreed ahead of time if it didn't match OEM.

 

[thegreatgazoo]

I'm in exactly the same situation. Insurance denied OEM glass because by contract they'd use aftermarket parts that'd provide the same feature and function as OEM parts. I'm happy with the Safelite installation process though. Now I'm going to argue with them distortion-free is an OEM & important safety feature. BTW my cracked windshield was Pilkington so I'm happy if insurance would agree to use better glass (current one made in China) not necessarily OEM.

 

[TXLX100]

What brand is it? Think I got a PPG or pilkington last time and it was fine. I wouldn't accept it, but would also be concerned with getting my truck worked on again and again.

 

[thegreatgazoo]

DOT459 FUJIAN YANHUA GLASS INDUSTRY, CO., LTD. HONGLU TOWN, CHINA - See more at: DOT number search: DOT Number Database

 

[re_guderian]

What brand is it? Think I got a PPG or pilkington last time and it was fine. I wouldn't accept it, but would also be concerned with getting my truck worked on again and again.

I've had both of those in the past, and had good luck. Nothing lasts long here. But that's my concern, I have a windproof, waterproof install. I'm balancing that between edge distortion, because a crappy install on great glass blows.

DOT459 FUJIAN YANHUA GLASS INDUSTRY, CO., LTD. HONGLU TOWN, CHINA - See more at: DOT number search: DOT Number Database

Yep, same DOT number as I have. 2nd one in a row with this. They want to see it. Last time they sent a new one based on my phone call and video.

 

[re_guderian]

 

[TXLX100]

I've had both of those in the past, and had good luck. Nothing lasts long here. But that's my concern, I have a windproof, waterproof install. I'm balancing that between edge distortion, because a crappy install on great glass blows.

Yep, same DOT number as I have. 2nd one in a row with this. They want to see it. Last time they sent a new one based on my phone call and video.

If it really bothered me when driving I couldn't live with it, but I'm about 50% ocd. If it's going to get chipped up again quick, maybe you could live with it since its a good install?

 

[thegreatgazoo]

I'm in exactly the same situation. Insurance denied OEM glass because by contract they'd use aftermarket parts that'd provide the same feature and function as OEM parts. I'm happy with the Safelite installation process though. Now I'm going to argue with them distortion-free is an OEM & important safety feature. BTW my cracked windshield was Pilkington so I'm happy if insurance would agree to use better glass (current one made in China) not necessarily OEM.

Called the Safelite shop, they not only agreed to replace the windshield without having looked at it, they will also replace it with US-made PPG glass at NO additional charge! That saved me quite some hassle - the insurance is known to be unwilling to pay for anything but the cheapest parts.

 

[re_guderian]

Well, we're on to windshield number 3 next week. I'm not married to OEM, as it breaks just as easily as the rest, but this Chinese crap sucks...

 

[OregonLC]

Well, we're on to windshield number 3 next week. I'm not married to OEM, as it breaks just as easily as the rest, but this Chinese crap sucks...

Dang, that sucks. I have a 1 cm ding lower left that I've not repaired because I'm afraid of what the replacement will bring. The whole windshield is hazy with sand pits from 110k of life. But at least it's optically correct and the wear doesn't show much except at low sun angles.

Cheap works for 90% of the sheep out there. Getting harder and harder to find quality goods. Try buying washer/dryer lately?

 

[re_guderian]

Third try worked with PGW (formerly PPG) glass. Good install, too. It's good not to be driving Toyota's flagship funhouse SUV any more...