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Old 05-15-2012, 01:34 PM   #1
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What are your latest opinions on replacing Ford windshields?

It was about 90F out and I was out cleaning the bugs and some bird stuff off the front of the van today and about 30 seconds after I started rinsing I heard the “POP” - The windshield cracked from top to bottom. (Yep, I knew better, but - “It’ll be fine, it never cracked before”) I inspected it with a magnifier and it did not have any rock chips or damage along the entire crack. So, obviously it was just the old “Hot to Cold” .
I always used Ford glass on my other vans but I’m wondering if any of the newer brands of aftermarket (DOT Approved) glass is more chip and crack resistant than OEM glass.

OEM or Aftermarket?


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Old 05-15-2012, 02:00 PM   #2
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Re: What are your latest opinions on replacing Ford windshie

I hit a joshua tree branch once and cracked mine. Had it replaced by Safelite. They did it my driveway. Very good service. No problems with it since.

I stay clear of those branches now.
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Old 05-15-2012, 03:07 PM   #3
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Re: What are your latest opinions on replacing Ford windshie

Can't say which is good or bad but the guy who does our fleet trucks claims van windshields are large and flex more than most. He said to use quality glass but many of our vans are not 350's and I don't know if that is a factor or not.
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Old 05-15-2012, 05:17 PM   #4
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Re: What are your latest opinions on replacing Ford windshie

I recently replaced the window in my E350. I had a heck of a time finding glass that didnt have a tint on the top of the window. The guy that did the job said the glass that was in it was the original glass. He said could tell by the adesive that was holding the glass in. I hope my new window lasts even halv as long as the one the factory installed in 1992. I also had them not reinstall the rear view mirror. The view out the front is a lot better without the mirror creating a blind spot.
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Old 05-15-2012, 05:26 PM   #5
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Re: What are your latest opinions on replacing Ford windshie

I've used Safelite to replace windshields. Quick and clean. They come to you. If you have full coverage, call your insurance company and you only pay the deductible.

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Old 05-15-2012, 07:58 PM   #6
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Re: What are your latest opinions on replacing Ford windshie

John, I agree about the mirror mount. My van (with no rear windows) came with a mount that had a plastic cover over it. I’m telling the guy to leave it off.

And I agree, Safelite is one of the top rated companies and they did a great job on our Subaru. Does anyone know what brand of glass they use if you don’t order “OEM”?

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Old 05-15-2012, 08:22 PM   #7
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Re: What are your latest opinions on replacing Ford windshie

When I bought my van the windshield had already been replaced...who ever did it scratched the roof bad doing it, the cutting knife must have slipped out as they came around top left corner...it also leaks a bit sometimes...the brand is XYT and it looks like a factory windshield as far as having the black surround and the little dots...it has a good fit around the VIN number something aftermarket glass doesn't always have...it is tinted and nicely shaded in just the right place...not sure who installs them but it might be a good choice... depending on if you are having insurance do it (when I lived in NY I always had no deductible full glass coverage but in GA and now CA my Travelers agents say I can't get it?) or paying cash there are lots of different prices on glass...

I had a windshield do the same thing as yours once...I was washing the car with cold water on a sunny day without opening the car before I started and it cracked from the top to the bottom...I thought I did it buy not opening the door before hitting it with the cold water...my glass guy said no, there must have been a slight pressure point on the edge at one end of the crack to do something like that...turns out there was a little tiny pointed rock just touching the edge of the glass at the bottom so be sure to check near the crack top and bottom for anything that might have caused it to crack...
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Old 05-17-2012, 08:03 AM   #8
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Re: What are your latest opinions on replacing Ford windshie

My windshield ('08) is broken along the bottom and I have been putting off replacing it. I went for a quote the other day and was astounded to hear $325 for aftermarket glass and $1525 !!!!! for an OEM replacement. I imagine the aftermarket windshield is Chinese.
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Old 05-17-2012, 07:18 PM   #9
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Re: What are your latest opinions on replacing Ford windshie

From the Safelite website .....

"Safelite is the only national company with an internal certification program to ensure compliance with the new American National Standard Institute (ANSI) auto glass replacement safety standard.

All auto glass installed in the U.S. must pass National Highway Traffic Safety Administration baseline standards.

Safelite manufactures its own glass and also purchases from other high-quality, award-winning manufacturers.

Safelite-manufactured glass is put through a rigorous, five-point in-plant inspection and is further validated through random plant and supply chain audits. It meets or exceeds all government standards.

With Safelite, you can choose from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE). The difference between OEM and OEE windshields comes down to which company manufactured the windshield and whether it carries the vehicle maker's name or logo."
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Old 05-17-2012, 08:34 PM   #10
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Re: What are your latest opinions on replacing Ford windshie

I also use Safelite. Good work, and OE Quality glass (which I cannot say of many other aftermarket companies). I use them on our fleet trucks too. I usually go through a windshield every winter.
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