Windshield Replacement Q

[txtortoise]

It's not so much the company as to whether the tech has ever done a 200. I know the OEM install kit, rivets, etc. is critical for the 100 series and assume same for the 200. Generally, unless you have a personal recommendation you trust, is to find out who the Lexus dealers use for the 570 windshields they replace and the tech's name.

 

[SQRRRL]

Ask your Toyota dealer who they use .

 

[Malleus]

I had this done a couple of years ago, for the same reason. Make sure they use 100% OEM parts and follow the FSM procedure to the letter.

 

[marketShark]

Isn't the OEM factory glass thicker than the aftermarket units they replace it with?

 

[SQRRRL]

They told me it was the same

 

[cru1s3r]

So, what had worried me most about windshield replacement on my 200-series, turned out to be something that exists only on the 100-series units: those rivets. Turns out, we don't have them on 200-series vehicles. I found an excellent local glass place by asking multiple service managers who they use for their high-end cars (MB, Porsche, Audi, BMW, etc.), and the consensus was Cascade Auto Glass. They did an excellent job and even pointed out where the first windshield had a scratch in it (before mounting) that could not be buffed out. No rattles, leaks, metal shavings, broken molding or anything - it's just like new. I consider this one to be resolved. Thanks for the good information in this thread.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

Thought I would bring this thread back up as I had a small planet impact my windshield last week, and wanted to replace it.

My last replacement was a Pinkington, no issues with the glass itself, but my windshield de-icer would only heat up at the wire junction, and never down the heating lines. So when it got shattered, I wasn't too upset as I knew I wanted to figure out what was wrong with the de-icer.

So I set to work testing every fuse and voltage output and nothing was wrong with the 200s wiring, so it must be an issue with the glass. I called USAA and found that the only glass guys they have approved in my area is Safelite (yuk). But being glass, and knowing it won't last forever, and I enjoying my zero deductible, I decide to go with Safelite, even knowing it would probably be a bad install job, but at least I could supervise in a way. As stated by me earlier, all glass is the same* (pay attention to that little asterisk)

So a guy named Scott who works the South Carolina area came down and installed it. I already removed the cowl, windshield trim, and A-pillar covers.

If you live in this area, request Scott. This man does glass installs on the side and regularly builds and flips classic cars. He told me since my truck was for off-road, he would put a thicker bead to eliminate glass breaks from the frame and body flexing, I was like, "you get me sir." Not a lot of people know that technique. So big thanks to that man. The glass is set in perfect.

But now for the * part. I said earlier that all glass is the same, and it is. But... just so happened without me even asking, Toyota branded glass (AGC manufactured) showed up, and the wiring harness was totally different than the replacement Pinkington. And now the whole windshield de-icer gets hot, like can't touch it hot.

So I recant my statement that all glass is the same, for us, there is more to glass than glass. So I now see the merit in Toyota branded glass, solely for the de-icer. And Scott from Safelite was legit.

Some other things I noticed. Aftermarket (Pinkington) and Toyota Branded glass are the same thickness. The tinting is the same.

 

[TonyP]

I'm not right very often ('rare' would even be too kind), so I'll enjoy this one win!

 

[KLF]

This update is very timely. The Pinkington windshield in my truck now (installed prior to purchasing) does not have any of the defroster wiring in it. I really could have used that feature this past week, so I was resigned to having to pay for a new windshield this spring if I wanted it working.

Came out to the truck this morning, temp was -6, big crack all the way across the base of the windshield. Mother nature lent me a hand. Now I gotta duke it out with State Farm to get a replacement, which I will insist on OEM.

Thanks!

 

[Markuson]

This update is very timely. The Pinkington windshield in my truck now (installed prior to purchasing) does not have any of the defroster wiring in it. I really could have used that feature this past week, so I was resigned to having to pay for a new windshield this spring if I wanted it working.

Came out to the truck this morning, temp was -6, big crack all the way across the base of the windshield. Mother nature lent me a hand. Now I gotta duke it out with State Farm to get a replacement, which I will insist on OEM.

Thanks!

I just recently had Pilkington installed including the heater. I'm going to go test it ASAP and see if Taco's was an anomaly, or if this one also fails to fully heat...

Edit: So I just tested it, and it definitely works across the full de-icing area.
Not "hot" to the touch, but definitely warm. @Taco2Cruiser , if yours is literally hot to the touch, then these aren't anywhere near that.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

I just recently had Pilkington installed including the heater. I'm going to go test it ASAP and see if Taco's was an anomaly, or if this one also fails to fully heat...

Edit: So I just tested it, and it definitely works across the full de-icing area.
Not "hot" to the touch, but definitely warm. @Taco2Cruiser , if yours is literally hot to the touch, then these aren't anywhere near that.

My pinkington was hot to the touch at the junction, but dead cold everywhere else. The Toyota branded one is definitely hot. Now I will say it takes the whole 15 minute cycle to get hot, but I do have to snap my hand back rather quickly if I want to test it.

One interesting thing about the Pinkington wiring was there where 3 wires coming out of the glass (same as the Toyota one), but the pinkington had what looked like 2 of the wires wrapped up in tape and almost looked cut in there. It was weird. Now the Toyota one is a normal looking harness. Wires go in, and a quick disconnect plug on the end.

I’ll let the adhesive fully cure before I test it again. I did the test with the new glass laying on the still installed old glass. I only touched the side that faces outward, but maybe when it isn’t pressed up against the dash pad it can get hotter?

 

[OregonLC]

What does Toyota OE glass run on the 200? I remember 100 glass being something insane, like $1,200 insane.

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

What does Toyota OE glass run on the 200? I remember 100 glass being something insane, like $1,200 insane.

That’s what I’ve seen. I would never pay that, but for what it’s worth the receipt for parts for my Toyota branded glass that just got put in was $139.25. So Toyota glass can be done for cheap. Cost is absolutely arbitrary for glass, so don’t fall into a trap that doesn’t really exist.

 

[Markuson]

That’s what I’ve seen. I would never pay that, but for what it’s worth the receipt for parts for my Toyota branded glass that just got put in was $139.25. So Toyota glass can be done for cheap. Cost is absolutely arbitrary for glass, so don’t fall into a trap that doesn’t really exist.

Wow. How did you get that price??? That seems impossibly low. That was for AGM?
Just the option of the de-icer version (or not) was like an extra $70...making the Pilkington like $270 (can't remember exactly).

 

[TXSunDevil]

It's not so much the company as to whether the tech has ever done a 200. I know the OEM install kit, rivets, etc. is critical for the 100 series and assume same for the 200. Generally, unless you have a personal recommendation you trust, is to find out who the Lexus dealers use for the 570 windshields they replace and the tech's name.

Let me know if you know a good local company

 

[SQRRRL]

Out here in Cali I paid $1000. Ouch.........

 

[KLF]

So I contacted a local glass shop that I trust (not Safelite) and we chatted about windshields. She said that Pilkington is a very good brand and is considered "OEM replacement" for Toyota by the insurance companies. They just did a brand new Highlander the other day that arrived off the truck with a broken windshield, had to wait 4 weeks for the replacement, it has wiper defrost just like the Cruisers. The dealership sent them a Pilkington windshield to install.

She did the research to get the prices, and I would have to pay $400 extra to get a windshield from Toyota, and she was told by the dealer that it would be the same Pilkington that they would get from the warehouse. So I would only be paying for the dealer to take delivery and bring it over, it would not have a TOYOTA logo tatooed into the glass like the factory ones do. Nobody here has ever heard of AGC windshields. She assured me that they have never had a complaint about the wiper defrost feature in the numerous Pilkington windshields they've installed.

They are coming on Thursday to install the Pilkington, in my warm shop at work. Meanwhile, I want to pop the plastic cowl off under the windshield today to take a look at the wiring, make sure it is there and working. Any tips on removal are greatly appreciated. I assume I have to start by removing the wiper arms, but I don't see any fasteners or clips. Does it just pop off? I have all sorts of plastic pry bars.

 

[KLF]

Well that was much easier than I thought. Pull the wiper arms (14mm wrench), then I removed the side plastics at the L & R edge of the hood, which required popping one fastener from the front core cover each side. Then the cowl cover pops right off, the only real hooks are along the front edge on a flange at the top of the firewall, I guess the last person in there nicely snapped most of mine off for me.

Turns out my windshield DOES have the wires connected:

But I can see no heating wires in the glass at all. Must be under that black masking. I couldn't tell any difference when the thing was turned on. I did put a meter on the connector and I am getting power there when I turn it on, so the problem is not in the truck.

What I found surprising is the total lack of any screen over the intake to the HVAC system, you can look right down on the cabin air filter:

I know when I had the cowl off my FJ62 and all my mini-trucks had hardware cloth over this opening, to keep big chunks (leaves, pine needles, etc) and critters out. This will be a spring project to get this covered.

 

[alsation]

Just going through this exercise up here in Seattle. West Coast Auto Glass was recommended by the dealer. They quoted $1,300+ installed for my 2016 LC. Oddly enough enough they said Toyota glass was the only option they had.

 

[KLF]

Windshield is done. Guy did a great job, I worked with him the entire time. Stuff I learned:

Previous installer must have been on a tight schedule. Way too much adhesive used. Also glued down the gaskets that cover the the edges at the A-pillars. They were really difficult to remove, but we got them off.

We tried to remove the inner A-pillar trim/covers prior to pulling the glass, but they seemed stuck on. What we found is that the previous installer obviously never removed them and since he used too much adhesive, it gooped out and embedded into the edge of these trim covers, which have a fabric covering. Once we got the glass out, we found the covers badly damaged right at the glass.

You can see the extra adhesive/sealant that got on the trim and essentially glued them down, this would actually block the curtain airbags from working properly. You can also see how the fabric was cut at the edge, I am confident that we didn't do this, we were being super careful. Both sides were damaged like this. I might replace the covers, but they are $110 each. They are VERY easy to remove, all you do is unbolt the grab-handles (10mm socket), then the cover pops right off, the airbag is actually attached to the sheetmetal.

This installer used to work for Safelite. Wow he had some stories to tell. He was only scheduled to do 3 windshields that day, but as a Safelite guy he would have been required to do at least 6. He said that they are all about getting them done absolutely as fast as possible, don't take any time to do things like prime the bedding flange before laying the sealant down, just get the glass installed and move to the next one. And that big arm thingy they show on the TV commercials? Ya that thing didn't work, none of the installers use them. He said that some of the installers are good, but they don't last because they are too slow to meet the quotas. That's what happened to him.

Unlike the wiper defrost wires you can clearly see in the factory AGC windshields, the wires on the Pilkington windshields are actually on the bottom. But, if there is too much sealant used, it "wicks" the heat away and the defroster can't work. He really thinks that is why mine wasn't working. The defroster wires do go all the way up the side on the driver's side.

He said he's never seen an AGC windshield, except for the factory ones he's pulled out.