Gotmud, a fellow mudder, had some good advice on getting OE glass AND gasket. I followed his advice, and after a few phone calls back and forth with my insurance company, I had it approved and a top notch window shop was at my door with OE glass and gasket from the Lexus dealer. Its like 3 times as much, but I have glass coverage on my insurance and should be able to choose what glass I want and who I want to install it. It was funny, but not really, but the installer just pushed on the old windshield and it practically fell out!! The previous installer obviously didnt seal it on both sides. Safelite is who must of done it, they are who most insurance companies want you to use. And I havent heard anything good about the company or the quality of glass they install.
So my advice is to ask around in your local club or local mudders and find a good glass shop, then call your insurance company with their name, address, phone and fax numbers and tell them thats who you want to use.
Heres the email I got from Gotmud, it worked for me, good luck.
This will all depend on your insurance company...
I know this will work with Farmers and Progressive.
When you call in your claim, they will try to set you up with "their company", which is basically Safelite. Tell them you want to use your own glass company. I personally recommend K&B Auto Glass Works, 480-229-4748. Give Alex a call and tell him Kerry from Samurai Performance referred you.
Now, you will also need to tell the insurance company that you want OE glass, and an OE gasket. They will give you a line about how their aftermarket crap is just as good. Insist that you want OE, and here's why. They will only be able to see a tint and non-tint version for your 80. If you tell them that you have the "Solare" glass, which is a metal film in the glass that reflects the sun, not a tint, they will have no listing. If needed, explain to them again that was what was installed from the factory and that aftermarket glass only comes with a tint that will not match the rest of the glass. Typically at this point, they will forward your request to their supervisor, who will approve it.
You can also call K&B first and tell them you want all OE parts. They will tell you how much your insurance company will laugh, but they will request it. This will lead to you having to call your insurance company and explain what I wrote above.
If you are persistant, they will replace it. Insurance companies do have the abilitiy to approve things like this, if the right person gets involved.
Let me know how this works out for you.
Kerry
? Not sure whether to get a new windshield or have it repaired. I think it is letting moisture in the vehicle. any good DIY methods to fix it if I should?
