Help me with your expertise

[nitu]

Hi

I have a Toyota Corolla 2001 and in July 2003 I had my windshield replaced due to a crack. The original windshield was PPG and the one i had put in was LOF. Now in Nov 2003 a tiny rock hit the side of the windshield causing a crack in the new windshield. I have to get the damn thing replaced again and I am not happy about this.

Anyway, my question is, is LOF windshield a good brand? Would installation have an affect on the glass's performance? I will attach a link to the pics of the cracked windshield in about an hour.

Thank you for you help

[gt_repair]

LOF / PPG are both good brands.. I would stay away from SGC "Safelite Glass Corp" Check it out, You will NEVER find SGC in a NEW car right off the lot, If you do that means it has been replaced already.

[nitu]

here is a link to the picture...its not a good one and i will try and get a better one later.

http://ca.f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/...ir=/Windshield

Is there anything i can get to make the glass more resistant. I read the following on a site
"You can replace the windshield with a crack resistant windshield (available from some shops) where they put about 2 inches of clear poly-carbonate tape on the edges. Since most non-repairable cracks occur within this area (high stress region), the tape prevents many cracks. The companies offer a 3 year warrantee against cracking (impacts on the tape only) and most provide lower cost chip repair on the rest of the windshield."

[gt_repair]

That crack could have been repaired. I do them all day long. I get 65 - 75.00 to do them in about 30 - 45 min. next time go to a REPAIR only shop. We try harder to REPAIR the glass not REPLACE.
It would need to be dryed out first for about 2 hours or maybe more do to being a edge crack.

To late now... again call a REPAIR only shop next time!!!

[sydfloyd44]

Nitu,

The only concern I would have with repairing your windshield would be the fact that the crack is directly in your line of vision. Depending on what state you live in and their inspection/vehicle laws, repairing it may not be the best answer. (wouldn't fly with most {legit} inspection stations here in PA) Don't get me wrong, if a windshield can be repaired, REPAIR IT!!!!! Keep in mind that the damage will NOT disappear, just become significantly less noticeable. From what I am seeing in your picture and the angle of the crack, there is a good liklihood that it will be a good looking repair if done properly. (although I believe doing this repair is against NWRA standards for those of you that are NWRA Certified)(I could be wrong about this and please feel free to correct me if you have a NWRA manual handy) Just want to help set your expectations if you get it repaired!
Regarding the glass quality, PPG, LOF (Pilkington), same ball park!! Good glass! SGC would not be high on my list, but it meets the same FMVSS as everyone else. Just a note: you know that the "original" windshield was PPG. Did it also say "Toyota" at the watermark or just PPG? Is there an impact point anywhere along the crack where it was hit by something? If there is (to ANY degree!) that might mean that you are just the victim of misfortune because no matter the windshield or installer, it is glass!
Last but not least, the quote you have is correct except for the fact that the 2" actually increases slightly at the bottom as you get closer to the center. This is due to the curvature and shape of the windshield. The edges are under more stress due to the adhesives holding it in and the structural issues of the vehicle relating to the windshield.
The tape on the edges of the windshield is a patented design that is only sold by one company in the western US and there are limited auto glass facilities that sell it. (they have exclusive rights and territories) You can check with your local auto glass companies to try and get more info on it. Sorry, I nor anyone on the board can help you any further with it other than say that there is a product out there meeting your description. (please don't bash deltakits for this slightly evasive response, it is NOT their decision!!!!!) Thanks!!!

[Repair1]

Nitu,

I think it could be repaired however if it does go into your line of vision I would recommend replacement as much as I hate to say it. If you do have to get it replaced again, the brand of the windshield is the least of your worries with one exception as mentioned earlier. In fact the brand name on the windshield means nothing it’s the DOT number on the windshield that’s how manufactures are identified many manufactures stamp other brand names very common. What you need to watch is who’s installing it call around ask them how there going to do it, do they short cut or full cut you want a full cut method especially being done a second time. Ask them about experience most shops big or small have what we call (hacks) don’t let a hack touch your car. Look at the shop, the installer his truck etc. if there clean and neat generally your going to get a good job if they look sloppy usually there work is to. Be careful the lowest price sometimes can end up costing you the most.

Good Luck
Brian

[nitu]

Thank you for your responses. This site sure had helped me educate myself further. Who knew there was so much to getting a windshield replaced!


Do any of you know how I can make sure that the PPG glass he is willing to install is the original one that Toyota would get. Would having the Toyota label make a difference at all other than cost? Please HELP....I really don't wish to have it replaced a third time. I lost it as it was already. Thanks

[desertstars]

Hey nitu.

Repair1 is absolutely correct. With few exceptions, most windshields by major manufacturers are prefectly acceptable for replacement. (I know an installer who is AOne who swears by the Chinese imports. He says they fit better than most domestic windshields.)

ANY windshield that gets a hit within the two inch perimeter around the edge usually splits and spreads fast. Sometimes you can hardly find where the ding is.

What's MOST IMPORTANT as he says is how the replacement is effected.

It is absolutely imperative that the installer is qualified and uses the proper replacement techniques.

[mepoozer]

Hello- From what little bit I know from my husband doing replacements- my 2 cents worth is maybe it's a stress crack and should warrantied. After a few of them cracking, maybe it's something to do with the moulding or clips, etc. Just a guess and a thought. Karen

[WIN-1]

HI All
I'm not a replacement expert, but I had a Dodge Van windshield replaced years ago by the best shop in town (I thought at the time).
Within a week, when flying over railroad tracks in a rush- the windshield cracked in the same place as the original. As a stress fracture, the company refused the warranty!.
Ken