Same Distortion on 4 different windshields
I think I'm still more comfortable with a new windshield for the following reasons:
- i doubt the installer would be meticulous enough to get all the old adhesive off the glass. This could result in a loose seal when reinstalled.
- I think yanking on the glass to get it removed can compromise its structural integrity (pressure points and micro fractures may develop that are not immediately noticeable). Removal and reinstallation of the rear view mirror can also be compromised by re-applpying adhesive.
- The "new" windshields on the dealer lot all have significant water spots (this is cosmetic only, and can be remedied with the right chemicals, but it is annoying).
Granted, some (or all) of the above issues can be alleviated by choosing the right installer, but I think starting with a new piece of glass gives a much better chance of avoiding problems. Unfortunately, all the new pieces of glass are Canadian (Pilkington) so I hope the new one isn't as distorted as the one I already have.
- i doubt the installer would be meticulous enough to get all the old adhesive off the glass. This could result in a loose seal when reinstalled.
- I think yanking on the glass to get it removed can compromise its structural integrity (pressure points and micro fractures may develop that are not immediately noticeable). Removal and reinstallation of the rear view mirror can also be compromised by re-applpying adhesive.
- The "new" windshields on the dealer lot all have significant water spots (this is cosmetic only, and can be remedied with the right chemicals, but it is annoying).
Granted, some (or all) of the above issues can be alleviated by choosing the right installer, but I think starting with a new piece of glass gives a much better chance of avoiding problems. Unfortunately, all the new pieces of glass are Canadian (Pilkington) so I hope the new one isn't as distorted as the one I already have.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,486
Likes: 3,997
From: Maryland
I'm sorry, but I find this statement as ridiculous as saying that sanding and repainting a body panel is impossible because the paint will never stick. People reinstall glass all the time with zero problems. When you're restoring a car, you're pretty much limited to reinstalling factory glass. Aftermarket glass comes with all manner of fitment problems. Beneath the sealant is the original glass. Any company with a modicum of pride in their work will make sure to clean and prep the glass perfectly.
Structural? So when people have their cars painted and they pull all the glass out, the windshields should just be thrown away? Should probably throw away this subframe too.
Its up to you, but I would never install a used windshield on a vehicle I or my family would be driving or riding in, and a solution to a factory defect is not taking a windshield off of another vehicle on a lot and installing the defective windshield back onto another vehicle and selling it as new. THAT is absurd.
I don't think asking for a NEW OEM windshield for a $55,000 vehicle when the original has a factory defect is "absurd"
Last edited by SW17LS; Jun 20, 2012 at 12:22 PM.
Just google "Used Windshield AND Safe" and read. For one, its difficult to remove a modern windshield without damaging it in the first place. Two, when you restore a vehicle you don't have airbags. The passenger airbag uses the windshield to ensure it deploys properly.
Google "Windshield AND vehicle structure" and read. The windshield is absolutely a structural component of a unibody vehicle.
Its up to you, but I would never install a used windshield on a vehicle I or my family would be driving or riding in, and a solution to a factory defect is not taking a windshield off of another vehicle on a lot and installing the defective windshield back onto another vehicle and selling it as new. THAT is absurd.
I don't think asking for a NEW OEM windshield for a $55,000 vehicle when the original has a factory defect is "absurd"
Google "Windshield AND vehicle structure" and read. The windshield is absolutely a structural component of a unibody vehicle.
Its up to you, but I would never install a used windshield on a vehicle I or my family would be driving or riding in, and a solution to a factory defect is not taking a windshield off of another vehicle on a lot and installing the defective windshield back onto another vehicle and selling it as new. THAT is absurd.
I don't think asking for a NEW OEM windshield for a $55,000 vehicle when the original has a factory defect is "absurd"
Passenger airbags are designed to bounce off the windshield. The issue with ANY windshield installation is that if you get into an accident, the force of the airbag may push the windshield out because the epoxy hasn't cured, not because a used windshield is somehow structurally compromised.
And yes, the windshield fills in the void between the A-pillars, giving rigidity to the upper half of the car. But are you really arguing that because of this, a 27 mile windshield is so fatigued as to be unsafe? Exactly how much can safety glass fatigue before it cracks? Again, the safety issue in a rollover with a used windshield is the exact same as the issue with a brand new one. It's not the integrity of the windshield itself, it's the quality of the installation.
I would never install a junkyard windshield on a new car. However, a windshield off a brand new, unsold car has poses none of those concerns.
Last edited by GrandSedanFan; Jun 21, 2012 at 05:18 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,486
Likes: 3,997
From: Maryland
Passenger airbags are designed to bounce off the windshield. The issue with ANY windshield installation is that if you get into an accident, the force of the airbag may push the windshield out because the epoxy hasn't cured, not because a used windshield is somehow structurally compromised.
"Probably fine" isn't enough for my family's safety.
And yes, the windshield fills in the void between the A-pillars, giving rigidity to the upper half of the car. But are you really arguing that because of this, a 27 mile windshield is so fatigued as to be unsafe? Exactly how much can safety glass fatigue before it cracks? Again, the safety issue in a rollover with a used windshield is the exact same as the issue with a brand new one. It's not the integrity of the windshield itself, it's the quality of the installation.
Again, I'm just not going to play games with my family's safety. If it was a side window or a bumper or something that would be one thing, but the windshield is too important a component to the vehicle to be prying one off of another car, scraping the adhesive off, and re-adhering it to the vehicle my family would be riding in. I'd rather just leave the original windshield in.
Aside from the safety concerns, a brand new $50k vehicle he should get a NEW windshield, not one pryed off another car. Bottom line.
Last edited by SW17LS; Jun 21, 2012 at 07:33 AM.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 249
Likes: 9
From: TX
If you assume both sides of this issue have technically justifiable approaches then you are down to personal choice. My personal preference would be to have them order a NEW windshield. But I'm not the one who has to "live" with the result.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
From: PA
Am I missing something? I understand that the distortion is a major issue for the OP. However, I do not understand all of the discussion regarding replacing it with either one that has already been installed or one that is new. Again the distortion not being a factor, I am sure that windshields are replaced thousands of times every day without any problem. Sealant is removed, applied, cleaned, etc. all without issue. What am I missing? Are me making a mountian our of a mole hill?
Its not the only way. You can specify which windshield by part number when you order the part. I just purchased an OEM Lexus windshield for my car, the options are right there in the system. I'm sure the Pilkington and Ashi or Nippon glass options have different part numbers.
Last edited by GrandSedanFan; Jun 21, 2012 at 01:24 PM.
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Pole Position
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 26
From: GA
All pertinent views and then some have been made
Everyone's point has been made, some multiple times. It appears there has to be a last word, so... Care to guess ???
Thread closed!
This is the best BB there is on cars. And most of us would agree our RX is a very good place to chat, exchange views, photos, etc but we need to keep it good or it can unravel fast. Just saying ....
Note: If there is any disagreement I'm always available on PM
Thread closed!
This is the best BB there is on cars. And most of us would agree our RX is a very good place to chat, exchange views, photos, etc but we need to keep it good or it can unravel fast. Just saying ....
Note: If there is any disagreement I'm always available on PM
Last edited by Cruiter; Jun 21, 2012 at 02:42 PM. Reason: spelling
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