Windshield replacement in Albuquerque

[SSurdahl]

This one is aimed at a select few forumites that have had experience in windshield replacement in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Does anyone have any positive experiences with the glass shops in Abq.? NM? Good, bad or otherwise?

The pricing quoted by the dealer is $1000. CDan quotes ~$750 and the independants come in around $150. The dealer prices reflect materials only and labor will add to the bottom line. The independants price is all inclusive.

When pressed with questions regarding the peculiarities of the LC 100 wind screen the independants shrug this off and suggest that our windshields are no different than any other style. Suggestions have been made in this forum to furnish the independant technician the appropriate FSM pages along with the required rivets and gutters.

The low quoted prices are concerning. Any insights will be appreciated.

 

[NMuzj100]

I am generally an advocate of OEM glass but the $750 price difference is troubling. The OEM may be thicker (ask for specs from the aftermarket guys) resulting in lower sound levels and could have better coatings. Or it could just be expensive because it had to be shipped from Japan and Toyota knows that 100 owners are loaded and don't need all that money anyway.

I might risk the $150 by putting in the aftermarket glass, give us a review and if it isn't to your liking change it out for OEM after the first good rock strike or when the sand scratches become annoying. In ABQ that should be less than a couple of years.

I have had good experiances with with "Safelight" and "A Classic Glass" in ABQ but think the individual tech probably has more to do with the end result than what shop does the work.

 

[DMX84]

I have had good experiances with with "Safelight" and "A Classic Glass" in ABQ but think the individual tech probably has more to do with the end result than what shop does the work.

^Plus one on the individual installers, I used to use A Classic Glass. The installer screwed up my cowling on my VR4, & trying to get resolved was APITA.

On the LC I used a shop Karl Malone suggested; they did a terrible job and broke my keys housing by stepping on it. (I can’t remember the name of the shop, but it’s just off central, near Eubank).
I recently used Safelight and had a bad experience there too. But the service was good about getting everything fixed. I would probably take it back in the future too, but have it done at the shop not at your house (like I did).
Safelight has a good warranty and seems to be good glass.
Vaya Con Dios
DMX

 

[donco]

I've had good luck with Express Autoglass:

1435 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112
(505) 271-1993​

They did a good job on the middle door fixed pane window & molding. I've used them before for windshields for other cars & they always did a good job with quality glass. I've been told to stay away from LOF & Safelite brand windshields because they tend to be irregular and don't fit flat all the way around. I experienced that with a Ford Bronco windshield at a different shop. I made them go thru 3 or 4 different windshields until they found one that fit properly before installing. Try to find out what brand the shop uses and see if you can inspect the actual item before it's installed. Look for delamination & chips around the edges.​

 

[DMX84]

That’s one I haven’t used before. But it’s all based on the person who’s installing the glass. I’ve used A Classic Glass a dozen times then the last installer did a crappy job.
For now on I’m going to ask how long they worked for the particular company and references on his last install. It sucks that it’s come to this though.

 

[d90rover]

We just caught a huge rock last week on our 99 and cracked the windshield from one edge to nearly 1/2 way across. Dealer said take it to the local SafeLite Auto Glass, since that's who they'd call to come replace it. Called SafeLite and was given a quote of $285 installed. SafeLite is a national franchise, so I'd suppose there's one in ALBQ.

 

[DMX84]

SafeLite is a national franchise, so I'd suppose there's one in ALBQ.

Correct.

 

[SSurdahl]

Thank you very much, one and all. Very useful recommendations each of them.

Armed with copies of the pertinent FSM pages, maybe some replacement parts, and a cell phone to check references, I think I will try a non-dealer option first. If that doesn't net the desired result then I will scrimp and save for the dealer fix.

CDan will come through again! For those forumites that have not had the pleasure of meeting Dan in person, he is genuinely a pleasure to talk with and do business with. Like the rest of you, a great source of data.

Thanks again!