Which AutoGlass Company?

[JJBagoose]

Hi All,

I haven't posted in a while.

Yesterday a crack appeared in my windshield originating at the low end of the passenger side of my 04 element. When I came out of work the crach had spread almost entirely across the window.

I read about the threads here and suspect I might have the same issue that many have had.

Anyway, I am just going to go through my insurance company and was wondering which company did the best winshield replacement in Massachucetts.

Any suggestions?

thanks,

[EOC4ME]

Originally Posted by JJBagoose

Hi All,

I haven't posted in a while.

Yesterday a crack appeared in my windshield originating at the low end of the passenger side of my 04 element. When I came out of work the crach had spread almost entirely across the window.

I read about the threads here and suspect I might have the same issue that many have had.

Anyway, I am just going to go through my insurance company and was wondering which company did the best winshield replacement in Massachucetts.

Any suggestions?

thanks,

Hello fellow "Toaster Runner"
I've worked in the glass business for 8 1/2 years now. I could tell you about many horror stories, from what we in the industry call "HACKERS"!

WHAT you want to find out from the proposed "GLASS INSTALLER"!!!

1. Are their installers "NGA" Certified? If so, make sure they can provide "PROOF" !!!
2. What Brand of Glass will they be using? (((Stay Clear of: Safelite's Brand of Glass and FYG "from China")))
3. What brand of Urethane (addhesive) are they using? (most companies are using "CHEAP" Urethane) Myself, I recommend these 1-2 HOUR "True Drive Away Time" products: SIKA "Heated & Non-Heated" 1-2 hour products, ESSEX "Heated & Non-Heated" 1-2 hour products, DINOL "Heated & Non-Heated" 1-2 hour products!!!
4. Going back to "TRUE Drive Away Times" !!! Regardless of what your selected Glass Installer tells you, any other products will require upto "24 HOURS" before you can drive your "E"!
5. Lastly, 2 things: Most states allow you the Insured, to select "WHO EVER" "YOU WANT", not who your "INSURANCE COMPANY" tells you to use!!! AND Remember, your LIFE is worth more than an incorrectly installed piece of glass !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope this helps you out
CDI'ER in San Diego this week . . .

[spdrcr5]

Ok, after reading that... what is wrong with Safelite? I had an appointment with them for 8am today but they had the wrong glass. I am going through my insurance and can go anywhere I choose... I can have them get me Honda Glass if I wanted, but what is wrong with Safelite?

If they don't use the "True Drive Away Time" sealant what does that mean? I can't drive my E literally for 24 hours? lol That seems nuts.

[fcz1]

I used Safelite on my old Civic once. I got the crack in 1999 (soon after getting the car, of course). I had no problems with it for the 6 years it was in. I no longer have the Civic so I can't say if it is still OK. I used Safelite again a few weeks ago on my E, no problems so far. But, its only been a few weeks. So far I see nothing wrong with Safelite. But, that is merely my own experience...maybe I got lucky.

[JJBagoose]

Thanks for the advie CDI'ER.

I decided to go with Giant Glass. Anyone up in New England knows them. I've heard good and bad things about them. We'll see.

I asked them some questions you suggested. All techs are NGA certified and use one of the Ahesives you mentioned.

thanks for the tips.

[EOC4ME]

Originally Posted by JJBagoose

Thanks for the advie CDI'ER.

I decided to go with Giant Glass. Anyone up in New England knows them. I've heard good and bad things about them. We'll see.

I asked them some questions you suggested. All techs are NGA certified and use one of the Ahesives you mentioned.

thanks for the tips.

Glad to hear you went with someone other than Safelite!

Why not Safelite you ask? I'm guessing you all did not see the 20/20 episode on windshield installation, now did you . . .
Let's just say some of their windshields have fell out, because of improper installation. Now think what could have happened if you forgot to fasten your seatbelt, and you had a head on collision accident (were do you think you'd end up? I'm guessing not in your "E"??:

Keep'it safe,
CDI'ER

[spdrcr5]

Originally Posted by CDI'ER

Glad to hear you went with someone other than Safelite!

Why not Safelite you ask? I'm guessing you all did not see the 20/20 episode on windshield installation, now did you . . .
Let's just say some of their windshields have fell out, because of improper installation. Now think what could have happened if you forgot to fasten your seatbelt, and you had a head on collision accident (were do you think you'd end up? I'm guessing not in your "E"??:

Keep'it safe,
CDI'ER

So the only reason you say not to go to Safelite is because of a 20/20 episode? But you also said something wasn't kosher about their glass... what's wrong with their glass?

I hold no credence in 20/20 after the hatchet job 60 Minutes did to Audi many years ago. How many different shops did 20/20 visit? What was the issue, not enough adhesive?

[EOC4ME]

No, the 20/20 episode only helped verify the problems.

One problem is their own SGC brand of windshields (if they are installing another vendors product, such as AP TECH - PPG - PILKINGTON, then you're OK), as far as fit & finish. This after dealing with over 100 different glass companies and talking with Safelite installers, as well as customers who have installed Safelite's SGC windshields, over the last eight years.

Another problem is with their Urethane they use. The combination of incorrect use of: cleaning, priming and urethane.
You asked if you really had to have your vehicle sit for 24 hours before safely driving it. Yes, I have witnessed windshield crash testing and Safelites urethane (using their recommended drive away times) failed (the glass flew out of the vehicle). Let it also be know, that theirs was not the only brand of urethane to fail this testing.
The three brands of 1-2 hour "Heated & Non-Heated" urethanes I mentioned earlier, all passed (using their recommended drive away times).

I don't want to scare or steer you away from any glass company, but only inform you with my industry experience.
On another note, stay away from "fly-by-night" companies offering such things as: Free Dinners, $50-$100 CASH or Gift Cards, etc. Remember, they have to be cutting costs somewere to give those things away! (and the first place they usually start is cheap urethane)

You and your loved ones "E" included, will always be worth more than that FREE Steak Dinner!

[spdrcr5]

Originally Posted by CDI'ER

No, the 20/20 episode only helped verify the problems.

One problem is their own SGC brand of windshields (if they are installing another vendors product, such as AP TECH - PPG - PILKINGTON, then you're OK), as far as fit & finish. This after dealing with over 100 different glass companies and talking with Safelite installers, as well as customers who have installed Safelite's SGC windshields, over the last eight years.

Another problem is with their Urethane they use. The combination of incorrect use of: cleaning, priming and urethane.
You asked if you really had to have your vehicle sit for 24 hours before safely driving it. Yes, I have witnessed windshield crash testing and Safelites urethane (using their recommended drive away times) failed (the glass flew out of the vehicle). Let it also be know, that theirs was not the only brand of urethane to fail this testing.
The three brands of 1-2 hour "Heated & Non-Heated" urethanes I mentioned earlier, all passed (using their recommended drive away times).

I don't want to scare or steer you away from any glass company, but only inform you with my industry experience.
On another note, stay away from "fly-by-night" companies offering such things as: Free Dinners, $50-$100 CASH or Gift Cards, etc. Remember, they have to be cutting costs somewere to give those things away! (and the first place they usually start is cheap urethane)

You and your loved ones "E" included, will always be worth more than that FREE Steak Dinner!

Glenn thanks for the info. I'll be calling them tomorrow and asking for the glass manufacturer and everything else you said. If need be I'll bring it somewhere else on Monday and have my Insurance company transfer the payment there.

Thanks.

[Americonium]

Ugh, I wish I would have had this information a couple of weeks ago. Oh well, considering I've had 3 windshields in 2 cars in the past 2 months, I'm sure I'll be going to someone in the next few months....