Who has had their 2004 - 2006 Ultra Windshield replaced?
08-30-12, 08:05 PM
#16
Just had my 05 ultra's windshield replaced a couple of weeks ago. It was done by the shop that does the installations for the local lexus dealer (service manager at the dealer was kind enough to tell me who does their windshields). Cost was $250 (my deductible). The LS does not use any special sound proof glass, just UV. There really is no water repellancy on OEM windshields. I've had 3 OEM Asahi (made in Japan) windshields replaced on my wife's LX...not of them bled water until I applied rain-X. Anyways, some aftermarket windshields have extra sound proofing available (the Prius ones are almost always sound proof). The sound proof ones have a thicker laminate. The standard OEM LS ones are not (I looked at the thickness of the replacement and the OEM one...couldn't visually tell the difference, both were about 1/4" thick). The brand I got was PGW (Pittsburgh Glass Works, US made). The glass shop said some windshields they get are made in Japan w/ the Lexus/Toyota logo ground off (they are made at the same factory, but logo's removed since they aren't marked up as such). Then some shops also use cheap (non-Japanese) imports. They can tell since the curvature of the glass doesn't fit the body.
At any rate, the only had to replace the rain sensing tape and top moulding. I requested OEM for that. The side mouldings are attached by clips and 100% reusable. The PGW glass I got has the same greenish tint as the original. That day, the same guy who installed my windshield did the Lexus dealer owner's LS460's windshield, also PGW. The other good brand is Pilkington (or is it Pilkerton?).
Noise-wise, I can't tell a difference. If anything, the vehicle seems a tad quieter than before. The only difference was they reinstalled the main wiper blade about an inch too low, which made it make a slam noise into the rubber cowling when the wipers were on high, probably because i was the last one out before closing. They fixed that (just loosen the bolt, reposition the wiper arm, tighten bolt).
At any rate, the only had to replace the rain sensing tape and top moulding. I requested OEM for that. The side mouldings are attached by clips and 100% reusable. The PGW glass I got has the same greenish tint as the original. That day, the same guy who installed my windshield did the Lexus dealer owner's LS460's windshield, also PGW. The other good brand is Pilkington (or is it Pilkerton?).
Noise-wise, I can't tell a difference. If anything, the vehicle seems a tad quieter than before. The only difference was they reinstalled the main wiper blade about an inch too low, which made it make a slam noise into the rubber cowling when the wipers were on high, probably because i was the last one out before closing. They fixed that (just loosen the bolt, reposition the wiper arm, tighten bolt).
08-30-12, 11:39 PM
#17
I have to agree with Jim on this. When I saw this earlier in the thread it really made me chuckle.
It's most likely that the earlier poster who noticed a marked difference in water repellency when his windshield was replaced, had some sort of water repellant added at some point (or by the previous owner) that just held up really well over time.
Pilkington, PPG and Saint-Gobain SEKURIT are the best glass in my opinion, but I'm sure there's plenty of alternative makers who are absolutely fine.
It's most likely that the earlier poster who noticed a marked difference in water repellency when his windshield was replaced, had some sort of water repellant added at some point (or by the previous owner) that just held up really well over time.
Pilkington, PPG and Saint-Gobain SEKURIT are the best glass in my opinion, but I'm sure there's plenty of alternative makers who are absolutely fine.
02-03-14, 06:59 PM
#19
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Pretty sure there's only one part number for the windshield. When I had mine replaced a couple months ago, the cost of a OEM windshield was a touch over $1800.
My insurance includes glass coverage at no cost, however there was a set limit($400-500) and I would have to pay the difference out of pocket for OEM.
My insurance includes glass coverage at no cost, however there was a set limit($400-500) and I would have to pay the difference out of pocket for OEM.
02-04-14, 09:14 AM
#20
Lexus Champion
Free glass coverage by the insurance companies has become almost standard. It allows them to specify limits on their responsibility for glass coverage and almost never have to allow more expensive OEM glass to be used unless the owner virtually pays for it!
Non OEM glass is almost made exclusively in China and the cost to installers is around $100 for the glass. The installers have no choice, as the insurance company will refuse to pay for OEM glass. Further, they purchase their glass from local distributors, who carry only the very cheap glass as they know they can't sell more expensive OEM glass anyway.
This system originated by a virtual conspiracy by glass companies and is one of the great scams thrust upon the unknowing US public. Also, non OEM glass is not required to be the equivalent of OEM glass. Think about it, why do the auto manufacturers not use the cheap non OEM glass? Could it be because then don't want customers of new cars returning and complaining about the visibility thru the glass or that it has became chipped easily?
Non OEM glass is almost made exclusively in China and the cost to installers is around $100 for the glass. The installers have no choice, as the insurance company will refuse to pay for OEM glass. Further, they purchase their glass from local distributors, who carry only the very cheap glass as they know they can't sell more expensive OEM glass anyway.
This system originated by a virtual conspiracy by glass companies and is one of the great scams thrust upon the unknowing US public. Also, non OEM glass is not required to be the equivalent of OEM glass. Think about it, why do the auto manufacturers not use the cheap non OEM glass? Could it be because then don't want customers of new cars returning and complaining about the visibility thru the glass or that it has became chipped easily?
02-04-14, 09:52 AM
#21
For the record, regarding water-repellent glass in Lexus LS430s - The 2004 Ls430 brochure clearly states (under "Safety and Security" features), that the 2004 LS430 has " Water-repellent front windshield and front-door glass".
(It is not a model-specific option, but a 2004 LS430 safety feature.)
I had it originally, but my replacement windshield is not so-equipped.
(It is not a model-specific option, but a 2004 LS430 safety feature.)
I had it originally, but my replacement windshield is not so-equipped.
02-04-14, 10:16 AM
#23
Lexus Champion
I tried desperately to obtain an OEM windshield for my car this year, but failed as insurance company states that they only have to supply "like kind and quality" and then insist that the cheap replacement glass meets all the rquirements of OEM. By that, them must mean that is is made of glass!
I researched the suppliers, because I didn't want cheap Chinese glass which is the typical supplier of the $100 glass that installers are virtually forced to buy and use. I eventually had Pilkington installed, as it is supposedly manufactured in Detroit, but even that is skeptical as Pilkington is owned by a Mexican company and may be manufactured there.
I researched the suppliers, because I didn't want cheap Chinese glass which is the typical supplier of the $100 glass that installers are virtually forced to buy and use. I eventually had Pilkington installed, as it is supposedly manufactured in Detroit, but even that is skeptical as Pilkington is owned by a Mexican company and may be manufactured there.
02-04-14, 05:45 PM
#25
Lexus Fanatic
If it were liability only they wouldn't have windshields covered at all...
02-04-14, 05:50 PM
#26
Forum Administrator
Thread Starter
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I've got comprehensive coverage. I ultimately elected to live with the partially repaired star on my windshield vs replacing it with cheap glass. It's still pretty visible but its out of my normal line of sight while driving so it doesn't bother me all that often.
You should also check your state laws; some states require zero deductible windshield replacement by insurance companies.
You should also check your state laws; some states require zero deductible windshield replacement by insurance companies.
02-04-14, 05:54 PM
#27
Lexus Champion
Of course I had full coverage on my UL. My windshield was covered by comprehensive with a $500 deductible until suddenly last year the company decide to give me "free" glass coverage. That resulted in changing my replacement to their right to refuse OEM glass replacement under their new policy regarding glass replacement to reduce their costs.
02-04-14, 06:00 PM
#28
Lexus Fanatic
That was a smart move IMHO...even outside of the glass, just the removal and installation of even OEM glass leaves opportunities for wind noise, etc on such a quiet car.
02-13-14, 11:09 PM
#29
I tried desperately to obtain an OEM windshield for my car this year, but failed as insurance company states that they only have to supply "like kind and quality" and then insist that the cheap replacement glass meets all the rquirements of OEM. By that, them must mean that is is made of glass!
I researched the suppliers, because I didn't want cheap Chinese glass which is the typical supplier of the $100 glass that installers are virtually forced to buy and use. I eventually had Pilkington installed, as it is supposedly manufactured in Detroit, but even that is skeptical as Pilkington is owned by a Mexican company and may be manufactured there.
I researched the suppliers, because I didn't want cheap Chinese glass which is the typical supplier of the $100 glass that installers are virtually forced to buy and use. I eventually had Pilkington installed, as it is supposedly manufactured in Detroit, but even that is skeptical as Pilkington is owned by a Mexican company and may be manufactured there.
02-14-14, 04:29 AM
#30
Of course I had full coverage on my UL. My windshield was covered by comprehensive with a $500 deductible until suddenly last year the company decide to give me "free" glass coverage. That resulted in changing my replacement to their right to refuse OEM glass replacement under their new policy regarding glass replacement to reduce their costs.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 02-14-14 at 04:33 AM.