This was the very first time I have had to have a windshield replaced, let alone repaired. So a little bit of anxiety on my part, I was hoping the entire process was easy, but it did take almost 3 whole weeks to complete.
Had a typical stone chip / bull's-eye from a piece of gravel on the highway a few weeks back. It was about 18 inches from the drivers side and a few inches above the dash, so not directly in my line of site. My insurance company contracts with Arrow Auto Glass in my area, and I had a technician out at my workplace (manufacturing plant) a few days later (full glass coverage).
It was a very warm day, and during the repair, when they must apply the filler under some pressure, the bull's-eye turned into a 3 inch crack. Poop. Oh well. The repair was now going to be a replacement. I insisted on OEM VW glass, my insurance company had no issues with it, so the tech ordered the glass. It took over a week to get , and the bad weather we have been having, and Arrow scheduling, made it difficult to get it done the week before, so I ended up leaving work early Friday to meet the tech at my house just so it could get done, in my garage if necessary.
When he arrived at my house late Friday 13th (4:06pm), he was dodging thunderstorms in my area, and managed to complete the replacement outdoors in the driveway, in about 1-1/2 hours without getting poured on, just lucky. I checked the make and part number etched on the new windshield vs the original and they are identical.
I was worried about the new replacement not looking perfect, but it came out great, can't tell the difference at ,all except the new windshield is much cleaner.
The tech was nice enough to show me how he removed the wiper arms (easy peasy), then unclip the firewall plastic shields that cover the wiper assembly and brake fluid reservoir. The hood stays in place the whole time. Now I know how to get at the brake fluid for future service! Also got to vacuum the assorted bits of leaves and pine needles that were in there, quite a bit to. That should keep the drains free. I'll do it once a year.
The new glass came with the rear view mirror mount pre-attached, and the mirror comes off with a one quarter turn, after unclipping the housing. Seemed easy and quick , only one connector for the auto-dimming and rain sensor.
The glass was $535.50 , and labor and sealant was $152. Not sure if Arrow Auto Glass gets discounts for being a large company.
The tech told me this was his first T3, but he has done several earlier models. Said that VW glass is always more expensive. They usually do aftermarket glass, but if the insurance is paying and the customer insists, they will do OEM.
Had a typical stone chip / bull's-eye from a piece of gravel on the highway a few weeks back. It was about 18 inches from the drivers side and a few inches above the dash, so not directly in my line of site. My insurance company contracts with Arrow Auto Glass in my area, and I had a technician out at my workplace (manufacturing plant) a few days later (full glass coverage).
It was a very warm day, and during the repair, when they must apply the filler under some pressure, the bull's-eye turned into a 3 inch crack. Poop. Oh well. The repair was now going to be a replacement. I insisted on OEM VW glass, my insurance company had no issues with it, so the tech ordered the glass. It took over a week to get , and the bad weather we have been having, and Arrow scheduling, made it difficult to get it done the week before, so I ended up leaving work early Friday to meet the tech at my house just so it could get done, in my garage if necessary.
When he arrived at my house late Friday 13th (4:06pm), he was dodging thunderstorms in my area, and managed to complete the replacement outdoors in the driveway, in about 1-1/2 hours without getting poured on, just lucky. I checked the make and part number etched on the new windshield vs the original and they are identical.
I was worried about the new replacement not looking perfect, but it came out great, can't tell the difference at ,all except the new windshield is much cleaner.
The tech was nice enough to show me how he removed the wiper arms (easy peasy), then unclip the firewall plastic shields that cover the wiper assembly and brake fluid reservoir. The hood stays in place the whole time. Now I know how to get at the brake fluid for future service! Also got to vacuum the assorted bits of leaves and pine needles that were in there, quite a bit to. That should keep the drains free. I'll do it once a year.
The new glass came with the rear view mirror mount pre-attached, and the mirror comes off with a one quarter turn, after unclipping the housing. Seemed easy and quick , only one connector for the auto-dimming and rain sensor.
The glass was $535.50 , and labor and sealant was $152. Not sure if Arrow Auto Glass gets discounts for being a large company.
The tech told me this was his first T3, but he has done several earlier models. Said that VW glass is always more expensive. They usually do aftermarket glass, but if the insurance is paying and the customer insists, they will do OEM.
