D4 windscreen replacement - Autoglass ok??

[Bill]

My windscreen got a big chip and has now cracked so needs replacing. Autoglass seem to think they can do it but are there any pitfalls, especially WRT the heated element?

[doggydog33]

Make sure they use a known brand of screen. I’ve heard the cheaper manufactured screens can have the heated elements fail after a short period of time.
From memory mine was pilkington optikool (Disco 3 though).

[eltax91]

Had my D4 done by auto glass. When they pulled the a frame trim out, they found a slightly melted electrical connection for the heated screen and abandoned the job until I’d had the front loom leg replaced.

Said they weren’t allowed to touch it whilst it looked melted. I had a local garage involved to get the loom sorted and they said whoever previously fitted the screen had snagged the supply wiring and left behind what could have set on fire at any point. The inside of the trim was rather black.

So, I’d say make sure they are super careful when they refit the screen that they don’t damage the wiring

[Glassman]

Clips.

Clips.

Clips.

Make sure they are the right ones and all are replaced. No runny ones either!

[Bill]

Ta! Is there a better firm? I'm near Poole if it makes a difference.

Glassman said:

No runny ones either!

[Glassman]

Bill said:

If they don't have clips/not enough clips/ or not the right clips, some fitters will glue the mouldings back on with polyurethane.

Runny clips. Straight out of the glue gun.

[Glassman]

Bill said:

Ta! Is there a better firm? I'm near Poole if it makes a difference.

Firstglass is nextdoor to Emblem Sports Cars on Sharp Road. Andy is your man.

[A.J.M]

Pilkington is the glass you want.

Anything else and send it back.

When they remove that A pillar trims.
Make sure they have new clips as it’s very hard to get the trims off without breaking some trim clips.

Again, if they don’t then rebook for when they do have the clips.

[Watcher of the skies]

I found that if you phone up autoglass and insist on the original manufacturer supplied glass with their branding they grudgingly agreed.