2nd gen vs. 2nd gen facelift windshield

I've done a little searching but don't see this in any threads, so I'm looking for knowledge from the collective Tacoma brain. I have an '06 DCSB and HATE the shade band/tint strip at the top of my windshield. I'm pretty tall (6'4") and look right through the blue tint to see the road. I've checked to see if there is an option for a windshield without it, but every glass shop says that there is only one part number listed and it is for a windshield with the shade band. However, they say that 2012-2015 lists the option of a clear windshield with no blue tint. So my question is this: is the cab different in the facelift gen 2? Isn't it the exact same sheet metal except for the front end? If someone in the auto glass industry could enlighten me, that would be awesome and I thank you in advance!

Also, has anyone found or made thinner sun visors that aren't over an inch thick and protrude into the (tall) driver's field of view even when they're stowed? If so, I'd like to see what you've got!

 

my original windshield was cracked and I had it replaced at a local shop that did repairs for the toyota dealer down the road, I got a good deal on a tiny chipped replacement, I wanted toyota oem glass, it does not have the shade band you speak of that also annoyed me. I never realized they had dropped it after 2011 but that makes sense now. mine is a 2010 so it clearly works on the older cabs. ive retrofitted alot of the interior on mine also and had no issues, older cabs are the exact same from my experience using newer parts. id say have them order you a 12-15 then.

 

Thanks, TruKnight! I will go for it, knowing that it actually works. The later model second gens have the option for either with and without the shade band.

I was confused at first since your truck appears to be the gen 2.1 but then I read your build thread. Nice looking truck, by the way! I like the look of the FJ rims on it.

 

I am thrilled to hear this. I also have this problem and would prefer one without the band. But I have a 2.5 anyways.

 

glad to help! and thank you kindly!

 

Now all that remains is to be rid of those bloated sun visors. I'm thinking of making some out of Sintra, but the hardware may be difficult for me to fab up. Not sure how to go about making the friction mechanism. If I ever accomplish it, I'll post the results. For now, however, I need to get to more pressing matters, like replacing the steering rack and tie rod ends, ball joints, and control arm bushings. That's what I get for buying a truck with 180k. Less than the 240k on my '87 4Runner, it replaced though! Hope the 1GRFE holds up as well as the old 22RE!

 

The shade band is optional when buying aftermarket glass. It's not something they dropped for '12-15. When I had my windshield replaced, the first one was cruddy Chinese XYG without the band (and so much waviness that it gave me headaches) and my 2nd replacement was FYG with the band.

That being said, I would not be surprised if the option is gone since these glass distributors aren't going to be trying to stock every option now that the 3rd gen and 4th gens also need to be stocked.