My two month old G35 has a crack slowly running across the length of the front windshield. Infiniti would like about $750 to replace it, plus $150 for installation! Oh and they don't have any available in the country and are happy to order one which might take six weeks!!I've looked into thrid party glass options, but because the car is so new, nobody has it in stock yet. Does anyone have any suggestions for quicker, cheaper alternatives?Thanks,
8/26/02Here's the latest update....
Following a creative response from one of the NIOC members, I thought I'd see whether I could negotiate my way into a loaner until the local dealer could deliver the glass. The Parts Manager informed me their are now two windshields in the USA and one of them is coming to Northern California for my G35!
9/16/02Resolved....
The local dealer has installed an OEM windshield and I'm trying to claim (minus my $500 deductable) from my insurance company. The darn thing cost $1,250.00 installed which blew me away! But at least the problem is resolved.
To the person who asked... I love the G. It is absolutely wonderful and FUN to drive.
Thanks to all your your input and help.
I'll let you know how it goes.....
G35 Windshield?
windshield
Often the front windshield is covered by your insurance because it is a hazard. I once had one replaced that way.
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Mayhem_J30
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True, but there's still the problem of no supplies to replace it with. I think there's some winshield crack stopper stuff you can buy, it's a short term solution. Any idea how the crack started? It would be cool if you could convince the dealer to give you a loaner until the windshield comes in because it's illegal to drive with a cracked windshield.
You will get much better service by NOT using the dealer. The dealer is just going to Sub the work to a local glass shop anyway.
Yes, someone should be able to fill the crack in the interm, so it will not spread, but the work is difficult and rarely perfect, so it's just a stop gap for the replacement.
Call your insurance company and have them approve a replacement (comprehensive insurance generally covers all glass damage with a small deductable say $100)Make sure you argue for factory glass, since the car is virtually brand new.
Then pick a glass dealer you like and have them order the glass, it should take no more than 3 days to arrive and 1/2 day to install. Also make sure the installer orders a true factory trim kit for window and offers a lifetime warranty on the glass.
I do a bit of consulting on the side for auto glass company, so PM me if you have any questions.
Yes, someone should be able to fill the crack in the interm, so it will not spread, but the work is difficult and rarely perfect, so it's just a stop gap for the replacement.
Call your insurance company and have them approve a replacement (comprehensive insurance generally covers all glass damage with a small deductable say $100)Make sure you argue for factory glass, since the car is virtually brand new.
Then pick a glass dealer you like and have them order the glass, it should take no more than 3 days to arrive and 1/2 day to install. Also make sure the installer orders a true factory trim kit for window and offers a lifetime warranty on the glass.
I do a bit of consulting on the side for auto glass company, so PM me if you have any questions.
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Mayhem_J30
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- Location: Louisville, KY
true. but he already said there are not any in the country. 3rd party or dealer there are not any supplies according to Nature Boy.Jberger wrote:You will get much better service by NOT using the dealer. The dealer is just going to Sub the work to a local glass shop anyway.
Yes, someone should be able to fill the crack in the interm, so it will not spread, but the work is difficult and rarely perfect, so it's just a stop gap for the replacement.
Call your insurance company and have them approve a replacement (comprehensive insurance generally covers all glass damage with a small deductable say $100)Make sure you argue for factory glass, since the car is virtually brand new.
Then pick a glass dealer you like and have them order the glass, it should take no more than 3 days to arrive and 1/2 day to install. Also make sure the installer orders a true factory trim kit for window and offers a lifetime warranty on the glass.
I do a bit of consulting on the side for auto glass company, so PM me if you have any questions.
Well, I didn't see the reference to 3rd party availablity the first time so I'll take my lumps there.
But everthing being said, I doubt it would take 6 weeks to get a piece of glass, especially for a car in mass production, sometimes supply is tight, but we aren't talking built-in defroster, heads-up display or anything remotely complex.
It's more likely that the dealer really doesn't care and doesn't feel like going through the motions since it requires an outside supplier to do the job, and perhaps the 3rd party just hasn't updated their NAGS book lately.
Curiously, how did the glass break? Rock chip, impact, etc?
I'd bet that this can be fixed in less than a week, but you are going to have to contact a glass shop directly, not using the dealer. Here are a few numbers to try:
Pilkington 866-377-3647Safelite 800-800-ASAPTriumph 800-452-7143
Really, 6 weeks is nuts.
But everthing being said, I doubt it would take 6 weeks to get a piece of glass, especially for a car in mass production, sometimes supply is tight, but we aren't talking built-in defroster, heads-up display or anything remotely complex.
It's more likely that the dealer really doesn't care and doesn't feel like going through the motions since it requires an outside supplier to do the job, and perhaps the 3rd party just hasn't updated their NAGS book lately.
Curiously, how did the glass break? Rock chip, impact, etc?
I'd bet that this can be fixed in less than a week, but you are going to have to contact a glass shop directly, not using the dealer. Here are a few numbers to try:
Pilkington 866-377-3647Safelite 800-800-ASAPTriumph 800-452-7143
Really, 6 weeks is nuts.
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Nature Boy
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Mon Aug 19, 2002 9:28 pm
Thanks for all your input.....
The chip was the second one I received in about two weeks from a rock. This one cracked the screen and has been growing ever since.
I like the idea about a loaner for 6 weeks... that might motivate the dealer!
I'll also follow up with the glass manufacturers and try that.
Any other suggestions would be welcome...
Nature Boy:)
The chip was the second one I received in about two weeks from a rock. This one cracked the screen and has been growing ever since.
I like the idea about a loaner for 6 weeks... that might motivate the dealer!
I'll also follow up with the glass manufacturers and try that.
Any other suggestions would be welcome...
Nature Boy:)
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Mayhem_J30
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maxnix
- Posts: 22627
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- Car: 1995 Infiniti Q45
1995 Infiniti Q45t
2000 Infiniti Q45
OEM for best fit
I have been told by various glass people that OEM is always the best fit for Japanese autos.
Re: OEM for best fit
I agree often the aftermarket will sell "as OEM" not OEM.maxnix wrote:I have been told by various glass people that OEM is always the best fit for Japanese autos.
Nissan OEM is a very good windshield.Also if you have it done thru the dealer and the job is poorly done, you won't have the hassle of Dealer and aftermarket shop pointing fingers at each other about coverage.
As long as a car is in warranty I will always use dealer even if it isn't a warranty covered item.
Only way to be sure you are really getting OEM parts.
Fred...
Windshield - Damage Responsibility
Classification: BT95-009
Section: ITB95-046
Date: Sept. 6, 1995
WINDSHIELD CRACKING
APPLIED VEHICLES: All
SERVICE INFORMATION
The purpose of this bulletin is to give Infiniti dealers guidelines to help determine if windshield breakage is covered under warranty or is the customer's responsibility. Infiniti is not responsible for damage to glass that is a result of objects striking the glass. However, Infiniti is responsible for manufacturing defects such as distorted glass and cracks that are due to improper installation or damage to the glass during vehicle assembly.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
How to determine if glass damage is due to objects striking the glass:
Most windshield damage that occurs due to impact is easily identified by a cone or star shaped pattern. However, when very small objects or objects without sharp edges impact the windshield, it can damage the glass, cause cracking and not leave an easily identifiable impact mark. One method to find an impact mark is to use a 5 mm pencil and trace along the crack. The pencil should run smooth as if the crack does not exist. If the pencils stops or skips along the crack, this is the impact area.
1. Single crack beginning or ending at the edge of the glass: A magnifying glass may be needed since the impact marks can be less than 1 mm in diameter. If an impact mark is found anywhere along the crack, it indicates the damage was done due to an impact to the glass. This is not covered under Infiniti's warranty and is the customer's responsibility. If no impact mark is found, it is covered under warranty. 2. Compound crack beginning or ending at the edge of the glass: This type of crack is always caused by impact to the glass and is not covered under warranty. The point of impact is where the crack "branches out". 3. Cracks that are only in the middle of the glass: The crack does not begin or end at the edge of the glass. These cracks are always caused by an impact to the glass and are not covered under warranty.
Classification: BT95-009
Section: ITB95-046
Date: Sept. 6, 1995
WINDSHIELD CRACKING
APPLIED VEHICLES: All
SERVICE INFORMATION
The purpose of this bulletin is to give Infiniti dealers guidelines to help determine if windshield breakage is covered under warranty or is the customer's responsibility. Infiniti is not responsible for damage to glass that is a result of objects striking the glass. However, Infiniti is responsible for manufacturing defects such as distorted glass and cracks that are due to improper installation or damage to the glass during vehicle assembly.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
How to determine if glass damage is due to objects striking the glass:
Most windshield damage that occurs due to impact is easily identified by a cone or star shaped pattern. However, when very small objects or objects without sharp edges impact the windshield, it can damage the glass, cause cracking and not leave an easily identifiable impact mark. One method to find an impact mark is to use a 5 mm pencil and trace along the crack. The pencil should run smooth as if the crack does not exist. If the pencils stops or skips along the crack, this is the impact area.
1. Single crack beginning or ending at the edge of the glass: A magnifying glass may be needed since the impact marks can be less than 1 mm in diameter. If an impact mark is found anywhere along the crack, it indicates the damage was done due to an impact to the glass. This is not covered under Infiniti's warranty and is the customer's responsibility. If no impact mark is found, it is covered under warranty. 2. Compound crack beginning or ending at the edge of the glass: This type of crack is always caused by impact to the glass and is not covered under warranty. The point of impact is where the crack "branches out". 3. Cracks that are only in the middle of the glass: The crack does not begin or end at the edge of the glass. These cracks are always caused by an impact to the glass and are not covered under warranty.