Windscreen No4!

[LGM]

O.K. I have now run out of expletives to describe my frustration!:censored:

You could call it poor luck but I now have a crack running across my windscreen yet again. In two of the cases no issue as the rock/s that came in my direction were big enough. The last two however the stones were 'quite small' and would have no doubt caused a 'star crack' on my D2 that could be repaired rather than replaced. These screens are expensive and my insurance company has paid for two and when this is over I will have paid for two. All in less than two years.

It makes me think that these D4 windscreens are under some sort of stress during manufacture. As they were all LR genuine screens I am left wondering if the generic non OEM screens may be a little tougher???

Oh well, as someone before me said 'Such is Life'!

On the matter of replacement I won't get it replaced where I live. The two companies who do this work in my regional centre have had a go on both my D4 and D2 previously with, let's say, poor results. :mad:

So Perth here we come to get the windscreen replaced. Can someone please point me to a reliable, D4 experienced, windscreen company or bloke?

[BMKal]

Don't know who to recommend in Perth - but I'd steer clear of the company that claims to do "instant" replacements.

They did mine in Kalgoorlie - broke some / most of the clips holding the black plastic strips on the sides of the screen in place, and re-fitted same strips using either broken clips or cheap ones from the local Super Crap Auto store. Next trip back to Perth, both strips came off (luckily they will not come right out as the bonnet has to be open for this).

I removed the strips completely and continued driving - it's bloody noisy without them on. :o

Went to the dealers when I got back down here and bought new clips for both sides (plus a full set of spares) and re-fitted the black plastic dress strips myself.

Genuine LR clips are yellow - the cheap ones are usually white. ;)

If you're chasing a contact in Perth who should be able to recommend someone good, try Steve Armor at Lifestyle 4WD - he would have some good contacts. Phone number is 9271 7900. I've got to ring him myself this morning as I've just got a message from my young bloke in Kalgoorlie that the alternator on his D2 has just crapped itself.

[Plane Fixer]

LGM. The D4 screen is very weak along the bottom below the wiper blades. As with mine all it took was a small stone to bounce off from that area and a stress riser will occur. It was a tiny chip. The crack will then happen without warning one day while negotiating the shopping centre speed bumps.
This is what has happened to mine and when I get home eventually I will put some clear tape (I use aircraft leading edge protective tape which is out of date, but will do the job) along the lower blackout areas, leaving the wipers clear. Hopefully it will absorb the impact enough in this weak area.
I also got a bullseye directly in front of me but there was no cracking from that. Caused by a moron who, because I pulled left and slowed down, decided that it was OK for him to stay in the middle of the road at 100kmh and shower me with stones. Dont get me started on those type of people. :censored:.

[LGM]

Thanks Plane Fixer, I like the idea of the 'Leading Edge' tape or someting like that, that can absorb a little of the shock!:eek:

I do know what you mean about inconsiderate people and rock showers.

[trevorj]

LGM - Unlike the kal experience, I've had good job (twice in last 12 months!) from the instant mob in ossie park for my D4. They seem to do a few, and have been very attentive to VIN, which is more than I could say for the local LR stealer, who just kept supplying the wrong glass (4 times). So, no matter where you go,insist on triple checking the VIN match. My insurance has been right up to the mark - one free in each 12months period of insurance cover. And BTW: instant means a full day, on the D4. Good luck.

[Ferret]

the instant mob in ossie park for my D4.

I'm looking for a new windscreen too. What is their name?


Edit: Nevermind, I understand now - 'Instant Windscreens'

[PostHistory]

with my experience not only do you need the right window, but also you know your speaking the right window installer when they say "Oh I will need to also order all the replacement clips for your side strips as some usually break." if they don't I don't use them.

[Epic pooh]

I've just had windscreen number 3 (in 8 years) installed. The original screen got a crack from a bit of coal on the highway; number 2 (Shatterprufe brand) copped so many chips over 3 years it was not funny and then recently copped 3 big ones from one stone so game over for it; number 3 is back to the OEM Pilkington screen ... so happy, installer has done a lovely job, changed clips (had recently fitted new A-Pillar mouldings as my old ones were falling apart) and top moulding, fits perfectly, clear and most noticably is significantly quieter in the car than the last one (ie. can no longer hear my engine running inside the car when sitting in the garage).

On the subject of toughness, I recently had a side front window broken by a theif, the cops couldn't believe the damage done to the door trying to smash the window and in the end they only managed to make a hole big enough to get the stuff off the front seat ... damaged front door and back door in the process. The cops remarked that it seemed like a much tougher job for the scumbags than usual. Tint probably helped also.

[LGM]

Epic pooh,

Its good to know that the D4 is tough nut to crack when it comes to bad guys & girls (no sexisim here).

PostHistory,

That's one of the problems. The average windscreen guy can no doubt install the glass but is the its the other detail bits that beat them. There's nothing like your 'A' pillar trim coming off at 110km/h. In my experience they go off with a bang and its good luck if you can find it when you get to turn around.

[ozscott]

It will be the laminate - the aftermarket tinting - that caused the difficulties for them getting in. Very tough stuff.

Cheers

[shining]

Thanks for the info in this thread.
I am just about to get my first replacement screen. Mine was caused by a tiny piece of road gravel from road sealing operations in an 80kph zone. It hit below the wiper blades right in centre.
From a short vertical crack it developed to half way up the windscreen and then "t'ed" off horizontally in both directions.
I will be asking about the A pillar moulding.
Are the clips the normal push in type ones used elsewhere on other trims.

[Epic pooh]

The clips are the normal trim clips used elsewhere. When the a pillar trims are removed there is a high chance of damage to the top and bottom legs - they should silicone them back in for a super snug fit. They need also to change the top moulding and make sure they remove the wiper blades and scuttle (black plastic panel) below the windscreen for fitting (some lazy installers will cut the 5mins it takes).

That's what I've learnt - others will probably have some more tips !

[muzza99]

Use novus auto glass in Perth I use novus all over Australia very good with workmanship and on price

[LGM]

Reading all the different responses and seeing that the experience across the country is 'mixed' at best I have again discussed the issue with my local LR service agent in Geraldton. They have always treated me well and look after both my vehicles (D2 & D4) with great care. l do tend to be a bit fussy when it comes to my 'trucks'!

Together we have devised a cunning plan!;)

My LR Service agent will 'prepare' the D4 removing all the trims etc and arrange for the screen replacement (the basic task) at a local windscreen firm they use. They have acknowledged my concerns and will work with the firm to ensure the job is 'right'. This will be a business to business arrangement which hopefully will have a bit more clout than some guy just rolling in off the street. With any luck it will ensure that some diligence is applied to the task. Once the screen work is completed they will bring the vehicle back and fit all the trims (new clips) etc. This will save me an 800km round trip to Perth plus accommodation costs etc.

My comments above are somewhat of an indictment on a small number of local businesses that in my opinion have what I call a 'near enough is close enough approach' to the work they do.:(

Please be assured this is not so with my local LR service agent who has not put a foot wrong.:)

Anyhow I am going to go with this plan even though I have some trepidation given my previous experience with the local windscreen firms. I have drawn the conclusion from the varied responses to this thread that it really is a bit of a 'punt' as to who does a good job on the day!

[BMKal]

Good to hear LGM. Would be good to know who is the local LR service agent that you are happy with up that way in case we are in need of anyone when in that part of the state.

Always good to of businesses that people on here have received good service from.

[LGM]

BMKal,

My local service agent is Whyatts Land Rover in Geraldton.

[BMKal]

Thanks for that. I have read previously that Whyatts provide a good service.

Pity we don't have anyone like them in Kalgoorlie any more.

[LGM]

Well the windscreen has been replaced and the job turned out to be pretty good.

Thanks go to the guys at Whyatts for their effort on my behalf.:)

Now all I have to do is keep my distance from everyone else on the roads around here!

Thanks to all who took the time to offer an opinion or experience. It certainly made it easier for me.

[Mudrunner]

I have just had my 4th windscreen installed in my D4, posted my frustrations over a year ago. Thought it was just my bad luck! But after hearing about others in the same position, I feel better! There seems to be a weak spot between the wiper blabes, centre bottom. And that's where all the bloody stones seem to hit and cause a crack. My last screen had a chip repair in November last year, then grew legs in June with the cold weather and cracked 2 feet long. The new screen is a Chinese copy to my disappointment (despite the other 3 being original) but I will see how it goes! :mad:

[LGM]

Likewise re the el-cheapo windscreen but I figure that it can't be any worse than what I have had previously, can it?:confused: I also agree about the possible windscreen weak spot. Short of not driving anywhere there is little I can do about the stones coming my way. Mind you it seems as though lots of people like to drive around with one set of wheels in the dirt when I am out on the road!!!!!