Cracked Windshield Relacement - Dealer or Safelite?

The dealer installs windshields once in a blue moon. Safelite on the other hand, installs windshields every single day. I would go with Safelite or some other large glass company.

 

I had the dealer replace my windshield. Very expensive but in Florida it is done at no cost to the insured. State Farm did some negotiating but the dealer did a first class job. This was done on a 430. I would be surprised that a windshield repair facility would have an authorized Ferrari windshield. I would not want an aftermarket.

As was explained to me by the dealer, replacing the windshield requires removal of the interior of the cabin. Again, not something I would want done by just anyone.

 

I have a crack also and Safelite doesn't do it ...

 

With a very few exceptions dealers don't ever install a windshield. They send it to a body shop then the body shop will call their glass installing company. If the dealer happens to have an in house body shop even most of them call a glass company.

It comes down to how many middle men you want.

 

Interesting comments from Brian. Makes we wonder exactly who installed my windshield at the dealer about 3 months ago. What I do know is that the windshield was absolutely perfect when it returned. When I had a windshield replaced on my old 997, the job was terrible.
Also, I found that the insurance company didn't dispute the cost of the windshield based on the dealer quote - they said because it was an exotic.

 

A real problem. Glass installers come in all skill levels. We had one that was great but then that company went the way of so many others. They just quit doing exotics. I offered to pay 3x the usual price but no go. Had no interest, said too much trouble and too much liability.

If you find a good one ask for that person every time.

 

You are in San Diego.

Go to Bobileff. He does restoration and probably does their own glass. I wouldn't consider anyone else. Even if he contracts it I bet it is someone good.

 

Bob in texas wrote...


"Also, I found that the insurance company didn't dispute the cost of the windshield based on the dealer quote - they said because it was an exotic.[/QUOTE]"


Not True. State Farm negotiated over $1000 off of the original quote.

 

Please detail the need to remove the interior. Radio Antenna is all I can think of.

 

When mine was cracked, I contacted the dealer and asked who they used. They don't do the install themselves. I contacted that company directly and they picked up the windshield from Ferrari, brought it to my house and installed it right in my own garage.

 

Did they have to remove some trim to get to the antenna connection?
Alan

 

i have several minor chips and would like to change it out.

 

Safelite has replaced two windscreens locally that I know about. They brought in someone with "specialized" training to do both jobs.

One thing to remember is that the modern Ferraris do not have a rubber seal to hold the windshield in place. They are glued with an epoxy and fitment is critical. Applying the appropriate pressure at the right places on the windshield and keeping that pressure til the epoxy sets up is the key.

Once the new windshield is placed, the car must sit without being disturbed for a minimum of 48 hours. If they have the car back to you the same day or the next day, then they were doing something wrong.

 

It was several years ago. I think they had to contort themselves and reach up under the dash. There may have been some pieces around the wipers but that is all that I can recall.

 

All cars are done that way now, have been for a very long time. Most glass guys now have never seen a rubber channel seal type windshield. It isn't epoxy, it is a urethane product. 48 hours may be a company policy but 1 day turn around isn't uncommon. If it really took 48 hours GM wouldn't be able to build cars.

The guy with specialized training? He was just the guy they trusted with a $2000 piece of glass.