My experience with glass replacement - just an FYI

[kyngfish]

Hey so this isn't a DIY thread unfortunately, but I cracked my windshield a while back and I figured this was an opportunity to get the glass right. Whoever replaced the glass previously used an aftermarket glass and gasket, and there was a slight gap between the gasket and the upper corners.

After reading through here, I decided that the Sekurit windshield by Saint-Goban was the right choice and set about finding it in the Miami area. Safelite went to the dealer and quoted me over 1000 dollars, which was nuts. A few other places told me the glass wasn't made anymore and they'd have to pull it out of an old car.

Anyway, I bought the Porsche OEM gasket from our host for 144 and found a place locally called Alpha Glass and Mirror. The price they quoted me, installed, was around 660, which isn't cheap, but the place had high ratings.

Alpha found the Saint Goban glass without an issue, used the Porsche gasket, (reducing their price accordingly) and installed it neatly within 2 hours. They also scrubbed and sealed up the metal lip where the gasket goes, which had accumulated a small amount of rust. I watched the process and these guys were real pros.

I know people are sometimes looking for good shops in the south Florida area, and they're a bit of a haul from my house, but I recommend them highly.

Hope this is useful to someone.

Cheers.

[kyngfish]

EDIT: The Saint Goban glass seems to be slightly wider than the aftermarket glass, and the gap in the gasket doesn't exist anymore. Whether that was the OEM gasket or the Saint Goban glass, I don't know. I'll update the post after the first rain and see how the seal holds up.

[WYDBODY1986]

Thanks Kyngfish,

I've been looking for a shop to replace my pitted windshield in the Ft Lauderdale area. Do you know the name of the Tech that installed yours?

[kyngfish]

No, but they don't have that many there. He was a hispanic gentleman, around 5'6" or so. The owner is a tall, white-haired guy.

I talked to the owner for a while since I was stuck there, and he says Safelite does a 4 month training for their techs, he says he won't let a guy pick up a glass and set it down near the car at 4 months, and they took their time and had a specific guy do it, with the owner overseeing it. They open at 8 AM, and I made the appointment beforehand. They like to inspect the car before as well and it took a day to get the glass. I showed up at 8 am, and I was done by 9:45. I recommend getting the gasket from our host.

I just had it done today, but I had a really solid experience, like I said, we'll see when it rains . I'll post pictures of the glass later.

They are just off the Oakland Park exit north of the FLL airport. They were friendly and their service was excellent.

[WYDBODY1986]

Thanks Kyngfish,

I always feel more confident in the shop when a Pelican recommends them!