I do not have that background and hope I don't need it when I get to my windshield. I hope you'll keep us posted on choices and progress. I hate to say it but you may be a worst case scenario on windshield repair, costs and methods.
Windshield Rust - General Questions (2004 LX)
- Thread starter JlinLX
- Start date
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2001LC
SILVER Star
Windshield is a safety item. Safelite, for one. Will not install if crack from rust or excessive rust. Insurance will, cover cost of body work, so windshield can be installed.
I wouldn't have thought your insurance would cover the repairs but I've seen that in other posts. I guess you'd have to be careful that they don't want to just total out your vehicle rather than pay for the repairs if they're excessive.
I have thought about insurance, I think they would quickly total the car if they would accept the claim. Car is from CA then HI then to me in CO rest of the car is low rust. Unfortunate for me but I do hope documentation here helps to bracket the issue as worst case.
2001LC
SILVER Star
I once suggested to during a PPI of 03LX, to not buy due to windshield rust. He bought, with rust. After purchase, I notice a small new dent in fender. The kind PDR could likely pop out. He hadn't noticed. He said; "Must of been in store parking lot".
I suggested he put in a claim. That at same time, he put in claim for cracked windshield. Tell the ins adjusters. Safelite requires body work be done, before they'd install. What was shocking, is just purchased and they paid for rust. Rust that must have taken years to eat away metal.
Insurance gave him a check for $3,500 (dent, rust and windshield). He found a guy to fix for $2,500. Bough set of wheel, with extra $1k. I can't say how good a job, at cutting out rust was done. But I can say it looked like new and paint match perfectly. It's been 5 plus years, still looks good and no water entry.
He had big holes under molding.
I suggested he put in a claim. That at same time, he put in claim for cracked windshield. Tell the ins adjusters. Safelite requires body work be done, before they'd install. What was shocking, is just purchased and they paid for rust. Rust that must have taken years to eat away metal.
Insurance gave him a check for $3,500 (dent, rust and windshield). He found a guy to fix for $2,500. Bough set of wheel, with extra $1k. I can't say how good a job, at cutting out rust was done. But I can say it looked like new and paint match perfectly. It's been 5 plus years, still looks good and no water entry.
He had big holes under molding.
Wow, 2500 would be an amazing price to fix that! I am searching for second opinions in my case. Thank you for sharing the data point!
2001LC
SILVER Star
I wish I knew, who! For only $2,500, which was not just rust work. But also bodywork, glass and paint.
I only know, what I was told:
"Guy work detailing used car for Audi."
I asked, the owner of the 03LX being worked on. To ask body guy, if I could come see. While work was being performed. Stating; I was interested having some done and sending him more work. I was obviously interested in seeing, workmenships. I wanted to see if he was just, covering over rust with puddy. Or Cutting out and welding in new tin.
I was told. Response was, in loud in no uncertain terms: "If you think you need someone to inspect my work. You can come the the F---ing truck out of here. I'm not interested in any more work. FU!"
We both agreed. Statement, was concern and may reflect workmanship. Or hidding of. But 5 years later, still looks good.
I only know, what I was told:
"Guy work detailing used car for Audi."
I asked, the owner of the 03LX being worked on. To ask body guy, if I could come see. While work was being performed. Stating; I was interested having some done and sending him more work. I was obviously interested in seeing, workmenships. I wanted to see if he was just, covering over rust with puddy. Or Cutting out and welding in new tin.
I was told. Response was, in loud in no uncertain terms: "If you think you need someone to inspect my work. You can come the the F---ing truck out of here. I'm not interested in any more work. FU!"
We both agreed. Statement, was concern and may reflect workmanship. Or hidding of. But 5 years later, still looks good.
To close the chapter on my windshield frame rust I can report the Rust Doctor in Grand Junction CO saved my 100 series. Cut, weld, paint. Amazing group and result. I am so happy to have this behind me.
I also learned though the experience a lot about windshield installation. The dams are not required in the day of modern urethane formulations. We also have primer-less to glass urethane these days. The top spacers, geometry and dimensions of the urethane bead are all that really still apply from the FSM. My opinion is that Dow makes the best automotive urethane currently.
I also learned though the experience a lot about windshield installation. The dams are not required in the day of modern urethane formulations. We also have primer-less to glass urethane these days. The top spacers, geometry and dimensions of the urethane bead are all that really still apply from the FSM. My opinion is that Dow makes the best automotive urethane currently.
I, for one, would be interested in what your rust repair costs turned out to be. I haven't pulled mine apart to see what I might be up against yet.
My situation ended up needing $3500 of work.
Thank you, much appreciated.
No problem, I hope you have a minor case and don’t require the type of intervention that mine did.
Mine cost £350 to remove the windscreen, cut out the rust and paint. Windscreen broke on the way out and needed a replacement at £250 and the seals from Toyota UAE were around £400 with all the genuine seals. 3 years later, it still looks great.
With new glass, mouldings, cowl, wiper arms, wiper blades, urethane and a trip up to grand Junction my total was ~$5k.
I think I’m going to hold onto it for a while. Try and get it up to 200k miles.
What is the root cause of the windshield rust on these vehicles?
Is there anything preventative that can be done?
Is there anything preventative that can be done?
Bad previous windshield install for me.
