Windshield replacement LS 430 '06
02-05-14, 08:45 AM
#31
Don't you think these two statements contradict each other? It's almost like you're confused and arguing with yourself.
Obviously if Lexus uses Pilkington windshields and allows them to put the Lexus logo on them, it's going to be quality product, and I would argue an OEM replacement.
The Lexus factory in Japan probably uses Asahi because it makes more sense because they don't have to ship the windshield from the US to Japan when they have a domestic alternative, it's not because it's necessarily a superior product.
If you want to pay $2,000 for a windshield on your $12k car because you're concerned about resale, go for it, but I would argue that's a dumb financial decision. If there's a replacement that Lexus/Toyota uses as their OEM, I'll skip the 1,000% markup. I don't believe for a minute that the Asahi glass is 10 times the product.
02-05-14, 11:22 AM
#32
Lexus Champion
Don't you think these two statements contradict each other? It's almost like you're confused and arguing with yourself.
Obviously if Lexus uses Pilkington windshields and allows them to put the Lexus logo on them, it's going to be quality product, and I would argue an OEM replacement.
The Lexus factory in Japan probably uses Asahi because it makes more sense because they don't have to ship the windshield from the US to Japan when they have a domestic alternative, it's not because it's necessarily a superior product.
If you want to pay $2,000 for a windshield on your $12k car because you're concerned about resale, go for it, but I would argue that's a dumb financial decision. If there's a replacement that Lexus/Toyota uses as their OEM, I'll skip the 1,000% markup. I don't believe for a minute that the Asahi glass is 10 times the product.
Obviously if Lexus uses Pilkington windshields and allows them to put the Lexus logo on them, it's going to be quality product, and I would argue an OEM replacement.
The Lexus factory in Japan probably uses Asahi because it makes more sense because they don't have to ship the windshield from the US to Japan when they have a domestic alternative, it's not because it's necessarily a superior product.
If you want to pay $2,000 for a windshield on your $12k car because you're concerned about resale, go for it, but I would argue that's a dumb financial decision. If there's a replacement that Lexus/Toyota uses as their OEM, I'll skip the 1,000% markup. I don't believe for a minute that the Asahi glass is 10 times the product.
02-05-14, 11:29 AM
#33
Lexus Fanatic
Actually...they do.
Pilkington is one supplier of OEM glass for Lexus. If you sit in a Canadian built RX you will see all the glass says "LEXUS" with "Pilkington" underneath it just as you describe. Japan-built Lexus vehicles have Asahi glass. I'm sure once ES production starts in Kentucky those cars will also use Pilkington glass.
So while your LS did not come with Pilkington glass, they do make OEM glass for Lexus...and if your windshield does say "LEXUS" on it, its an OEM branded windshield. I am also picky about OEM glass and insist upon it. If I was given Lexus branded Pilkington glass I would accept it. If it has the Lexus logo, its OEM. Pilkington glass without the Lexus logo would be another story, as would Asahi glass without the Lexus logo.
Here is the etching from my 2013 GS with Japanese made Asahi glass (AGC Automotive). This etching is identical to what was on my 2010 ES350, the OEM replacement I had put in the 2010 ES350, 04 LS430 and 03 ES300.
Really want to blow your mind? This is OEM US made Asahi glass on a Toyota from their US plant in OH. Note the black lettering as opposed to the etching on the Japanese Asahi glass
Like Kansas said, all the glass on Lexus vehicles said "TOYOTA" originally. My Dad's 98 LS400 had glass that said "TOYOTA" from the factory. They used an OEM windshield for your replacement.
Pilkington is one supplier of OEM glass for Lexus. If you sit in a Canadian built RX you will see all the glass says "LEXUS" with "Pilkington" underneath it just as you describe. Japan-built Lexus vehicles have Asahi glass. I'm sure once ES production starts in Kentucky those cars will also use Pilkington glass.
So while your LS did not come with Pilkington glass, they do make OEM glass for Lexus...and if your windshield does say "LEXUS" on it, its an OEM branded windshield. I am also picky about OEM glass and insist upon it. If I was given Lexus branded Pilkington glass I would accept it. If it has the Lexus logo, its OEM. Pilkington glass without the Lexus logo would be another story, as would Asahi glass without the Lexus logo.
Here is the etching from my 2013 GS with Japanese made Asahi glass (AGC Automotive). This etching is identical to what was on my 2010 ES350, the OEM replacement I had put in the 2010 ES350, 04 LS430 and 03 ES300.
Really want to blow your mind? This is OEM US made Asahi glass on a Toyota from their US plant in OH. Note the black lettering as opposed to the etching on the Japanese Asahi glass
Originally Posted by rrgone
I noticed later that the new glass was marked Toyota, not Lexus... I wonder if perhaps there are some Toyota's that use the same windshield?
Last edited by SW17LS; 02-05-14 at 12:18 PM.
02-05-14, 11:50 AM
#34
My Pilkington windshield has LEXUS imprinted on it, but it is followed by Pilkington DOT-177, which clearly identifies it as not being made in Japan and not OEM (check the DOT listing for confirmation). This imprinted identification is also located on the lower right (passenger) side of the windshield.
My 1992 SC400, which I purchased new in 1991, came with LEXUS ASAHI DOT-20.
My 1992 SC400, which I purchased new in 1991, came with LEXUS ASAHI DOT-20.
Actually...they do.
Pilkington is one supplier of OEM glass for Lexus. If you sit in a Canadian built RX you will see all the glass says "LEXUS" with "Pilkington" underneath it just as you describe. Japan-built Lexus vehicles have Asahi glass. I'm sure once ES production starts in Kentucky those cars will also use Pilkington glass.
So while your LS did not come with Pilkington glass, they do make OEM glass for Lexus...and if your windshield does say "LEXUS" on it, its an OEM branded windshield. I am also picky about OEM glass and insist upon it. If I was given Lexus branded Pilkington glass I would accept it. If it has the Lexus logo, its OEM. Pilkington glass without the Lexus logo would be another story.
Like Kansas said, all the glass on Lexus vehicles said "TOYOTA" originally. My Dad's 98 LS400 had glass that said "TOYOTA" from the factory. They used an OEM windshield for your replacement.
Pilkington is one supplier of OEM glass for Lexus. If you sit in a Canadian built RX you will see all the glass says "LEXUS" with "Pilkington" underneath it just as you describe. Japan-built Lexus vehicles have Asahi glass. I'm sure once ES production starts in Kentucky those cars will also use Pilkington glass.
So while your LS did not come with Pilkington glass, they do make OEM glass for Lexus...and if your windshield does say "LEXUS" on it, its an OEM branded windshield. I am also picky about OEM glass and insist upon it. If I was given Lexus branded Pilkington glass I would accept it. If it has the Lexus logo, its OEM. Pilkington glass without the Lexus logo would be another story.
Like Kansas said, all the glass on Lexus vehicles said "TOYOTA" originally. My Dad's 98 LS400 had glass that said "TOYOTA" from the factory. They used an OEM windshield for your replacement.
Any idea what the Lexus branded Pilkington glass costs vrs the very expensive imported glass from Japan?
02-05-14, 12:01 PM
#35
Lexus Fanatic
Hard to say...if you look at Sewell's site for the RX, there are two part numbers for glass that seem to be the same part (same tint, rain sensor, etc). One is MSRP $1,894.24 and the other is MSRP $1,341.84. My guess (and it is just a guess) is that the $1,894.24 is the Japanese Asahi glass and the $1,341.84 is the Canadian Pilkington glass.
02-05-14, 04:48 PM
#36
On my '97 LS400, I had two replacement windshields. One was OEM Lexus from the dealer and the second was an aftermarket Pilkington from a local body shop. Both were ok but the Pilkington was exactly the same as the OEM with less wind noise. The OEM lasted about 2 years before it developed a long lateral crack for no apparent reason. The difference may have been the installer but if I had to do it again, I would feel comfortable with the Pilkington that lasted about 5 years.
06-04-14, 02:21 PM
#37
Driver School Candidate
When I bought my car it had a cheap HY windshield. It still has it and I'm positive it lets in more road noise than an OEM. I need to get it replaced with a pilkington soon!
06-04-14, 07:48 PM
#38
I get this noise at about 75/ 80 MPH that drives me crazy
06-05-14, 09:02 AM
#39
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2014
Location: AR
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have a replacement Pilkington on my LS430, and my wife's Sienna XLE. Both appear to be fine replacements, and rain sensors unaffected; however, they both make the VIN unreadable due to little window not lining up perfect with factory VIN location...
06-24-14, 07:35 AM
#41
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: TX
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have USAA also. I just replaced my windshield with the PGW and it is FANTASTIC. No flaws and a perfect replacement, rain sensor and all. Had it done at the Lexus dealer for my deductible.
06-24-14, 08:35 AM
#42
just make sure your using Lexus.com for your scheduled maintenance when searching for the LS. I recently looked up about 4 LS's that I stumbled upon and one had the glass replaced was well as other parts. one LS had 77k 2005 or 2006 and 10 pages of service history
05-25-16, 01:05 AM
#44
My windshield needs to be replaced. I just bought the car and a rock hit the windshield driving it home. I can't tell if has already been replaced. How can I tell if the one in the car is the original or a non OEM replacement? It says PGW solar green laminated but I don't know if that's a replacement or not.
05-25-16, 05:43 AM
#45
Moderator
We caught a rock (right in the middle of driver line of sight) from a jacked up pickup truck on the interstate last weekend. Having the windshield on the LS430 replaced for the second time tomorrow.
I have driven approximately 600k miles in my lifetime on multiple cars and never had to replace any windshields until I got this LS430. It is a rock magnet.
I have driven approximately 600k miles in my lifetime on multiple cars and never had to replace any windshields until I got this LS430. It is a rock magnet.
