WINDSHIELD INSTALL COMPLAINT

Soliciting your thoughts regarding the recent windshield replacement on my 1985 245 “Daisy”. The main question to be answered is:

1. Cosmetic issues aside, does this replacement present any increased risk going forward encouraging rust by allowing easier accumulation of water and debris beneath the original chrome trim “seal”?

If you want to read further, you could also consider offering your comment on:

2. What do you think of this service?

THE INSTALLATION

My most recent, previous windshield replacement experience was in 2014 on my wife’s 1985 244 “Alfsen”, using the same shop. The windshield they installed was a FW667 1991+ type with integral trim. My understanding, at the time, this was the common, universal replacement.

What I received this time was a FW404 windshield with retention of the original chrome trim and “seal”. Now I know that “seal” really doesn’t do much other than keep larger amounts of water and debris out of the window channel. What I am concerned about is the now 36 year-old “seal” has a couple of small pieces taken out of it indicative both its deterioration and lack of care in handling. On one top corner it is about 1/ 32” proud of the body. Along the bottom edge the “seal” sits back about 3/16” from its original position. A nice, black line now shows at the position originally occupied by the “seal”. Makes me wonder how well the glass was positioned to allow this condition.

I have had “Daisy” for only 16 years, but I would like to keep her for many more hence my concern about anything that encourages rust.

PETTY GRIPES

When I showed up for my appointment, the installer took one look at “Daisy” and immediately stated something along the lines of “Oh, this is going to take most of the day as you have the original butyl which is hard to remove and must be completely gone for the urethane to bond.” I might be mistaken, but I believe he made that assessment based only on seeing the original trim. In any event, why not ask when the appointment was scheduled?

When I picked up “Daisy” I was surprised the original trim had been reinstalled. I pointed to “Alfsen”, who had graciously carried me back to the shop and asked why a similar FW667 had not been installed. The response, “Oh that’s a later year.” Um, nope, nope its not!

“Daisy” and I were halfway home before we discovered that the “Good to Go” toll sticker was now lying dirty and torn in the change tray. Not a show stopper, but aggravating and an additional $5 expense. Apparently, most other shops make a point of advertising they carefully transfer all stickers to your new windshield.

Do these guys know what they’re doing? It’s not like old 240’s are a rarity in Seattle. Would you be satisfied? Am I getting too grumpy in my old age?