Cracked windshield?

[RakkWarrior]

Had a rock hit my windshield and leave a 13 inch crack on the passenger side of the T-bird. I made some calls and out of pocket repair/replacement expenses were as high as $655.53 and as low as $471.00. Ouch!!!

Then I called USAA, my Ins. Company. In Kentucky there is a law that windshields are repaired with comprehensive coverage at no cost to the driver, and no adverse effects to his/her policy. I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief. All is well, I'll be leaving in a few minutes to get the windshield repaired.

[Sweet T]

Re: Cracked windshield?

Make sure it's not Safelite!

[RakkWarrior]

Re: Cracked windshield?

Whats wrong with Safelite?

[louhari]

Re: Cracked windshield?

Does anyone know if the windshields on the 2002-2003 differ from the 2004-2005 because of the heated lower windshield feature of the 2002-2003? Obviously they're all the same size so they'll work and if you have a 2004-2005, it doesn't really matter, just a curiosity.

[Sweet T]

Re: Cracked windshield?

Safelite makes their own windshields.......they're not OEM. Insurance companies like them because they're cheaper. They do use the original equipment manufacturers specs to make them, however, I'm told, when you try to calibrate someone else measurements or your own machines, there will always be slight differences in the final measurements of the product......even slight, when it comes to keeping water out is too much. Also the passenger side airbag uses the windshield as a brace, if the windshield should pop out easier because it isn't a tight fit, the airbag is useless.

[mrwoods123]

Re: Cracked windshield?

Safelite makes their own windshields.......they're not OEM. Insurance companies like them because they're cheaper. They do use the original equipment manufacturers specs to make them, however, I'm told, when you try to calibrate someone else measurements or your own machines, there will always be slight differences in the final measurements of the product......even slight, when it comes to keeping water out is too much. Also the passenger side airbag uses the windshield as a brace, if the windshield should pop out easier because it isn't a tight fit, the airbag is useless.

I wish I'd known about these cheaper windshield brands earlier. My Grand Marquis windshield was cracked when some idiots decided to play baseball in a parking lot that had cars parked in it. I paid like $250 for a new one. But when I got it back, the new windshield's rear mirror slot was lower than the original. I liked the mirror up high.

[Sweet T]

Re: Cracked windshield?

But when I got it back, the new windshield's rear mirror slot was lower than the original. I liked the mirror up high.

As a former "Baseball Mom", I averaged about 3 new windshields a year.

Next time you have to buy your own, ask for the "insurance rate"....it's anywhere from 25-70% cheaper than the off the street rate.

I'm not sure about your mirror being lower.....I think they are glued on, and I only say that because after one replacement, with the car closed up and in the sun, I came out to find the mirror on the floor.

Check it out. If it's only glued on, take it back.

[mrwoods123]

Re: Cracked windshield?

Next time you have to buy your own, ask for the "insurance rate"....it's anywhere from 25-70% cheaper than the off the street rate.

I'm not sure about your mirror being lower.....I think they are glued on, and I only say that because after one replacement, with the car closed up and in the sun, I came out to find the mirror on the floor.

Check it out. If it's only glued on, take it back.[/quote]

The mirror holder is built into the windshield. Then the mirror slides into place. No glue was involved.

[94mcd]

Re: Cracked windshield?

Does anyone know if the windshields on the 2002-2003 differ from the 2004-2005 because of the heated lower windshield feature of the 2002-2003? Obviously they're all the same size so they'll work and if you have a 2004-2005, it doesn't really matter, just a curiosity.

I had my 2004 windshield replaced and the broken one had the heat elements in it as well as the new one. My car was built in Sept 03. I don't know if the heating element actually works for a 2004.

[RakkWarrior]

Re: Cracked windshield?

I went to Safelite and checked their work, they did indeed attempt to use a PGP aftermarket windshield. I told them they will have to install a OEM windshield. I also noted there were some small scratches in the replacement windshield, pointed this out to the customer service personnel. They will be ordering a NEW one from Ford.

[Dan R]

Re: Cracked windshield?

I just had my fourth windshield installed today on my 2002. The first replacement (2nd windsheild) was due to a ford autobody place heating it up and cracking it. The second two were because of rocks. Both the second two were done by safelite. The key to safelite is getting the right guy. Replacing these windshields is hard and it is easy to screw up the chrome on the side bars. I told my insurance company that I wanted to go with a Ford dealership this time and they were fine with that, but told me that dealerships generally call in safelite (or competitor) and then charge more. When I told safelite that I wasn't happy with their last change they sent a guy who new how to do it right, ordered new chrome side pieces and comped me on the deductable. Oveall a pretty good deal.

Dan

[SailorBird]

Re: Cracked windshield?

I got a rock chip a couple of months ago when I last drove the Tbird. Just checked the car this afternoon when I got back from a few weeks away and I now have a crack starting from mid-windshield to the bottom of the windshield. Looks like I will have to call my insurance agent tomorrow to get it replaced.

[SixPac]

Re: Cracked windshield?

Windshield took a hit from a rock on our way home from Charleston. A small chip is now in the direct sight line of the driver. It hasn't started running yet, but it will. We're going to see if that quick patch method will work. I hate replacing windshields. Seems like everytime we go to an event we come home with damage. Oh well, it's just a car.

[My Raven]

Re: Cracked windshield?

Oh well, it's just a car.

Did Lady SixPac Hear You Say That ?!?!?!?

[Sweet T]

Re: Cracked windshield?

I think we need to be more aware of our surroundings than other drivers. Never, ever stay behind a truck, keep a further distance from any vehicle during rain for rocks fly further then, where we park, etc. Heck, I don't even drive through puddles.