Windshield Replacement - What brand? (1 Viewer)

[fletch301]

Need to replace windshield on my 2004 LX470 - no night vision. Local Lexus dealer (Central AL) wants $1600+ for OEM. Local independent Toyota/Lexus shop wants $500+ for aftermarket, but can only get "Guardian" brand windshield. At my request based on research on MUD, they've requested PPW (formerly PPG), but are being told that PPW no longer makes LC/LX470 windshields - I don't have any way to verify this. No qualms about local independent replacing windshield - I did my research on MUD and found that they were very knowledgeable about the proper install (trim, rivets, etc.). OEM is not in my budget.

Anyone have any knowledge or experience with Guardian? Any other recommended brands out there I should try to get them to order?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[re_guderian]

I have a Pilkington that seems to be OK after 20 months.

 

[Kigiin]

I went with OEM, because insurance paid 100% and someone told me the moldings on non-OEMs are very poor. From reading threads here on Mud, I don't think that is the case.

 

[Michael Hanson]

PPG great glass ,lifetime warranty. MIke

 

[packetstormin]

I have a Pilkington that seems to be OK after 20 months.

Mine chipped three months after I had it installed

 

[re_guderian]

Mine chipped three months after I had it installed

Brand related, or just bad luck?

 

[MoJ]

PPG great glass ,lifetime warranty. MIke

PPG glass division sold to Pilkington iirc

 

[1loudLX]

I went with OEM, because insurance paid 100% and someone told me the moldings on non-OEMs are very poor. From reading threads here on Mud, I don't think that is the case.

OEM moldings would be best, with any glass. Sadly I forgot to specify OEM molding when I replaced mine.

 

[RobRed]

PPG great glass ,lifetime warranty. MIke

Sorry I disagree. The PO on my 100 installed a PPG windshield and it's wavy as a motherf**k*r. I would only use OEM.

 

[bamabrock]

Tom Williams will rake you over the coals on parts. What independent shop did you go to?

 

[fletch301]

Bamabrock - pm sent

Both dealer and independent quoted me $1300+ for parts on OEM windshield. Definitely using OEM molding with either option. Insurance would be a $500 deductible and a fight for an OEM replacement - likely followed by a premium increase. Would rather pay $500 out of pocket for an aftermarket than go the insurance route. No plans to sell my truck anytime soon, so not concerned about diminished value due to aftermarket windshield.

Sounds like Pilkington may be my only other option. No one has heard of Guardian?

 

[hoser]

From my talks with insurance agents, your premium should not go up with a comprehensive/windshield claim, granted you aren't making a bunch of claims every year. But who knows

 

[re_guderian]

$500 is a lot for aftermarket. My insurance didn't cover mine since it was a new purchase with a cracked windshield. I was less than $250 out the door. Shop around.

 

[Topmounter]

The windshield for mine was a couple dollars more than my deductible... brand, quality, etc. don't seem to matter, new windshield always seem to attract rocks. I'd buy a use one... if I could... just to escape the new windshield jinx

 

[sosodefcane]

My 2004 LC had a PPG windshield when I bought it in 2007. Only recently did I get a couple of chips, both from sizeable rocks. My rear view mirror fell off last year, and before I was able to find a shop that could replace the base (the base screw threads were stripped, and I found a guy that could remove the old base by heating it with a bic lighter to melt the adhesive -- fun to watch), I thought I would have to replace the windshield. When I asked about new windshields, and I called around, I was told that the green tinted windshields are no longer being manufactured, and that only bronze tinted windshields are now being made (apparently the green tint was OEM that year?). Thus, if I wanted the green tint, the windshield would be over $1,000 because they are very difficult to find. If I replaced it, I would have gone with the bronze tint, which is what is currently installed, at around $275.

 

[spikey]

I have a Pilkington. No problems.

But my prior windshield was installed improperly by someone clueless. It leaked and lead to rust on the roof.

Soo.... the key thing is that the installer knows what he is doing.

 

[SHAGGY101]

Go with Safelite for installers. I believe they use PPG windshields and OEM trim. I have had nothing but GREAT experiences and AWESOME customer service with them. Their work also comes with a lifetime guarantee. IIRC it was about $280 out the door.

 

[scottm]

I'm thinking of getting the rust around my windshield fixed at a body shop. What do I need to buy to have the windshield re-installed correctly?

 

[Bighead]

My 2004 LC had a PPG windshield when I bought it in 2007. Only recently did I get a couple of chips, both from sizeable rocks. My rear view mirror fell off last year, and before I was able to find a shop that could replace the base (the base screw threads were stripped, and I found a guy that could remove the old base by heating it with a bic lighter to melt the adhesive -- fun to watch), I thought I would have to replace the windshield. When I asked about new windshields, and I called around, I was told that the green tinted windshields are no longer being manufactured, and that only bronze tinted windshields are now being made (apparently the green tint was OEM that year?). Thus, if I wanted the green tint, the windshield would be over $1,000 because they are very difficult to find. If I replaced it, I would have gone with the bronze tint, which is what is currently installed, at around $275.

I just went through the same thing. I now have the PGW bronze installed in my LC. I thought I still had the original glass (Toyota labeled) until the installer pulled the molding and saw the screws.

Go with Safelite for installers. I believe they use PPG windshields and OEM trim. I have had nothing but GREAT experiences and AWESOME customer service with them. Their work also comes with a lifetime guarantee. IIRC it was about $280 out the door.

I talked a Safelite installer in the C. Springs and they said they use whatever glass they happened to have. The guy I talked to was just finishing a job at the Lexus dealership and he told me that it can be Pilkington, PGW or something else...whatever Safelite happened to get the best price on.

 

[fletch301]

Bighead - how recent was your installation? I've been told that PGW no longer makes LC/LX470 windshields (bronze or green tint).

I called my local Safelite and they said they would install their Safelite brand for $368.

I'm confident in my installer - they're very experienced with the install procedure and will stand behind their work. I just need to determine what brand to order if PGW is no longer available.