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LC500 Windshield replacement who has experience ?

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Old Aug 15, 2025 | 03:47 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by ivanj
This tends to be the worst case scenario.

Although it is not windshield film per se, we have had 3M film on a white MB GLK for over 10 years. It has not yellowed and still protects. Except for work, car is always garaged.
Windshield film and ppf are different. The film that goes on your windshield needs replacement unlike ppf. It won't yellow but it will pit like crazy and you'll lose clarity. It'll save your windshield yes but you have to replace the film every few years if you drive the car.
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Old Aug 15, 2025 | 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by np20412
Windshield film and ppf are different. The film that goes on your windshield needs replacement unlike ppf. It won't yellow but it will pit like crazy and you'll lose clarity. It'll save your windshield yes but you have to replace the film every few years if you drive the car.
I had ExoShield GT3 windshield protection film installed right after I bought my car.

“When a rock or other debris from the road hits your windshield, the film will absorb the force of that impact and distribute it across the film, rather than to your windshield. Not only does this prevent small chips or cracks that happen when a mid-sized rock hits the glass, but it will also prevent the glass from getting scratched and pitted over time from the tiny stones or sand that is pretty much constantly bombarding your windshield."

https://www.getexoshield.com/product...ction-film-gt3

From certain angles you might see a miniscule amount of distortion, but it’s really a nonissue.

My installer removed the windshield trim for an invisible installation. However, a few of the mounting clips broke in the process, causing a slight delay waiting for new OEM clips.
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Old Aug 15, 2025 | 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by FR680
I had ExoShield GT3 windshield protection film installed right after I bought my car.

“When a rock or other debris from the road hits your windshield, the film will absorb the force of that impact and distribute it across the film, rather than to your windshield. Not only does this prevent small chips or cracks that happen when a mid-sized rock hits the glass, but it will also prevent the glass from getting scratched and pitted over time from the tiny stones or sand that is pretty much constantly bombarding your windshield."

https://www.getexoshield.com/product...ction-film-gt3

From certain angles you might see a miniscule amount of distortion, but it’s really a nonissue.

My installer removed the windshield trim for an invisible installation. However, a few of the mounting clips broke in the process, causing a slight delay waiting for new OEM clips.
Interesting. Perhaps the tech has gotten better since the feedback I read online last. If I ever replace my windshield I will consider
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Old Aug 16, 2025 | 02:41 AM
  #19  
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I had a specialized independent glass replacement shop replace mine with OEM parts and State Farm picked up the tab and all electronics work perfectly.
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Old Sep 15, 2025 | 03:56 PM
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Got popped today Wonder how the carbon fiber roof would have taken this if it was a touch higher.


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Old Sep 15, 2025 | 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by tecman
Got popped today Wonder how the carbon fiber roof would have taken this if it was a touch higher.

Oooof at the edge too, this one is a goner

I've got my roof PPF'd for this reason lol
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Old Sep 26, 2025 | 03:50 PM
  #22  
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I had my windshield replaced this week and figured I’d share the experience.

I sent out multiple online estimate request, really didn’t want to use Safelite, but I tried anyway. The only thing I got back from them after a couple of attempts was being added to their coupon mailing list.

The Lexus-authorized body shop that installed my front bumper also gave me an estimate. It was the highest, and for some reason it included a four-wheel alignment. Not sure if that’s really required or just overestimating.




I ended up going with Glass America. They said they handle installs for my Lexus dealership (though not all dealers). Their OEM quote matched the others I received, and the two pieces of molding on my receipt were required for the job. I’ve heard those can break during removal, so it made sense. One runs across the top between the glass and roof, and the other tucks under the molding at the bottom of the windshield.




While shopping around, the HUD kept coming up as part of the glass, so I asked the installer about it. He confirmed it’s built into the whole windshield, not just where the HUD projects. He also said that’s why the dash reflection in this car can be so noticeable.

Anyway — job’s done, thought this might help anyone else shopping around.
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Old Sep 26, 2025 | 09:53 PM
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The total cost seems reasonable to me. I was recently reading another forum where a Ferrari Portofino owner mentioned his cost for a windshield replacement was $7000. I’m not sure if this was though a Ferrari dealership or not. It’s all relative isn’t it?

Last edited by 400Mman; Sep 26, 2025 at 09:58 PM.
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Old Dec 19, 2025 | 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by tecman
Bypassing the dealer and going to a Lexus certified collision center might be a cheaper option.
https://www.lexuscollisioncenter.com/find-a-center/
Chris, do you mean file a claim and have the certified collision center do the replacement?
Rob
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Old Dec 19, 2025 | 09:55 AM
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Originally Posted by rmbrewer
Chris, do you mean file a claim and have the certified collision center do the replacement?
Rob
I filed a claim after the work was completed, but my insurance company refused to cover OEM glass, even after I appealed the initial denial. After my $1,000 deductible, the payout was only around $140. I should have never filed the claim if it ends up impacting future premiums.
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Old Dec 19, 2025 | 03:44 PM
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Well, this is interesting.

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Old Dec 20, 2025 | 05:48 PM
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I've been tooling on cars for almost 60 years with many of them as a certified Porsche Audi Master Tech and have Never seen a problem like this.
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Old Dec 20, 2025 | 05:51 PM
  #28  
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My windshield cracked. My insurance was weird about it but this is how it went down. For OEM, I had to go to the dealership, pay up front and then submit the claim to my insurance (USAA) who paid for it all minus my deductible.
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Old Dec 21, 2025 | 05:22 AM
  #29  
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This thread makes me grateful for USAA. Glass replacement is free if you use non OEM glass. If you want OEM glass it is considered comprehensive, not collision, and does NOT affect premiums. It just requires the comprehensive deductible ($250 for me personally).

They never argue about approval either. Have had a few SLK glass replacements due to rocks and other crap (a giant bolt from a lazy construction truck driver who didnt secure his load for example).

Last edited by Korbek; Dec 21, 2025 at 07:30 AM.
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Old Dec 21, 2025 | 12:09 PM
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every claim affects premiums.
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