About 3 weeks ago I had a crack in the windshield. Hagerty had a check ($900.00) in the mail within 2 days. Had the glass replaced and 5 days ago I discovered a crack in one corner. I called the place that did the work and was told there is no warranty on it. The person who actually did the work came and looked at it and said it was a stress crack. Seems the windshield is no longer available "Made in the USA" so they had to use a foreign made one, lesser quality. The repair shop is now dealing with Hagerty about replacing it. I haven't spoken with Hagerty yet but the garage says they are still waiting for an answer from them. My opinion is that no way is the insurance going to cover a second replacement.
Your thoughts.....???

 

I am sorry to say I think your opinion is correct.

 

$900?

 

$956.50 to be exact. Hagerty recommended them and accepted 100% coverage so it didn't matter to me.

EDIT: and the darn thing leaks at that

 

who did it?

 

A local place that specializes in restoration. Some of their projects were at
the place and looked great so I was comfortable going into it. However they sublet their glass work to A-1 Auto Glass.

 

I had a windshield replaced n a 79 with foriegn glass.about $150.00

 

No warranty, WTF I wouldn't use that shop again if that's how they treat customers and when this is all said and done I'd file a complaint with BBB on the shop.

 

So if it leaks, wouldn't it be the shops responsibility to cover it and fix it?

Years ago I had a Grand Prix and needed a new Windshield, the company installed a new one and it leaked. It was the company that installed it who came out and fixed it.. it was on them, not me or my insurance..

good luck

 

I would sure think so. How can a new windshield that is installed correctly leak? And it sure as hell shouldn't crack!

 

I would think any reputable shop would guarantee their work.

For anyone replacing a WS, I've had excellent service and product from Safelite - for what it's worth. And, the cost is more like $250-300 for a C4.

 

Never seen that low. Safelite wants $479.99 and includes warranty. That also includes a new A pillar weatherstripping.

 

I did get an estimate from Safelite for $450.00 but the insurance suggested Auto 4.........the name of the company.
I'm going to call Hagerty this afternoon and see what they have to say.

 

Call Hagerty, maybe they don't know this shop gives no warranty, and maybe the shop 'did not' call Hagerty like they said they did.

 

I just got the estimate and they sent me a ck before I even had it done

 

I received a call from the service garage and they told me the insurance company declined to pay(surprise). He also said they have ordered a new windshield of slightly better quality and it should be in early next week and they will replace it at no charge to me.

I will post a followup next week.
Thanks to all for tossing thoughts around about this screw up, it helped to sort all my options as direction to take and how firm to be.

 

I had mine replaced for 285 cash by Cosmo glass in Canoga Park CA. I did remove the dash and weatherstripping myself then put it all back. He said same quality as OEM.
I saw the frame and when he glued it down he puts the metal frames to keep the window in proper place. There is no way it should leak at the window to frame area. He knew c4.

 

They are aware of the leaking and will check that as they install the new one. I, personally, did not devote any time in trying to locate the leaks cuz I knew it had to be replaced anyway. Just glancing at it when it leaked it appeared to be between the top of the side windows and the Targa top. Once I get it back if it still leaks I may get in touch with you for some advice.

 

FWIW and since it's free, probably not much. BUT in times past there would be semi frequent threads here about windshields and the consensus seemed to be that you need an installer who was very experienced with C4s.

Your shop, as a Corvette 'restoration' shop would presumably, as you said, sub out windshields to someone with C4 experience. But if I were you I would talk to the installer personally to confirm.

My understanding is that the windshield in the C4 is actually a stressed component/element of the overall stiffness of the car. As a result if the windshield is not installed correctly and is stressed in the wrong direction/plane it will stress crack, as yours did, most likely when hitting a larger bump like a pothole, railroad track, etc.

Prior threads made a big deal out of this as the C4 is not a pop out and glue in place windshield like most contemporary cars. I was fortunate to have a very good local, and independant, auto glass shop replace the windshield in my 86 vert. Took them half a day. Being a vert I was very concerned as there is even less body structure to support the windshield. But it's been 4 years and no leaks or cracks, knock on wood.

So you might search to see if I'm all wet about the C4 windshield, of course I don't think so. But I would strongly suggest again that you talk to the installer and confirm that he has done more than one C4 in the past. Good luck with your install.

 

And you know this how? I understand folks wanting to believe that made in the USA guarantees quality and fit. Not only is that untrue but also the company's that moved production out of the US did so to save on costs and increase profit. That is not the foreign country's fault. Also, wherever most products are manufactured, they are done so to standards supplied by the original mfg.

If you have ever priced out a windshield you would know that the prices are all over the board. Price to you the consumer is wholly dependent on whether or not you are going through an insurance company, whether you are paying cash or charging it, whether mobile service or done at their job, yada, yada, yada.

As you're learning, when having windshields replaced you really need to do your due diligence. This for a C4? I don't know if OEM glass is still available for it, but if the vendor doesn't have it, then you can be sure most of the vendors will be using aftermarket glass.

Just wondering, did you use Safelite Auto Glass??