F50 Windshield Replacement

[mhoepfin]

Had a rock hit my windshield on my 02. Anyone get a windshield replaced on an F50? Is aftermarket as good as the Infiniti branded windshield?

She told me they are the exact same windshields and come from the same supplier, but that there is a $1000 ($250 aftermarket, $1250 from dealer) price difference.

Also, wondering what the black area behind the rear view mirror is for?

Mike

[1990QOwner]

A windshield is a windshield, I would think that they both meet the same specs. I had the windshield replaced on my G50 a while back with an aftermarket one and it has done fine for me. Just make sure that you have it done by a reputable company.

And if you want to tint it than this is the time to do it, before they put it in. Good Luck.

[qship96]

I would stick with the factory glass,especially if your insurance company is taking care of it.If you are paying,and want to save some money,closely examine any aftermarket glass before agreeing on that cost saving option=look at glass from many different angles to check for wavy distortion{common in cheap aftermarket glass} and measure thickness to insure sound deadening abilities and overall strength,and make sure tint color is identical-you may just decide to let the insurance company pay for the real deal after checking all this-

[Q45tech]

Aftermarket comes in multiple grades, along with quality rejects............buyer beware!

[StarPD]

Had a rock hit my windshield on my 02. Anyone get a windshield replaced on an F50? Is aftermarket as good as the Infiniti branded windshield?

She told me they are the exact same windshields and come from the same supplier, but that there is a $1000 ($250 aftermarket, $1250 from dealer) price difference.

Also, wondering what the black area behind the rear view mirror is for?

Mike

Sigh.I don't know who "she" is, but she is misinformed.Let me explain it one more time.There are THREE types of auto glass (windshields).One is "Factory".Another is "OEM". It's the exact same specs quality as the factory glass, but available though auto glass suppliers. It does not have the vehicle manufacturer's name etched into it, but rather the glass makers name. It is fully interchangeable with "Factory" glass in every respect, and may in fact be made by the very same company that makes the Factory glass using the same specs and requirements. While available through aftermarket suppliers, or glass warehouses, it is NOT what is termed "aftermarket" in the trade.The last is known in the trade as "aftermarket glass". It does not meet OEM specs, which is why it is called "aftermarket". It IS different from and inferior to "OEM" glass.

Some automotive glass is not available as "OEM" glass, usually because the volume isn't high enough for the glass manufacturer to make, inventory, and furnish it to glass warehouses, who won't stock it because of its low consumption. MOST glass of such low volume is also not available as "aftermarket glass" for the same reasons, but there are exceptions, which is why you have to be careful.

F50 windshields are ONLY available as "Factory", which means they must be obtained by the auto glass company (the repair people) only through a dealer. Such glass is termed "Dealer Only" glass. FWIW, RV glass is usually in the same category. Other Infiniti models may have "OEM" (which while identical, is a lot cheaper than "Dealer Only", or may have even "aftermarket" glass available, it depends on the model and options.

"Dealer only", or "Factory" glass is always more expensive, sometimes a LOT more than "OEM" glass, but if you have a vehicle that requires "Dealer Only" glass, you have no choice.

Auto glass companies pay around $875 for F50 glass, plus $130 EACH for the TWO "kits" required to replace the windshield. Then there's labor to install, supplies like adhesive, prep chemcials, cleaners, etc. travel expense for the technician, including his vehicle and it's operating cost, and finally, the auto glass company must make a profit. Yes, that's right, you don't work for free, do you? Auto glass companies don’t either.

So, here are my tips for Infiniti owners:1. Make sure you have a "no-deductible" glass coverage in your insurance policy. It's dirt cheap compared with the cost of replacing Infiniti windshields.2. Do NOT use your insurance company's 800 number. You will get the most chance of poor installation even if they do use OEM glass, as they use only the lowest bidders, who frequently employ inexperienced or job-hopping technicians and require as much as 10 jobs per day from them. If it is available, they frequently use "aftermarket" glass, which is substandard.3. Ask your insurance agent for his PERSONAL recommendation of a REPUTABLE auto glass company, one that he knows and uses. If your agent refuses to recommend anyone and tells you they aren't allowed to recommend anyone, get a new agent. He's either lazy and doesn't want to be bothered with anything except collecting his commissions on your insurance, or intimidated by his company, which means he has their and his best interests at heart, and not yours. There ARE reputable local auto glass companies, and they ARE different from the ones the insurance companies 800 numbers use, and from the ones who will give you "free steaks", "free diamond necklaces", and so on, and from the ones who obtain their business at car washes. Avoid all of these like the plague. 4. Be sure to tell your glass company that you want either "Factory" (Dealer Only) or "OEM" glass, just for the record.

If you were foolish enough (and/or cheap enough) to not get no-deductible glass coverage in your insurance, I don't care what your cousin, friend, or work buddy told you about how he got a new windshield in an F50 for $250. It ain't gonna happen, except maybe after you find somewhere to get a brand new VK45 motor installed for $1,000. Maybe that guy can install a new F50 windshield for $250. Maybe he's a secret philanthropist that likes to help people out or something. And maybe 2007 Q45s will appear on the market for $1500. Don't hold your breath.

BTW, I strongly urge against buying glass coverage insurance AFTER yours is broken and submitting a claim for it. Insurance fraud is a serious crime, and carries some pretty severe penalties. No matter how clever you may think you are, the insurance companies are usually smarter, and it’s not worth shaking dice over.

Yes, I work for an auto glass company, so I pretty much know all this stuff. If you have any questions, or if I can help NICO members in any way, let me know. I cannot however give you quotes on cash jobs unless you live in Phoenix. If you DO live in the Phoenix area and need auto glass, let me know, and I'll work with your insurance company and make it painless for you if you have coverage, or make you a "brother-in-law deal" if you don't. Ask Greg (AZHitman) about me.

FWIW, I am NOT soliciting business, just willing to help fellow NICO members if I can.

[widebodyq]

Thanks that was very helpful. I let someone at pep boys install my whipers after an oil change and it appears they didnt put the whiper on correctly because it came out of its position and etched a thick scratch on my glass. I had no clue glass for the car was more then $600. I guess you pay to play with flagships. I will keep what you said in mind when im ready to fix the glass

[mhoepfin]

Very informative post!

I called State Farm and learned I had a $100 windshield deductible, so I am going that route.

They are claiming they will use "PPG" glass in the F50.

StarPD, is "PPG" glass good or bad?

Thanks again!Mike

[StarPD]

Very informative post!

I called State Farm and learned I had a $100 windshield deductible, so I am going that route.

They are claiming they will use "PPG" glass in the F50.

StarPD, is "PPG" glass good or bad?

Thanks again!Mike

Glad I helped you. I hope I helped others too.

Not sure about PPG, I forgot which one of the glass makers is iffy. I'll check it out and get back to you.Taking my '05 F50 in to the dealer to get the steering system flushed and a few loose things fixed, as well as re-aiming my headlights, so I won't be able to respond right away.As soon as I find out, I'll get back to you.

I hope you are using a reputable and recommended auto glass company, rather than whoever the State Farm 800 number gave you. Remember, the glass is only part of the deal. Installation is just as important as the quality of the glass. You don't want a leak, wind noise, or worse yet, damage to your wonderful Q45. Any glass company will, or at least should re-do an installation, but it's a PITA.

I'll let you know about PPG.

[mhoepfin]

It's Glass Doctor, which seems like a rather large chain.

He is coming this afternoon, I will report back when he is finished.

Also, if the installation is not close to perfect, I will insist that it is gets done correctly.

I'm still wondering what the black square on the windshield behind the rear view mirror is for?

Thanks!Mike

[mhoepfin]

Windshield is in. Glass looks just like the old one. There's a piece of tape along the top outside he asked me to leave in until the morning to let the glue set.

This guy was fast, took him less than 30 minutes.

Can't find anything that looks out of place.

I was invoiced for:

1 FW02263GBN - Windshield Green Tint/Blue Shade (Solar) - $285.171 Adhesive - $20

Time will tell about quality, but it has a 12 month warranty for whatever good that will be.

Glad I called my insurance company, I went out of pocket the $100 deductable...

Mike

[qship96]

PPg is a huge glass company and supplier to many brands of auto manufacturers.The black shaded area is just that...a shaded area to reduce glare around the rear view area where the sun visors dont cover.

[Q451990]

I have always been able to insist on genuine Infiniti glass and had no problem getting it. I would ask for it and see what happens... if you can get it, then you won't have to worry about if you're getting the best replacement.

Heath

[StarPD]

Glad your new W/S is in and okay.

I checked out PPG. They are fine, as qship96 says, supplier of EOM glass to many vehicle manufacturers. You can be sure the quality is every bit as good as that of the W/S which came new with the car when it was originally delivered. Safelite is the one to be careful of. I knew there was one that's iffy, but couldn't remember which one.

[mhoepfin]

Glad your new W/S is in and okay.

I checked out PPG. They are fine, as qship96 says, supplier of EOM glass to many vehicle manufacturers. You can be sure the quality is every bit as good as that of the W/S which came new with the car when it was originally delivered. Safelite is the one to be careful of. I knew there was one that's iffy, but couldn't remember which one.

That is good to hear. Thumbs up to State Farm!

Thanks for all the info StarPD.

[RAP]

Very informative post!

I called State Farm and learned I had a $100 windshield deductible, so I am going that route.

They are claiming they will use "PPG" glass in the F50.

StarPD, is "PPG" glass good or bad?

Thanks again!Mike

PPG Pennsylvania Plate Glass Industries Has been around making glass, and many other excellent products for probably longer than NISSAN has been in existence.

They may well be the supplier of Nissan glass?

Goggle PPG Industries and "read all about it"

Today auto windshield glass is lighter than it used to be (weight saving measure) and prone to suffer those crazy cracks from just a small pebble strike. Something that didn't happen before. There is even a repair, or "stop the cracking before it spreads", method that can be applied to "cracked windshields" by stop drilling and applying some liquid glue like material in the hole.

What seems strange to me is why anyone would consider using dealer products, at breathtaking prices, for an older automobile, if suitable replacement products/parts are available. Maybe everyone here is RICH???

[StarPD]

PPG Pennsylvania Plate Glass Industries Has been around making glass, and many other excellent products for probably longer than NISSAN has been in existence.

They may well be the supplier of Nissan glass?

Goggle PPG Industries and "read all about it"

Today auto windshield glass is lighter than it used to be (weight saving measure) and prone to suffer those crazy cracks from just a small pebble strike. Something that didn't happen before. There is even a repair, or "stop the cracking before it spreads", method that can be applied to "cracked windshields" by stop drilling and applying some liquid glue like material in the hole.

What seems strange to me is why anyone would consider using dealer products, at breathtaking prices, for an older automobile, if suitable replacement products/parts are available. Maybe everyone here is RICH???

The material that is injected into chips is epoxy. It will NOT "prevent" cracking, it will only delay it for a whort while.; It cannot be re-done. It is considered in the trade a cosmetic repair only.

As for why some Infiniti owners use Factory glass, there is one, and sometimes two reasons.

First, some Infiniti glass is only available from the dealer. It is not available from glass warehouses. And yes, when that's the case, it is exceedingly expensive. In this case, there is no alternative.

Secondly what we call "aftermarket glass" is often out of spec, or worse yet, not optically perfect. As I stated above though, "OEM glass", which IS available from glass warehouses, is identical to "Dealer only", or "Factory glass". It is a lot less expensive than "Factory glass", but more expensive than "Aftermarket glass". On some models, ONLY "Factory glass" is available, as I've repeated several times.

If aftermarket glass is avaiable for your model, you don't care about not having distortion, or it not fitting correctly (and often cracking again later), by all means, save a few bucks and get inferior "Aftermarket glass".

You can also save money by buying cheap spark plugs, oil filters, and other replacement parts for your expensive luxury performance cars. It's your car, so you can do what you want with it. Most of us here have learned, sometimes the hard way, that "saving money" is more expensive than using top quality goods. You can ignore that if you wish.

[loystock]

I've had PPG replacement glass on my 97Q since July for less than $300, and so far so good. Dealer quote was $1500 ($1200 for glass + $300 labor and other materials) but had to wait since glass was out of stock. Did my own internet research and talked to several auto glass companies - PPG seemed a good alternative to dealer glass and the worst was FYG (Fu Yang Glass company, China). Most low-cost glass repair companies offer FYG while insurance companies prefer Safelite replacement glass. I'm glad I used PPG.

Rod

[RAP]

es, I work for an auto glass company, so I pretty much know all this stuff. If you have any questions, or if I can help NICO members in any way, let me know.

The quote above is from StarPD.

Well it seems to ME that if Star works in the "Auto glass" trade he should know, or, should have known about PPG without benefit of a search ? ? ? Hmmmm

I just went through a windshield replacement on my Acura Legend. They, Acura ,does have a line of glass that is, like Infinity, bank account bustin'. A local independent glass mechanic replaced the windshield for around 240 bucks USING PPG and it's perfect. However the trim around the windshield had to be replaced and that set me back some 400 bucks from Acura. No way out there

Jack

[maxnix]

A windshield is a windshield, I would think that they both meet the same specs.

Not at all. There is a great previous thread on this not too long ago with some very relevant comments by a member in the business.

[Jesda]

I once replaced my own backlight in an attempt at saving money.

To quote The Carpenters, "Rainy days and Mondays always get me down."

[maxnix]

PPG Pennsylvania Plate Glass Industries Has been around making glass, and many other excellent products for probably longer than NISSAN has been in existence.

They may well be the supplier of Nissan glass?

I doubt they are. Several decades ago they were completely incapable of copying flat glass I supplied.

Isn't the first P for Pittsburgh?

[RAP]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PPG_Industries

I doubt they are. Several decades ago they were completely incapable of copying flat glass I supplied.

Isn't the first P for Pittsburgh?

I stand corrected.



Jack