Windshield replacement.

[Champane Flight]

Had to take my truck in for a new windshield the other day. Had a chip right in the center of the drivers side. After sticking it to the insurance company for 900+
dollars I got it back. Had to go up to Colo Springs for X-mas and on the way back got into a little weather. Windshield got a little messy and hit the washer. Nothing! In a blizzard and traffic is not the place for this to happen. After getting home I checked it out. Fuse OK,wireing leads OK,Pump comes on. Hose disconnected under plastic shroud at base of windshield. Half of the retaining plastic fastners just setting there,can pick them out with fingers! Called the place and they were quite aplogetic. But still ticks me off. This is why I don't take my vehicles to anybody else for work. If anybody else has trouble after windshield replacement,look there first.

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95 Dodge 2500 Luverne grill guard,headache rack,running boards and Amzoiled. Soon to be mildly bombed. 84 Dodge d-150, 318 Hooker headers,Edelbrok intake,mallory ignition,Carter Afb,Accel coil,and Custom dual exhaust. Boat,fifthwheel,motorcycles,and shop,job to support toys. Yuck...

 

[Spyke]

Champane Thanks for the info I was traveling East and I got a stone chip and it cracked further, I no doubt will be replacing mine once I get back to CA. I keep the price and workmanship in mind.

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Steve
99 2500 Quadcab 4x4, PE Box, 275's, E-Brake, 4" Exh and 33x12. 50 BFG's

 

[Tom W]

Shop around for prices. I had mine replaced for $212. 00 , he came to my house, saved all the stickers, took him about an hour. This was "Clear lite" in Austin, I don't know if this is a franchise. I had other quotes up to $600 plus. There's a ripoff somewhere.

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Tom W in Austin Tx 98 24v 2500 Quadcab, auto, 3. 54, lsd, Rhino, white/driftwood, Banks Stinger Plus, Manix grill, nerf bars , DTT's TC, valvebody, cooler, Mag-hytec trans & diff, Pac brake.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I had bad luck with those "quick and dirty" francises. Leaks, driving down the road and seeing the chrome trim go flying. I have been lucky with the Ram but my last car was a magnet for stones. With my $100 deductable, I go where my insurer recommends. Overall they are more money but so what? They would keep the car all day. Claimed that it was better for the sealant to set rather than replace and go. Never had a problem.

 

[QRTRHRS]

PS, I had a lot of stones chips repaird as well. My company pays that entirely. Had good luck with that route as well. Had some that I put a piece of duct tape on to keep the dirt out until I could get it patched.

 

[Tagalong]

Guys ther may be a difference in glass prices because of "aftermarket" glass. Check to make sure that you can see the Mopar label lower center of the windshield. Yes, there is a difference between O. E. M. and Aftermarket in quality AND price, so be on the lookout! Also realize that newer windshields are held in place with an epoxy adhesive/sealant NOT butyl tape. The glass surface AND metal pinch weld seating area also needs to be "primed" around the edges (and must not be touched by bare hands) for proper adhesion. Just my . 02

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White 2001, 3500, Auto,3:54,QC,2WD,LB,34' DBL slide Cardinal 5er

 

[Champane Flight]

My insurance agent didn't seem a bit suprized by the 900+ dollar price. I am going to look a little closer at this paticular windshield instalation tommorow though,when I take it back for the above problems. If they turn out shabby finnish work who knows what they do on the actual instalation?

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95 Dodge 2500 Luverne grill guard,headache rack,running boards and Amzoiled. Soon to be mildly bombed. 84 Dodge d-150, 318 Hooker headers,Edelbrok intake,mallory ignition,Carter Afb,Accel coil,and Custom dual exhaust. Boat,fifthwheel,motorcycles,and shop,job to support toys. Yuck...

 

[illflem]

Had the windshields replaced on both my rigs two years ago by Olympic Glass,installer said they are nation wide. Very pleased with their work,they come to you only,they have no shop. They took care of all the insurance for me,I just gave them a check for the deductible,they gave me back twice that amount in gift certificates for the supermarket of my choice. BL, I know you say that's illegal but apparently not in WA state.

The installer said the biggest reason for seal failure and leaks was slamming the doors with all the windows rolled up,on these tight rigs the pressure can blow the seal out until the adhesive is fully cured. He recommended leaving a window cracked for at least two days to insure a lasting seal. Never knew that before,but have had new windshields leak a couple of times before,not these.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)

 

[Bill Lins]

Originally posted by Tom W:
Shop around for prices. I had mine replaced for $212. 00 , he came to my house, saved all the stickers, took him about an hour. This was "Clear lite" in Austin, I don't know if this is a franchise. I had other quotes up to $600 plus. There's a ripoff somewhere.

Yup-sure is a ripoff & you got it. To replace a Ram windshield properly, ie: clean all existing sealer off the body, re-prime, and start from scratch takes at least 2-2. 5 hours. Your guy left the old urethane and gooped more on top of it. Keep watch around the edges of the glass for stress cracks- they commonly occur in and due to this type of installation.

As to price, the current list price for a DW 1176 GB is $1001. 65- average discount is 30-40%. Urethane sealant kit averages about 20-22 bucks and the molding kit (usually required) runs $24. 75 . Add sales tax and 40-45 bucks for labor and you get to $800 or $900 pretty quick.

Anyone installing these windshields for 200 bucks or so is using generic imported POS glass, "quick & dirty" installation practices, and likely will not be around when you have a problem. You pay for what you get. Bell used to have a slogan- If you have a $10 head, buy a $10 helmet.

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Bill Lins Wharton, TX 98 2500 QC SLT,12 (the CORRECT # of)valves,NV4500,3. 54 LSD,Manik grille guard,Semi-Psychotty Air,Amsoil everywhere, Reading aluminum utility body and bumper,Optima yellow tops- silencer ring & muffler stolen.

 

[Tom W]

Bill Lins, I was real happy with my windshield until you told me I got ripped off. You may be right and I'll have problems later but at the present time, after six months, I can't see any problems. I think many repairs are overpriced because a lot of people arn't concerned about the total cost as long as it exceeds their deductable. The insurance companys seem willing to pay exorbatent fees and pass it on in higher rates. I think you would have to admit that there are kickbacks and other frauds going on that we all pay for.
Most of the time you get what you pay for but there are exceptions. Time will tell if I am one of the exceptions.
Bill, I hope to meet you sometime in Houston or Austin. If the Houston bunch ever has a dyno day again, I'll be there and if we can get some Austin folks together I would like to see you there.

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Tom W in Austin Tx 98 24v 2500 Quadcab, auto, 3. 54, lsd, Rhino, white/driftwood, Banks Stinger Plus, Manix grill, nerf bars , DTT's TC, valvebody, cooler, Mag-hytec trans & diff, Pac brake.

 

[Champane Flight]

Took the Ox back today and got the washer line reconnected. He also filled my washer resvoir and redid the shroud hold down screws. One was broken and he had to order it. Told him he was lucky I had had time to cool off before bringing it back. He was very apolagetic and assured me that it was a honest mistake. Hah,Hah. I told him that a blizzard and traffic is good place to realize that you have no washer and to take a little extra care.

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95 Dodge 2500 Luverne grill guard,headache rack,running boards and Amzoiled. Soon to be mildly bombed. 84 Dodge d-150, 318 Hooker headers,Edelbrok intake,mallory ignition,Carter Afb,Accel coil,and Custom dual exhaust. Boat,fifthwheel,motorcycles,and shop,job to support toys. Yuck...

 

[illflem]

Champ,just hope he didn't fill your washer reservoir with some thing that freezes solid with the next cold front. My trust would be gone.

 

[Champane Flight]

Nope, Just good ole prestone wiper fluid.
My trust lies in my own shop,no one elses.

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95 Dodge 2500 Luverne grill guard,headache rack,running boards and Amzoiled. Soon to be mildly bombed. 84 Dodge d-150, 318 Hooker headers,Edelbrok intake,mallory ignition,Carter Afb,Accel coil,and Custom dual exhaust. Boat,fifthwheel,motorcycles,and shop,job to support toys. Yuck...

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Question?? What is the deal with glass outfits giving the gift certificates or offering to pay the deductible? I probably average 6 calls a month from glass places asking if I need a windshield. Just wondering, as this practice is rampant in Oregon.

Shelby

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2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH, DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 1749 miles as of 11-25-00. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

 

[illflem]

Shelby,have you noticed the calls more recently?I was told the auto glass companies run more specials and advertise more in the winter in order to keep their installers employed during the slow times,especially in the north.

 

[yogibear]

I have a real good friend in the glass business. He tells me there are different grades of windshields available, something about the temper of them. I'll ask him how you tell the diff,
Larry

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Y2K 3500 QC,SLT,4X2,White, 6spd,3. 54 lsd,Banks Stinger +,Pacbrake,Pilar mt. EGT & Boost,Amsoil air filter,all amsoil lube w/BMK-15 filter system,MagTec rear cover,putco boss rbs. w/ rear ext. &flaps,20K reese,100 gal. aux. fuel,fold up T cover,5K airlift bags w/comp. ,ranger 2950 cb pushing palomar 225 amp,phantom radar det.

 

[Alaskaskiff]

Hmmm... Guess I got ripped off twice. On windshield #3. ALCAN highway will getcha... Anyways, my last replacement was done by gator glass in Anchorage, AK (APR 96) and I have had no problems since... Price: $320. The glass has the mopar emblem on it as well. Interested in the grading scheme discussed above.

 

[Jetson]

I question the quality of the factory glass, since my rear window shattered when a little water ran down from the roof(The truck was in the shade). My windshield developed a long crack in the middle when it was 1 year old and now has another long crack on the driver's side after 1. 25 years. Neither of these cracks appear to be the result of rocks or chips. If I have to replace the windshield every year or two anyway, it seems better sense to use the cheaper glass and replace it 3 times for the cost of 1. I like the old windshields and adhesive better since I could replace them myself.

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99 2500 QC, LWB, 5spd, 3. 54 limited slip, Intense Blue, 275HP Injectors
Tow Lite trailer
96 KTM 360 EXC
99 Durango 4x4 360cid

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Originally posted by illflem:
Shelby,have you noticed the calls more recently?I was told the auto glass companies run more specials and advertise more in the winter in order to keep their installers employed during the slow times,especially in the north.

Bill,

Can't say as I have noticed a winter pattern. I seem to get the calls all year.

Shelby



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2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH, DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 1749 miles as of 11-25-00. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

 

[A. G. Gilchrist]

As far as "good quality" factory glass is concerned, the original windsheild in my '96 reg. cab 4w/d developed a stress crack in it after one year. The crack started mid-way up on the driver's side and in one week crossed the entire windshield. Had a local body shop replace it for $220 and have had no trouble for four years. My truck is always parked outside in the Houston sun, so if the replacement glass is inferior, I'll take it over the "superior" $900 glass any day.