Thread: Windscreen replacement

Just a follow up from having my new windscreen fitted. Sorry it’s been so long, I’ve had a busy time.
I was relieved to find that indeed, a genuine screen and clips for the side covers had been supplied as requested. Even the guys at O’Briens were surprised.

When the screen was fitted I noticed a few (relatively minor) scratches on the tops of both the covers nearest the windscreen. I noted this with the guy who handed over the car to me and on the Monday I had a conversation with the Manager about it. They were very accommodating and, while they insisted that the damage was not caused by them, they ordered and replaced both covers for me at their expense. The scratching was very minor but I had not noticed it previously so I was very happy with the outcome.

Another thing we noted was that the trim along the top of the screen, which comes fitted on the screen from the factory was slightly distorted. See photo. They explained that the genuine screens come wrapped very tightly in bubble wrap and that they had seen many screens affected with the same thing. They said that it would settle back into shape over time, which it mostly has.

So all in all I am very satisfied with the outcome and the service I received from O’Briens at Bayswater.

61614655-025F-4837-B7B1-9868B1FD8D9C.jpg

Originally Posted by Odysseyman

Just a follow up from having my new windscreen fitted. Sorry it’s been so long, I’ve had a busy time.
I was relieved to find that indeed, a genuine screen and clips for the side covers had been supplied as requested. Even the guys at O’Briens were surprised.

When the screen was fitted I noticed a few (relatively minor) scratches on the tops of both the covers nearest the windscreen. I noted this with the guy who handed over the car to me and on the Monday I had a conversation with the Manager about it. They were very accommodating and, while they insisted that the damage was not caused by them, they ordered and replaced both covers for me at their expense. The scratching was very minor but I had not noticed it previously so I was very happy with the outcome.

Another thing we noted was that the trim along the top of the screen, which comes fitted on the screen from the factory was slightly distorted. See photo. They explained that the genuine screens come wrapped very tightly in bubble wrap and that they had seen many screens affected with the same thing. They said that it would settle back into shape over time, which it mostly has.

So all in all I am very satisfied with the outcome and the service I received from O’Briens at Bayswater.

61614655-025F-4837-B7B1-9868B1FD8D9C.jpg

Who was the insurer?

I can add my input on this….

I’ve had 4 windscreens now.

Factory fitted,
Dealer replaced (genuine),
Obriens Salisbury (aftermarket, not by choice),
And now a genuine unit again by Obriens Keswick.

The last one was free- completely. As in Obriens paid for it.


Reason? Well, the aftermarket unit:
A) leaked
didn’t have the solar rejection (notably hotter)
C) Was noisy by a significant margin

This was due to being significantly thinner construction, not having accounting layer, nor the Heat rejecting film. They also broke the clips and did a dodgy which did it impress me at all.

I rang Obriens, especially once it leaked and stated my case - which was handed to Keswick as there was no way I was going back to the other one.

I now have the correct glass. Vehicle is quieter now, it’s a lot cooler up under that glass and it fits properly.

Keswick store for anyone in Adelaide… the guy there was great, let me observe the installation unlike the other branch and wasn’t secretive…. Also a former Whyalla lad

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

Who was the insurer?

RACV

Last week the windscreen cracked courtesy of a semi trailer travelling on the roadworks section at the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne. Called Shannon’s and they are trying to steer me to crappy aftermarket Chinese replacement using O’Briens. I live in Adelaide so I should speak to Keswick branch, mention Optikool , clips, trim etc and see if genuine can be supplied. I think a Pilkington would be OK , logo or no logo but not having a Chinese product. I think I would prefer to have it fitted when the time comes at the workshop.

Just replaced a D4 windscreen-got a Pilkington
Background
I have been holidaying in Dubbo, NSW. My daughter’s D4 suffered a cracked windscreen. After having read this entire thread, I offered to help her get a replacement.
She is insured for a replacement screen with AAMI.
I rang the claim line. After pressing the number for a windscreen, the call was answered by an O’Briens staffer. (AAMI have all screen work managed by O’Briens apparently)
Having read this thread I was fully prepared on ensuring that the replacement was “LIKE WITH LIKE”, knowing that after market alternatives did not match the thickness and the heat resistance of a Pilkington Opticool screen.
the OB staffer confirmed the policy covered “like with like” but for most of her work that meant meeting the design rules for strength and safety. She could not confirm what make of screen would be sent from the warehouse, but she recommended calling the Dubbo Depot two days prior to the fitting appointment and checking that the screen met our expectations on like with like expectations. This seemed like a reasonable approach, so This I did, in person.

Site Visit
The local Dubbo OB Staff were extremely helpful!
<> Yes, the screen that arrived was a Pilkington Opticool. They showed it to me. Did not have LR Branding, but that did not concern me.
<> Yes, they knew of the D4 fitting issues. Replaced quite a few D4 screens. Aware of the concerns.
<> Yes, they would be using the correct clips. They were aware that not just any clip would meet specification.
<> Yes, they knew that surround strip needed to removed extremely carefully or would break.
<> yes, They would not scratch it.
<> This was a $1,122 job, but there was no excess to pay.

The Interim Result
So of course, we went ahead. So far so good.
<> Excellent service. 2.5 hours.
<> Great fit. Properly centred.
<> Lovely screen. No imperfections. (OBs said they get the odd imperfect one, which they reject)
<> No noise
<> Heat resistance is as per the old one, which feels better than an aftermarket screen in my D4 (came with my car)
<> the new one has a very slight tint, as compared to my D4. I measured this by looking a piece of white paper under the screen. The Opticool has a slight shading about it.
<> The new screen has not yet been through a storm or a car wash, so waterproofing not yet tested.

Conclusions
<> do your homework, thank you once again to the Forum Members over the last 14 years of this thread. A Gold Mine!
<> know your insurance policy.
<> stand up for your expectations, as informed in advance
<> check the knowledge of local fitter
<> be prepared to call a Stop-Work if any of the above doesn’t meet what you require.

thank you to OBriens Dubbo and the forum for the background information. Invaluable.

The best advice I can offer is to purchase your new screen and all the clips through a dealer and find out who they use. The service manager will be happy to let you know. In my case I was given the names of the two main fitters. In my case the fitters came to my house (as I had the screen) and were happy to chat with me as they worked. Perfect job and they clearly knew what they were doing and took pride in their work.
As for insurance (RACV) I submitted a claim with the dealer invoice and O'Brian's invoice and they paid in full. Mind you, I had been with RACV for decades. Not now, as I find the D4 is better insured with Club 4x4. Not cheaper as such, but accessories are included.

I've just had the windscreen replaced in my MY16 D4. Was all ready for an argument with O'Briens once the claim was approved, and they told me they no longer use the "thin" aftermarket version, but do use the thicker aftermarket rather than LR originals.
I went to the Forrestdale banch south of Perth city and they were very professional - and didn't leave dirty marks on the A pillars which I had been alerted to.
I'm pretty sure the prior windscreen was the original.
The new screen does do auto rain wipers, but if I'm not mistaken is a bit louder re wind noise, so my question is how do I confirm that I got what I expected?
The screen has the following reference/s.
DOT459 ASI M 858
SOLAR TINT 3 ....

Originally Posted by Jeffoir

Just replaced a D4 windscreen-got a Pilkington
Background
I have been holidaying in Dubbo, NSW. My daughter’s D4 suffered a cracked windscreen. After having read this entire thread, I offered to help her get a replacement.
She is insured for a replacement screen with AAMI.
I rang the claim line. After pressing the number for a windscreen, the call was answered by an O’Briens staffer. (AAMI have all screen work managed by O’Briens apparently)
Having read this thread I was fully prepared on ensuring that the replacement was “LIKE WITH LIKE”, knowing that after market alternatives did not match the thickness and the heat resistance of a Pilkington Opticool screen.
the OB staffer confirmed the policy covered “like with like” but for most of her work that meant meeting the design rules for strength and safety. She could not confirm what make of screen would be sent from the warehouse, but she recommended calling the Dubbo Depot two days prior to the fitting appointment and checking that the screen met our expectations on like with like expectations. This seemed like a reasonable approach, so This I did, in person.

Site Visit
The local Dubbo OB Staff were extremely helpful!
<> Yes, the screen that arrived was a Pilkington Opticool. They showed it to me. Did not have LR Branding, but that did not concern me.
<> Yes, they knew of the D4 fitting issues. Replaced quite a few D4 screens. Aware of the concerns.
<> Yes, they would be using the correct clips. They were aware that not just any clip would meet specification.
<> Yes, they knew that surround strip needed to removed extremely carefully or would break.
<> yes, They would not scratch it.
<> This was a $1,122 job, but there was no excess to pay.

The Interim Result
So of course, we went ahead. So far so good.
<> Excellent service. 2.5 hours.
<> Great fit. Properly centred.
<> Lovely screen. No imperfections. (OBs said they get the odd imperfect one, which they reject)
<> No noise
<> Heat resistance is as per the old one, which feels better than an aftermarket screen in my D4 (came with my car)
<> the new one has a very slight tint, as compared to my D4. I measured this by looking a piece of white paper under the screen. The Opticool has a slight shading about it.
<> The new screen has not yet been through a storm or a car wash, so waterproofing not yet tested.

Conclusions
<> do your homework, thank you once again to the Forum Members over the last 14 years of this thread. A Gold Mine!
<> know your insurance policy.
<> stand up for your expectations, as informed in advance
<> check the knowledge of local fitter
<> be prepared to call a Stop-Work if any of the above doesn’t meet what you require.

thank you to OBriens Dubbo and the forum for the background information. Invaluable.