Windshield delamination

[l77]

Anyone has same problem? Mine is getting replaced at dealership as I am typing. Like G8s, top edge of our windshield are exposed to elements (not covered underneath weatherstrip) so this may prone to happen? BTW that piece of 'Saint-Gobain' glass costs $600+ to order!

[K9Vic]

No, but I put zero deductible windshield replacement on my insurance due to the high cost of the windshield. I will keep an eye on this, thanks for the tip.

[Navy Lifer]

Out of curiosity, I had a conversation with the local glass shop I deal with--if I needed a windshield (outside of warranty) this shop is where I would go, locally. That said, my point is this:

Yes the glass for the PPV is expensive - this presumes that it is the OE replacement part, packaged in Australia and in the US GM SPO system for support of PPV.

The Saint-Gobain corporate reach is worldwide, and there is an Australia address that could be expected to be the source for the OE glass, whether it's made there or if they are just the distribution operation to supply that part of the world (Oceania - AUS, NZ, etc). Would need to check DOT code on the glass itself to confirm origin.

http://www.saint-gobain.com/en/director ... ch/country" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
SAINT-GOBAIN SOLAR GARD AUSTRALIA PTY, LTD
Suite 1, 6 Stanton Road, Seven Hills, New South Wales, 2147
Australia

The aftermarket, such as the shop I mentioned, for example, could be supplied with glass from many sources. One of the larger companies now in the US is Pilkington, which has absorbed many other suppliers that are more familiar to the average US vehicle owner. The glass itself may or may not say Pilkington, as they (I think) are more the merchandiser/distributor than the actual manufacturer, or some companies now may be under their umbrella but continue to sell product with their previous brand marking.

Pilkington is the Anglicized brand name of Nippon Sheet Glass Co, based in Tokyo.

(from Pilkington website FAQ's)
http://www.pilkington.com/en/automotive ... ional/faqs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Over the years, Pilkington Automotive developed a large number of glass operations around the world, each with their local identity. Recognising both the global nature of the OE industry, and the way in which Pilkington Automotive serves it, for current manufacture, these and other local names have all now been absorbed by the Pilkington Automotive brand.

To compare dealer sourced glass to aftermarket:

My local shop stated that a new PPV windshield would cost about $500 installed - $420 of that would be the actual glass, which would come via Pilkington or other aftermarket source that happened to have the glass in stock--and even at that, when the glass arrives at the shop, it COULD end up being the Saint-Gobain part that is a match to the OE glass. The price I got here could vary greatly in different locations nationwide, of course.

A dealer supplied Windshield PN 92251448 would cost quite a bit more--over 50% more in this case.

List Price: $1,022.02
Dealer Cost: $650.00

Granted, we are talking about a warranty replacement, so the expectation is that the "OE" glass (Saint-Gobain?) will be used. The dealer, unless they have someone on staff to do this type of work or their own body shop, will still have to call in a glass service specialist to do the R&R, so the actual cost--whether warranty or if you're paying for it, is going to be even more. It's not about whether the OE glass is better or not, is my point, though I can understand some would want ONLY an OE-source replacement.

If you're spending your own money, or an insurance company ends up involved in some way, there are options that should be less costly--whether to us as owners, or to the insurance company or glass supplier--not to suggest I would compromise on glass quality, but with a car made in Australia as opposed to North America, the number of choices MAY be limited, and we may not "like" some of them.

I am hoping to get more info on where the production windshield is actually made, based on the DOT code, and will report further when I have that info.

[elc32955]

Just make sure you're getting a NEW part. Not all Caprice wrecks are front hits and there are a few salvage yard windshields floating around in the netherworld of used parts...

[smwalker]

Reading over at the G8 board some folks got new aftermarket windshield and remarked how much worse the engine noise was. Turns out the factory windshields are sound absorbing. So went out and checked the Caprice and sure enough we have the same sound absorbing windshields. I would hate to think how much louder our cars get without it!

There is also a temperature Icon on the windshield I assume that means it's some kind of solar reflective feature as well? or just some kind of temperature insulator? Dont know for sure.

Anyway always make sure and get a windshield with a sound absorbing feature when replacing. Someone mentioned a rival to Saint Gobain had a similar sound absorbing feature and it seemd to be as good as the factory origional.

[Rjimpala]

I got my windshield replaced under warranty. I took a pic of it and everything seems to be the same markings except the number that is under the word laminated. Mine is a 2. What does that mean because the one above is a 0?

[smwalker]

Oh man you got a 2, you poor bastard.

[Rjimpala]

Lol and what does that mean? Twice as nice!

[smwalker]

Think it's like bifocals. Semis going to be huge coming at ya!!!




Sorry no idea what it means, probably just some production stamping.

Enjoy your clear view!

[Rjimpala]

They also are switching my door handles due to fading. I'll look at how they did my seatbelt. I'm afraid to look....