wlfpck
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So just got my windshield replaced. You'll want to pay attention to a couple things as it was pretty bad for me. Number 2 pretty much sums up my experience.
1. When they replace the windshield, make sure they have the rubber trim at the bottom of the windshield. This NEEDS to be there.
2. Watch how they remove and reinstall the windshield cowl. The only thing that holds it in place is the rubber gasket/trim on the bottom of the windshield, the clip in the middle, and the foam pieces that are on the inside of the fenders. The guy that did mine, didn't have the rubber gasket so in his moment of genius (sarcasm), he decided to use self tapping screws and screw the windshield cowl into the strut towers. Lucky for me, the 2 holes he made were tiny. Took the screws out. Coated the holes with Rust Bullet to keep it from rusting. Had a dealership and a body shop check to make sure that the holes weren't going to cause structural issues. Now to get the windshield place to pay for a new windshield cowl.
3. Watch for scratches when they remove the windshield. A lot of places use a knife/putty knife thing to remove the windshield. This can potentially scratch through the paint that is underneath the windshield and the trim around it. This needs to be covered with something such as Betaprime 5504G (primer used for auto glass and body) to ensure rust does not occur. Best option is to have a body shop spray it with a layer of clear or hit the scratches with Rust Bullet Automotive Formula or the Rust Bullet Clear Shot. If you use the Rust Bullet path, it does take a bit of time for it to cure.
4. Watch out of excess windshield glue. When you get your car back, look at the edges from the inside. Make sure that there's no glue that is oozing out. If there is, remove it immediately with a credit card or putty knife. Once this sets, you're going to be a bit screwed.
5. Look for scratches on the hood and fenders. Because the windshield guy/girl is going to be removing the glass, look at the hood and such to make sure they didn't scratch it with tools on their tool belt or if you're in Texas and the tech is wearing one of those HUGE belt buckles, make sure he's not dragging that all over your paint.
6. Look for scratches in the A pillar and the Roof. If there are scratches, those need to be fixed ASAP. A body shop will pull the windshield to paint the roof. This can be a costly fix.
7. Check the windshield wiper alignment. These guys are NOT certified VW techs. They don't carry a service manual not do they look things up. They will most likely just slap your wipers back on. Check to make sure they are aligned properly. If you don't know, just take it to a VW dealership. It's a quick 5 min fix if they are not and a good/nice dealership won't even charge you for it.
8. Drive around with the music OFF. You need to listen to excessive wind noise.
9. Wash your car. Check for leaks on the windshield. If you're going to find a leak, at least have it be clean water and not grimy water that splashed up from the road. To check leakage by the dash, stick a sheet of paper towels along the edge where the glass meets the dash. Any wetness on the paper towels will indicate a leak.
If you have anything to add, post it up and I can add it to the list.
1. When they replace the windshield, make sure they have the rubber trim at the bottom of the windshield. This NEEDS to be there.
2. Watch how they remove and reinstall the windshield cowl. The only thing that holds it in place is the rubber gasket/trim on the bottom of the windshield, the clip in the middle, and the foam pieces that are on the inside of the fenders. The guy that did mine, didn't have the rubber gasket so in his moment of genius (sarcasm), he decided to use self tapping screws and screw the windshield cowl into the strut towers. Lucky for me, the 2 holes he made were tiny. Took the screws out. Coated the holes with Rust Bullet to keep it from rusting. Had a dealership and a body shop check to make sure that the holes weren't going to cause structural issues. Now to get the windshield place to pay for a new windshield cowl.
3. Watch for scratches when they remove the windshield. A lot of places use a knife/putty knife thing to remove the windshield. This can potentially scratch through the paint that is underneath the windshield and the trim around it. This needs to be covered with something such as Betaprime 5504G (primer used for auto glass and body) to ensure rust does not occur. Best option is to have a body shop spray it with a layer of clear or hit the scratches with Rust Bullet Automotive Formula or the Rust Bullet Clear Shot. If you use the Rust Bullet path, it does take a bit of time for it to cure.
4. Watch out of excess windshield glue. When you get your car back, look at the edges from the inside. Make sure that there's no glue that is oozing out. If there is, remove it immediately with a credit card or putty knife. Once this sets, you're going to be a bit screwed.
5. Look for scratches on the hood and fenders. Because the windshield guy/girl is going to be removing the glass, look at the hood and such to make sure they didn't scratch it with tools on their tool belt or if you're in Texas and the tech is wearing one of those HUGE belt buckles, make sure he's not dragging that all over your paint.
6. Look for scratches in the A pillar and the Roof. If there are scratches, those need to be fixed ASAP. A body shop will pull the windshield to paint the roof. This can be a costly fix.
7. Check the windshield wiper alignment. These guys are NOT certified VW techs. They don't carry a service manual not do they look things up. They will most likely just slap your wipers back on. Check to make sure they are aligned properly. If you don't know, just take it to a VW dealership. It's a quick 5 min fix if they are not and a good/nice dealership won't even charge you for it.
8. Drive around with the music OFF. You need to listen to excessive wind noise.
9. Wash your car. Check for leaks on the windshield. If you're going to find a leak, at least have it be clean water and not grimy water that splashed up from the road. To check leakage by the dash, stick a sheet of paper towels along the edge where the glass meets the dash. Any wetness on the paper towels will indicate a leak.
If you have anything to add, post it up and I can add it to the list.