I'm pretty bummed
Windshield
Should be fully covered by insurance. Insist on OEM. You likely know this, but don't trust anyone to do the install other than Earnhardt Lexus. Their guy Curt has done multiple windshields on my IS-F, RC-Fs (I've owned more than one), and GX. Flawless every time.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 11,287
Likes: 2,406
From: Arizona
It is covered by insurance, but that's not the point. It's a real drag
I had thermal film installed to the tune of $225. My garmin dash cam's mount ispermanently bonded to the windshield, so I need a new mount. To me, R&R of a windshield is a BIG deal. It's a star crack that I got on the FW last Monday. As far as OEM glass goes, here is my experience from 7 years ago when I needed a new windshield for my ISF. A point of note is that on the ISF, the windshield choice was only one. Not so with the LC, there are many many windshield options related to the options on the vehicle:
Lou
I had thermal film installed to the tune of $225. My garmin dash cam's mount ispermanently bonded to the windshield, so I need a new mount. To me, R&R of a windshield is a BIG deal. It's a star crack that I got on the FW last Monday. As far as OEM glass goes, here is my experience from 7 years ago when I needed a new windshield for my ISF. A point of note is that on the ISF, the windshield choice was only one. Not so with the LC, there are many many windshield options related to the options on the vehicle:I just replaced the windshield on my F. My insurance company was not going to do OEM because of the age of my car, a 2008. But after a day of negotiating and with the help of my agent, I got the OEM stuff, but with a twist. I have built a relationship with the parts manager at my dealer, I actually started the relationship before he became the parts manager. I have found over my long life time, that building these kinds of relationships with businesses and folks who you deal with makes life a lot easier. But, who you choose to build that relationship with is very important.
Anyway, I could get the windshield at a discounted price, cheaper than State Farm could. So they agreed to pay me the out of pocket costs for the windshield, if I bought it directly, and they would pay the installer directly for the installation. The only issue was, since the installer was not doing the install, they would not take responsibility for moving the glass. So, I had to have it installed in the dealer's parking lot. Not really a big deal. So, persistence here and an understanding agent along with knowing the parts manager all paid off in getting me the OEM windshield I wanted.
Now, as regards to Pilkington, I noticed some of the OEM windshields on the dealer's lot were marked Lexus, Pilkington and I asked the installer about this. He told me that Pilkington has two plants, one for OEM glass and one for aftermarket. He told me that they are not the same, but they are good quality for aftermarket stuff. The best glass is OEM. He seemed to know what he was talking about, but, who knows.
My glass is not Pilkington but was marked exactly like the glass they removed.
Anyway, I could get the windshield at a discounted price, cheaper than State Farm could. So they agreed to pay me the out of pocket costs for the windshield, if I bought it directly, and they would pay the installer directly for the installation. The only issue was, since the installer was not doing the install, they would not take responsibility for moving the glass. So, I had to have it installed in the dealer's parking lot. Not really a big deal. So, persistence here and an understanding agent along with knowing the parts manager all paid off in getting me the OEM windshield I wanted.
Now, as regards to Pilkington, I noticed some of the OEM windshields on the dealer's lot were marked Lexus, Pilkington and I asked the installer about this. He told me that Pilkington has two plants, one for OEM glass and one for aftermarket. He told me that they are not the same, but they are good quality for aftermarket stuff. The best glass is OEM. He seemed to know what he was talking about, but, who knows.
My glass is not Pilkington but was marked exactly like the glass they removed.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 33
Likes: 14
From: TX
Not repairable? I usually go that route until it is no longer bearable because...
The hateful thing around where I live is that you will pick up another windshield crack on the way home from the windshield replacement shop.
It's a complete warzone on TX roads with the occasional on road sofa or entertainment center to dodge in addition to all the gravel hauling semis.
The hateful thing around where I live is that you will pick up another windshield crack on the way home from the windshield replacement shop.
It's a complete warzone on TX roads with the occasional on road sofa or entertainment center to dodge in addition to all the gravel hauling semis.
Advanced
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 508
Likes: 155
From: MA
^ Agree. Unless the star crack is in the direct line of driver's sight (in which case insurance won't authorize it), try it. I've done it on several vehicles, and if done right, works really well. I have such a repair on my LC that I paid for myself (because it's in driver's view), and I'm happy I did it rather than the entire replacement. It was cheap - like 50 bucks. I don't even see it from the inside. It's noticeable from the outside, in the sun, but polishing it with resin polish (like Novus) makes it disappear, Polish wears off quickly though. Worth a try if you're reluctant to do the replacement.
It is covered by insurance, but that's not the point. It's a real drag I had thermal film installed to the tune of $225. My garmin dash cam's mount ispermanently bonded to the windshield, so I need a new mount. To me, R&R of a windshield is a BIG deal. It's a star crack that I got on the FW last Monday. As far as OEM glass goes, here is my experience from 7 years ago when I needed a new windshield for my ISF. A point of note is that on the ISF, the windshield choice was only one. Not so with the LC, there are many many windshield options related to the options on the vehicle:
Lou
I had thermal film installed to the tune of $225. My garmin dash cam's mount ispermanently bonded to the windshield, so I need a new mount. To me, R&R of a windshield is a BIG deal. It's a star crack that I got on the FW last Monday. As far as OEM glass goes, here is my experience from 7 years ago when I needed a new windshield for my ISF. A point of note is that on the ISF, the windshield choice was only one. Not so with the LC, there are many many windshield options related to the options on the vehicle:Lou
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 395
Likes: 85
From: az
Sounds like the "point of note" on your previous glass experience is to not get a terrible insurer like State Farm! I've never had an insurer fight me on replacing lost or damaged items with subpar ones. Then again, with insurance (like most anything else), you get what you pay for...
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I believe there are more reported decisions holding State Farm liable for bad faith than any other insurer. Those decisions stretch back decades. But if you're happy with them, enjoy!
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 395
Likes: 85
From: az
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 11,287
Likes: 2,406
From: Arizona
Sounds like the "point of note" on your previous glass experience is to not get a terrible insurer like State Farm! I've never had an insurer fight me on replacing lost or damaged items with subpar ones. Then again, with insurance (like most anything else), you get what you pay for...
As far as my previous windshield claim, it all worked out and I got the OEM windshield I wanted. This time, at my request, State Farm is letting me handle the R&R. I still have a relationship with the Parts Manager of my local dealerLou
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