Most agree that the OEM LS430 windshield is (much) better than aftermarket glass - and much more expensive.

Each year 1000s of LS430 are scrapped and I am pretty sure that a non-microscopic number of these have an OEM windshield in very good condition.

So why no demand for these used windshields? Why do people prefer cheap low(er) quality replacements?

People may argue that glued windshields are not intended for reuse, however, I do not think that is correct. Any workshop manual I have consulted (albeit not for the LS430) will tell you how to remove and REINSTALL the windshield.

 

You asked 2 questions and this thread can get as big as an oil post. 1) for a reason I would assume the time to take out a used scratched weathered windshield of any brand is pennywise and pound foolish 2) Good aftermarket glass is often just fine and often the same glass as OEM and the clarity again has to be better than the old weathered scratched glass. Whats OEM Lexus etched glass 1000-1400 compared to 200-250?

 

imho any windshield after being on the road is not perfect. Glass tends to be soft. On my BMW and LS430, I have the OE glass and prefer to keep it, despite a couple of pits here and there. Prolly off of a used car it would be the same, in which case, potentially new anything is better. However, I could see the case for side and rear glass being used.

 

Well I still have all my original glass at 208k, the factory glass on the 430 has water repellant and UV blocking ability as well as being harder than cheap aftermarket stuff. If that stuff is worth the price premium then get an OE one if you need a replacement, otherwise save the cash I guess.

 

I don't know what the success rate is, none of us look forward to it. On the BMW I was able to get the lizard co. to use OE glass--they said they wouldn't, they also tried to get me to repair, not even replace. But after 40 min. the person caved in.

I'd almost rather have a root canal than go through the above. Chances are if I needed the above today, it's even gonna be FUYAO as the OE, not Saint Gobain Sekurit. So what's the difference....likely all made in USA.

For the LS430 I like the Lexus of Naples sticker, dunno if I could transfer it to replacement glass or not. I think it's a throwback to when the original owner bought the car in 9/05, and drove it home to his 5 mil. house in FLA (as shown today in the GPS). Must have been a proud day for the car.

 

It is possible to remove a windshield without breaking it, but it's not easy.

 

After researching on the internet, I decided that if I could not have Lexus glass as a replacement I would choose FUYAO. My insurance company actually replaced my windshield with OEM Lexus glass at $1500. Since then, I have watched the documentary "American Factory" on Netflix. After seeing the documentary, there is no way I would ever, ever have anything to do with FUYAO. A Chinese company that is as evil as any I have ever heard of! Check it out and make your own decision.

 

Quick question, I recently had my windshield replaced and it is an aftermarket windshield, now my VIN is off and not aligned. Has this happened to anyone? Any suggestions?

 

Who is the manufacturer of the aftermarket windshield? It should be found on the identification close to the VIN location.

 

LOL if we based our decisions on American Factory, we'd probably avoid Corvette, BMW, Rolls Royce, but not Ferrari. Isn't that propaganda? I'm not willing to write off Corvette. Although with the lack of a manual my buck might have to stop at the C7. Then again the budget may stop it altogether. But the show certainly isn't going to do that.

 

Wow! I had no idea that GM, BMW, and Rolls Royce factories were as demeaning to their workers as the glass company in the documentary. They did point out that the laid off GM employee were making $29/ hour while the glass company rehireed them at $12/hour.

 

A rock smashed into my windshield not to long ago. I’ve called around to all the glass repair shops in the area. There saying they can’t find any or I’ll have though the dealership and pay around 3 grand. Does anyone know where I could get a cheaper replacement windshield.

 

Location SK means Saskatchewan?

 

yes it does

 

You can try this site but very likely you'll have to travel. No auto wreckers will ship a windshield at least none I've dealt with. Also keep in mind removing a used windshield without breaking it is not a sure thing.

https://www.car-part.com