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Windshield Repair or Replace

Discussion in 'Detailing & Showroom' started by mb5, Jun 13, 2023.

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  1. mb5

    mb5 Karting

    Nov 11, 2017
    129
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Matt
    #1 mb5, Jun 13, 2023
    Got popped with a rock on the freeway yesterday and now have a tiny chip-crack on my 2003 360 Moderna’s windshield. I’m now trying to figure out exactly what to do and would appreciate any advice or insight.

    Here’s all the relevant info:
    • It’s exactly in front of the driver’s side. Unless a repair makes it invisible, it’s probably going to annoy me.
    • I initiated a claim with Geico. It gave me a huge list of vendors I could take it to, so I scanned down and selected South Bay Ferrari (Los Angeles). I talked to them today and it sounds like they’ll only do replacement—not repair. Waiting for them to get back to me with a quote.
    • My comprehensive says it covers a replacement and the deductible is small…not a concern.
    • I don’t care about Concours-type stuff but I think I would like another OEM windshield if possible.
    • I slightly worry that the car will be worse off if it’s replaced…that they’ll screw up the antenna or trim or something. Rifledriver’s comments on this thread seem to somewhat validate that concern https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/360-windshield-replacement.448430/
    • I was planning to get Xpel tint installed very soon. Now that has me wondering if I could somehow get that installed at the same time as a replacement…or maybe that’s a nonissue and they can install the tint just the same when it’s already mounted? Am I overthinking that?
    Suggestions? Get a guy to come to my house and repair it? Anyone got a guy in LA?
     
  2. vince15c

    vince15c Rookie

    Aug 27, 2008
    2
    #2 vince15c, Jun 13, 2023
    I had a similar thing happen to my Porsche. I was told that if it is in the driver's line of sight it cannot be repaired. Mine was off to the side enough that it was repairable. I can see see it a bit because of the location I have to look for it so it doesn't annoy me.
     
    mb5 likes this.
  3. docf

    docf Formula 3

    Sep 14, 2008
    1,404
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Gary
    #3 docf, Jun 13, 2023
    Replace! Replacing with a factory optioned is certainly not going to affect resale. Selling it with a crack on the windshield will reduce it's value as to the cost & inconvience of replacement by the buyer. It's like having to repaint the front bumper.
     
    mb5 likes this.
  4. Tifoso Ferrari

    Tifoso Ferrari Formula Junior

    Nov 7, 2005
    578
    Upper Volta
    Full Name:
    Gianni Cagate
    #4 Tifoso Ferrari, Jun 13, 2023
    Repair! It will never, ever be replaced exactly as it was originally installed at the Factory. Afterwards, if it drives you crazy, then replace it. No downside to repair first.
     
    S-T48 likes this.
  5. montegoblue

    montegoblue Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 7, 2009
    572
    East TN
    #5 montegoblue, Jun 18, 2023
    I replaced a windshield on a Cali T I used as a daily driver. Done at the dealership, had to be imported from Italy etc, took about 2 weeks. Cost a few years back was 7K, luckily insurance covered. You couldn’t tell the difference from original.
     
  6. Ak Jim

    Ak Jim F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 23, 2007
    9,379
    North Pole AK
    #6 Ak Jim, Jun 19, 2023
    The sooner you get it repaired the more invisible the repair will be. I have gotten a few chips over the years and got them repaired immediately with good results. Why not get it fixed and then evaluate the repair and then decide to keep the repaired one or swap it out. The thing to remember is get it fixed asap.
     
  7. JayO

    JayO Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 4, 2003
    1,092
    Boston, MA
    Full Name:
    Jay
    #7 JayO, Jun 19, 2023
    I would 100% go with replacement. I had a chip repaired in my 718 Spyder and it was quite noticeable. It also started to crack again by the following summer, so I ended up replacing it anyway.
    I also don't understand people saying you can never get a windshield replaced just like it was from the factory. I've never had an issue with a replacement windshield in anything from Jeeps to Porsches.
     
    Rexcat458 and docf like this.
  8. 330BRC

    330BRC Karting

    May 4, 2007
    134
    Seattle, Washington
    Full Name:
    Brian Conlan
    #8 330BRC, Jun 19, 2023
    If you do decide to repair, take it to a professional brick and mortar reputable shop like Novus. Better results over the mobile guys.
     
  9. mb5

    mb5 Karting

    Nov 11, 2017
    129
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Matt
    #9 mb5, Jul 1, 2023
    Thanks all for the input. I ended having Ferrari South Bay replace it, and they did a perfect job. Visibly the same, and confirmed the radio works just the same as before.

    I think that if I had any confidence the insurance company wouldn’t screw me with deeming it two different claims, I would’ve tried having it repaired first, then re-evaluate.

    But who knows what would’ve happened. Now I’m waiting to find out if they’re going to reimburse me 100% (less my nominal deductible), and/or if they’re gonna jack up my rates.
     
    waymar and Ak Jim like this.

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