General Chat
Q:
Not really Z related but need you guys' help..
I need to replace the front winshield on my wife's lexus, and the dealer wants $1000. I called around and if I just go with mom & pop's store I can get it for $200. Is it worth it to get the original lexus winshield for $1000 or is the non original glass ok?
A:
everytime ive had a windshield replaced ive went with a friends shop/ma and pop shop and havent been charged over 150 with no probs.
93 z32 convertible=pearl white, 5 speed
jwt pop-charger, hks hypers, asp underdrive pulley
http://www.picturetrail.com/ssm86
86 z31 na=super white, 5 speed
A:
No, it is not worth it. Go to any reputable shop and tell them you want OEM glass - it will be identical to the glass put in your car but may or may not have the Lexus etching on the glass.
Do not forget to get the proper tint.
Please ask these questions in the car talk forum from now on.
A:
A windshield from Lexus for a grand? I thought it took a grand just to get an oil change and tire rotation at a Lexus dealer. I say go for it.......what's another grand compared to the money wasted on a Lexus to begin with?
Ken
'82ZX n/a 2+2
'02 Sportster XL1200C
A:
Guys, there are few manufacturers of automotive glass.
The vast majority is marked "LOF"
Know what that stands for? "Libbey-Owens-Ford"
This is a partnership going back almost to the beginning of the automotive industry. Ford of course you know, Owens is like in Owens-Corning, the Pink Fiberglass People, and Libbey is of Libbey Glass---look in the bottom of most of the drinking glasses in diners and at home for a scripted "L", you are drinking out of a Libbey Product.
If you get LOF Glass, it's basically the Automotive Standard, and chances are they are supplying glass for the OEM anyway.
Generic Glass is Good Glass. If it's LOF or any of several other brands, it's OEM Quality, and in many cases the exact same thing. Unless you have some funky LCD Dimming Tint, I doubt the price you are paying for at Lexus is anything but markup. Most Dealerships DO NOT do their own glass any longer---they contract it out to local shops as they are set up for the volume.
My Ford Truck needed Glass, and the dealer sent me up the road to get it on my own---told me "you save our 30% mark-up, and it's the same damned glass!"
i would have no reservations about mom-n-pop glass.
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"
A:
If you take it to the dealer for $1,000, they will call the Mom & Pop to do it for $200 and pocket the difference.
A:
point well taken..thanx
A:
besides, I was well against buying a lexus, it's just when your wife wants something, it's probably better to get it, then to not to get it, in a logn run..
A:
My friend, who has driven nothing but VW, went the 'cheap generic glass' route on his VW GTI once.....BIG MISTAKE! He found out the hard way that all glass IS NOT created equal. Wasn't long before it was pitted all to hell and he had to replace again, this time with the factory part.....which lasted the rest of the time he owned the car.
You should be aware that it is not always the same glass.
Ken
'82ZX n/a 2+2
'02 Sportster XL1200C
A:
I had a GTI once. Drove for 90k w/ changing nothing, no new tires, no belts. Just put gas..great car..but my z32 is better.....:)
A:
Please do not think that a single example constitutes an overall experience.
For the most part the glass is great quality and supplied to the dealership from the same factory.
A:
I will have no problem paying $1000 for replacing front winshield. IF I WIN A LOTTERY !!! til then, Im going w/ $200 one. thanx
A:
It goes the other way, also!
Some manufacturers use "pitty" glass, whereas the LOF replacement glass has a tougher temper, and lasts longer!
For an 800$ differenc in cost, you could go through 4 windshields before you made up the cost!
If you don't live in the desert southwest or near a gravel pit, the "soft glass" in some aftermarket (and OEM) applications will do just fine.
For the price, I wouldn't hesitate going generic, if it was a PPG or LOF Piece...
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"
A:
this is kinda irrelevant...but one of the main LOF warehouses is right next to our local junkyard in Nashville
**********************
1978 280z
5 speed
3-2-1 MSA headers
140,000 original miles
http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/585326