Windshield replacement

Because of the storms today, came out to a cracked windshield from a pine cone. Any recommendations for windshield replacement in the South Bay Area? Any experience with the dealer?

 

Safelight.

 

I used Safelite and went with their glass. This was about 6 years ago though.

 

I asked this same question years ago and went with Atlas in San Mateo. Really happy with their work.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ld-replacement-facility.788719/#post-28261249

 

I kinda want to see how big a pine cone it took to crack a windshield.

 

What brand of glass did you all end up with? I've read mixed reviews about Fuyao (Chinese glass) and oem Pilkington glass.

 

American Factory -- NetFlix documentary covered Fuyao Glass factory in Ohio...let's just say it was interesting.

 

Yeah, I could tell you a lot about the TSMC plant in AZ that isn't covered in the news. A lot of things that went on during construction of the plant.

 

I think the difference is less about construction and more about expectations. Union talk? Here's your new job. Good luck! Fired. Worker productivity sucks? Robots. They promised American management. All fired.

I'm familiar with TSMC. Taiwan is not Mainland China but the reality is neither is like working for an American company. And honestly, it's hard work and you won't last long if you don't ascribe to that philosophy.

 

High odds say a dealer is going to sub it out.

It might be interesting to know who they use, assuming you have a semi relationship with someone there who will tell you.

And I want to see the pine cone too.

 

I suggest that you seek out a custom/specialty glass shop, especially if insurance picks up the tab. The kind of shop that installs glass on collectible and high-end cars is more likely to have its owner(s) overseeing or even performing your glass job.

Safelite does good work, but there is better out there...

As for dealers, many send their cars out for glass work.

 

Yes the dealers do send out for glass work. I was the Super on a Cadillac/GMC remodel. Every car or truck that came in needing a new windshield, They called in a mobile glass guy.

 

Not sure how it is on recent generations but 1st gen has a seal around the glass that channels water. When safelite replaced my windshield the first time, they used their generic seal that had no water channel. Water just ran straight off the windshield and went all over the side windows. Irritated the hell out of me. I had to argue with my insurance carrier at the time but they sided with me and took it quite far up the customer satisfaction side of safelite. Safelite ended up ordering the toyota seal and re-doing the job.

This is the 1st gen part.

Not the best image but this is the "lip" on the seal that channels/keeps the water from spilling over the sides. It runs the length of the A pillar. Without it, water will just run all over the driver/passenger side windows when driving in the rain. Sucks balls if you want to have your window cracked for air.



EDIT: Just checked and on 2015-2023 Tacos, the part # is 75533-04010 (RH) / 75534-04010 (LH). Looks like it would be a non issue for this year range as it's not a seal but a moulding. Still, be mindful of it when the windshield is replaced. Make sure its not some generic rubber piece that is part of the cheapo replacement glass. Make sure your original is not thrown out. On the first gen glass, they typically just toss out the glass with the seal even though it should be re-used. That's what I gathered from the tech who did the 2nd install on my 2002.

 

Lotus glass has changed out may be a dozen Tacoma windshields for me over the years.

 

Hi everyone, thanks for all the advice.

I ended up going with J&J auto glass (https://www.yelp.com/biz/j-and-j-auto-glass-mountain-view-5) and am happy with the work. Mobile service and I requested to use OEM Pilkington glass. I was worried about the calibration, but after watching some youtube videos, seems like a straight forward thing.

I did also get a quote from Steven Creek Toyota. They do sub it out. They only have 1 price for insurance or no insurance, so it was more. I did not use insurance. My insurance company wanted me to use Safelight. There was another company I also got a quote from, they were about the same price as J&J, but they charged an extra 3% for using a credit card. So, they were out.

For those wondering, here is an example picture of the "young" pine cone that hit me with the strong winds last week. These things are like a pound or 2 and solid.

 

I ended up using J&J this past Wednesday, to replace windshield on my Pro and a little window on our 2006 MDX (smash and grab).
Cool dude, and he does it at your house. He drives a 23 4x4 long bed trd sport that was fully equipped to handle anything auto glass related …hella nice rig. Oh, and he is a AAA preferred contractor, glass cost me $100.