New Windscreen

[davidcross]

After one too many stone Chips I've booked for the windscreen to be replaced. My insurance means I only pay £75 of the cost which for a new screen is £1500. Apparently the screen including any fitting issues they garauntee for as long as u own the car. Fairly decent deal I thought

 

[snarf]

David, I don't mean to pour cold water on your enthusiasm, but this forum is littered with sorry tales (mine included) of windscreen replacements that have gone wrong. My suggestion, therefore, is to make a good photographic record of how the original screen and seals fit around the roof line, down the sides and along the bottom. On completion have your photographs to hand and check that there is a smooth transition from glass-to-seal-to-roof with no roof-line step visible, Also pay attention to how well the seal fits along the bottom edge of the screen and don't accept "it's not important and they never go back like new" type excuses, because, after a few failed attempts, they can eventually get it right.

Finally, although it may not be relevant to the 997, I have heard of corrosion problems on 993s arising from paintwork damage caused by careless removal of sealant, this may not show for a number of years, because it's behind the glass, so it's not a problem unless you intend keeping the car.


BTW in Sept 07 an OPC replacement screen cost £867.

 

[davidcross]

Tks Allan, i do intend keeping the car and i have read some of the threads. Problem is that the screen is the only thing that lets the car down. I did stress the point that i was concerned about the screen not fitting properly but he also stressed that they only use certain fitters for prestige cars (probably rubbish) but i dont see i have much choice. I will take pics before its removed as u suggest.

 

[Chrishazle]

ORIGINAL: snarf

Finally, although it may not be relevant to the 997, I have heard of corrosion problems on 993s arising from paintwork damage caused by careless removal of sealant, this may not show for a number of years, because it's behind the glass, so it's not a problem unless you intend keeping the car.

+1 on this part of the reply - have had to have the screen replaced twice in the 12 years I've had my 968, both times due to stone chips in the MoT fail area and unsuccessful attempts at invisible repairs. Now have corrosion appearing at the top NS corner of the screen (quite a few years after the second screen replacement), and the price to fix it properly is horrific. When they have the screen out, check carefully for any damage to the paint around the screen area.
Good luck!!

 

[davidcross]

Ok all these points are making me very nervous so what do i do? cancel is and just try and get it smartened up a touch or take the chance?

 

[Clewsey]

After past experiences of Autoglass getting it wrong, I "supervised" them the entire time to make sure they got it right! Worked for me []

 

[davidcross]

its autoglass ive got coming round!

 

[Clewsey]

As always, it comes down to the individual involved. The guy that eventually replaced my screen was very careful unlike the chap beforehand. I would just tell whoever comes round to be very careful and oversee the process.

Cheers
Simon

 

[911sse]

Did you specifically ask for a Porsche OEM replacement screen?

I learned my lesson on my 911, very inferior poorly fitting screen with the rear view mirror an inch lower.

Made sure the recent screen for my Boxster was from Porsche.

 

[Boatfiller]

David

Had mine changed by Autoglass November last year and even though the guy looked just out of nappies, he took his time - about 2 hours - and did a good job. I was nervous like you, so I went out every so often to check on progress etc.
They can't all be bad - can they?

 

[Sunil]

I had this issue soon after I took delivery of my 997S in 2005. I was insured by Directline and, when Autoglass came out, they brought the wrong windscreen. With the model being so new, they had no experience with a 997. I have a close relationship with my local Porsche bodyshop and they advised me that even my OPC would refer windscreen installations back to them since they had undergone training by Porsche and that I should stand my ground with Directline. That's exactly what I did and I ended up speaking to a lot of people at Directline but I explained the situation between the OPC and the bodyshop and that I wouldn't be happy with anything less than a perfect job. Autoglass became nervous about the job and Directline eventually accepted my argument and authorised me to have the windscreen replaced at the Porsche approved bodyshop where it was done perfectly.

I'm not condemning Autoglass but, if this was my car, I would rather have someone Porsche approved replace the windscreen.

 

[davidcross]

Yup that all makes sense. I'll call my insurers and explain how I feel. Problem is I'll probably get a junior that doesn't really care. I'm just wondering if I cancel with autoglass weather they will keep my excess or do the honourable thing and reimburse. Anyway I'll let u know what the insurers say. It's Swinton BTW incase anyones had Any experiences with them

 

[2fast4u]

David, I had my windscreen relaplaced 18 months ago.......the guy from Autoglass assured me he was the best, he'd replaced screens on Bentleys, Astons etc etc. He replaced my screen at my house and when I drove the car, the wind noise was horrendous. I drove to my Edin OPC to get their advice and to see 997 front screens and mine had the top right hand corner sticking out about 5mm more than most!! My OPC told me they use Autoglass to replace their screens so eventually, I had the car done by Autoglass at my OPC who supervised the job for me and surprise surprise, it was done to my satisfactiojn as well as my local OPCs.

The moral of the story is, yes take photos and if possible, get Autoglass to do it at your OPC so the OPC technicians can ensure a good and proper job is done.

Thumbs up for my Edinburgh OPC!!

Kimx

 

[snarf]

I'm afraid it's pot-luck regardless of which organisation does the work as already said it's down to the individual.

I was nervous about using the underwriter's preferred replacement company and fortunately my broker was able to successfully persuade them that there was a difference in the glass fitted by an OPC and a screen replacement specialist - something to do with the screen markings I think, this meant I had to pay the standard excess rather than the lower glass replacement excess but I thought it was worth it.

However, even with an OPC fitting the first attempt was clearly very poor but they were reluctant to accept this. It was only after consulting another OPC that I felt confident enough to insist that they try again.

Despite this experience I would still prefer to use an OPC if at all possible if only to avoid a possible argument down the line with Porsche about a non-approved repair invalidating my corrosion warranty. But I would also want to stand and watch them do it.

 

[Tony M]

£1,500 to swap the screen sounds awfully expensive even with Rain sensors and the aerial in the screen.

Have you phoned your OPC for a quote and since Autoglass do most of the OPCs work have you haggled with them ?

Yes you may only have to pay the first £75.00 of the £1,500 bill but the difference is sure to be reflected on next years premium.

 

[snarf]

ORIGINAL: Tony M
£1,500 to swap the screen sounds awfully expensive even with Rain sensors and the aerial in the screen.

I agree, the price quoted in my earlier post was for a screen with a rain sensor, I can't remember for sure but I think it was net of PCGB discount.

 

[davidcross]

i havent even spoken to my OPC about cost etc. Infact Autoglass have dealt direct with my insurers. Im thinking that im better off calling Autoglass and saying the screen really anit that bad and just trying to get it smartend up.

 

[davidcross]

Ive cancelled the whole thing!

 

[dereksharpuk]

Hi David, I have the same problem, albeit with my Mini Cooper. Personally, unless it is essential, I would leave well alone. The only time I had a screen replaced, it subsequently leaked. Best to put up with a few chips if they are not illegal.

 

[davidcross]

Autoglass have said they will refund my excess and ill look into getting them round to try and smarten it up a bit. I can see only downside with the whole replacement thing so ill put up with it. Cheers for the advice everyone