Replacing a 451 windsheild.

fpage77 · 10-02-2009, 04:29 PM

Safelite ordered the windshield from my local dealer and it should be in next week for the work to be performed. I was told someone with "smart" experience would be sent to replace window. What should I be watching for (and believe me I'm going to watch them) to make sure they are doing the job right.

The windshield is a very impudent part of a car and something you would want flying off at 60 mph. I want to watch too because I don't want no damage done to my smart

by them and figure they'll be more careful with me watching. Please anything anyone can think of at all that I need to be concerned about.

......

jetfuel please don't say you're going to put me through my windshield next time you see me ......

**JPaul** · 10-02-2009, 04:39 PM

Had mine replaced Monday.
I noted a "Urethane" kit on the bill.
And both, the shop and "my" Parts & Maintenance Manager were adamant: let the bonding cure (taped the top of the windshield to the roof, etc...) a process that can take 4 hours before driving, and a couple of days to be secured. You should be fine. I drove 70 mph on I-95 the same day! And it's still on.

fpage77 · 10-02-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPaul

Had mine replaced Monday.
I noted a "Urethane" kit on the bill.
And both, the shop and "my" Parts & Maintenance Manager were adamant: let the bonding cure (taped the top of the windshield to the roof, etc...) a process that can take 4 hours before driving, and a couple of days to be secured. You should be fine. I drove 70 mph on I-95 the same day! And it's still on.

MY work isn't being done by smart but the company Geico works with Safelite but sounds like you had it done by smart. I would have rather gone with the dealer but Geico was all like I would have to pay the whole bill first and then send them the bill and they'd pay what they thought would be fair. It's going to cost me my comprehensive deduct-able of 500 bucks already which to me is a log of money (this from the guy who just paid 500 total for rial wheels and install).

**JPaul** · 10-02-2009, 04:51 PM

Well, I was (somewhat) lucky:
• I have a $100 deductible (it's still a lot of money for the Retiree me)
• the shop (Lindsay Collision Center, Springfield Va.) is part of the Lindsay Group that owns smart center Alexandria ("my" Dealer).
• Lindsay Collision Center is also a GEICO Branch!

So indeed it was done by really experienced mechanics (they even manage to transfer the self-destructible stickers). But I trust that any shop that knows how to bond a windshield will do the job fine. Just let it cure extra long.
And maybe, avoid slapping the door close without a crack of the window open, to avoid the extra pressure. At least at first. You know what I'm talking about...

Oh, one more thing: the bottom of the windshield is sort of in a groove. So air at speed can't get under it. It can only flow over it...

fpage77 · 10-13-2009, 08:23 AM

Well they replaced the windshield today but now only problem is they left tool marks on the pillars where they pried out the window. They say they'll send someone out to fix the paint but really shouldn't they take care not to screw up the paint. I'm livid right now.

WhiteNBlack08 · 10-13-2009, 09:32 AM

I would say that now days, 95% of the windshields are put in with Urethane sealer. That is why the bill had a Urethane kit listed.

I got a small crack in my windshield a couple of weeks ago, and the fear of damaging something is why I'm glad the insurance decided to repair it.

Safelite did the repair on mine, I checked their site just for curiousities sake, and a new windshield(for a smart equiped with the sensor) is $883.95.

I'm so glad that if it does ever need replaced I only have a $100 comp deductible.

Okiesmrt · 10-13-2009, 09:50 AM

Safelite did a great job replacing mine. I highly recommend them.

fpage77 · 10-13-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Okiesmrt

Safelite did a great job replacing mine. I highly recommend them.

Hmmm did they mar your paint on your pillars?

Okiesmrt · 10-13-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fpage77

Hmmm did they mar your paint on your pillars?

Nope, my entire visit took 20 minutes. Great price and customer service. You must have pissed them off!

WhiteNBlack08 · 10-13-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fpage77

Hmmm did they mar your paint on your pillars?

Sounds to me like you unfortunately got somebody that didn't really care about your car or doing a quality job. I've seen a few windshields replaced, and if they cut the urethane sealer correctly, they shouldn't have to pry on the frame to get it to come out. I'd say your beef is with a careless installer, not the company. Sucks just the same, and it's up to Safelite to fix it.