Windscreen cracked - latest sources please ?

[taylormj4]

As the title, my windscreen has cracked. Luckily right over on the passenger side lower corner but it is quite a long crack so screen needs replacing.

I have heard horror stories in the past on PH about wrong screen, seals not going back in properly, wripped or slashed leather/vinyl surrounds, screens no longer available etc

What is the latest situation please: Are proper TVR screens still available and has anyone any experience of a Company that can fit them well. I am guessing a TVR repairer would be better than say Autoglass ?

PS - Now found another thread on PH, which helps with the source:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=118...

Has anyone used their insurance to get the screen replacement done? I guess they will want to use one of their 'approved repairers', which I'm not so sure about.

Thanks.

Edited by taylormj4 on Thursday 25th February 09:36

[spikep]

there was a batch of incorrectly made screen but I think they have been through the system and all gone now. I assume your insurance will cover it and you can only ask them if you can get an experianced fitter to do it.

[griffdude]

I used Autoglass mobile. They had to source the screen which took about a week. I expressly asked for a fitter with TVR experience & warned that I was a customer with high expectations etc etc.He re-used the original trim rubber which initially I wasn't happy about, then when the job was complete, the trim was actually better than before.
All done through the insurance (A-plan) minus my excess.

[V8 GRF]

As mentioned there was a batch of rejects from the old TVR factory that unwittingly got put into stock during the clear out at Bristol Avenue. As mentioned they're all gone now and new screens are available from TVR Car Parts.

I had my screen replaced last year and while it was covered by my insurance my instance that it was fitted by X-Works and not their approved fitter (Autoglass) meant I had to pay upfront for it but they re-imbursed me within a week once I'd submitted the invoice.

[portzi]

V8 GRF said:

As mentioned there was a batch of rejects from the old TVR factory that unwittingly got put into stock during the clear out at Bristol Avenue. As mentioned they're all gone now and new screens are available from TVR Car Parts.

I had my screen replaced last year and while it was covered by my insurance my instance that it was fitted by X-Works and not their approved fitter (Autoglass) meant I had to pay upfront for it but they re-imbursed me within a week once I'd submitted the invoice.

Me too David l had my screen fitted by Paul and Heath. They had the car 4 days as they wouldn't let me have the car back until the screen was totally set, wise word's indeed.

[taylormj4]

Had a chat with my insurance company and they have said that they will let me use my own installer but they would only contribute £185 to the cost. The screen costs well over £400 so it would cost them at least that. This seems pretty unfair.

[taylormj4]

V8 GRF said:

As mentioned there was a batch of rejects from the old TVR factory that unwittingly got put into stock during the clear out at Bristol Avenue. As mentioned they're all gone now and new screens are available from TVR Car Parts.

I had my screen replaced last year and while it was covered by my insurance my instance that it was fitted by X-Works and not their approved fitter (Autoglass) meant I had to pay upfront for it but they re-imbursed me within a week once I'd submitted the invoice.

Did they reimburse you the full amount minus the excess or only a proportion?

[crossy67]

taylormj4 said:

Had a chat with my insurance company and they have said that they will let me use my own installer but they would only contribute £185 to the cost. The screen costs well over £400 so it would cost them at least that. This seems pretty unfair.

No it wouldn't, they'll have their supplier on AIV (average invoice value) meaning the supplier will loose money on your job if they can't manage to get one made or supplier for less. Autoglass's buying power is immense and they do own their own manufacturers, really poor quality glass but it means they won't lose money on your job

Try contacting Paul, Glassman on here.

[philip600]

I recently rang my insurer ( Classic-line ) to report a cracked windscreen in mine & they said if I used their approved repairer ( Autoglass I think ) the excess would be £ 75.00 but if I use my own fitter I will have to pay up front & re-claim & the excess would be £ 125.00.
I wouldn't be happy letting someone who may not have had any experience on TVR's anywhere near my car so I'm currently waiting to hear from Hexham Horseless Carriages who are expecting a stock of windscreens to arrive soon & it will then be going up to them. The extra £ 50 it will cost will be worth it.
Phil.

[taylormj4]

philip600 said:

I recently rang my insurer ( Classic-line ) to report a cracked windscreen in mine & they said if I used their approved repairer ( Autoglass I think ) the excess would be £ 75.00 but if I use my own fitter I will have to pay up front & re-claim & the excess would be £ 125.00.
I wouldn't be happy letting someone who may not have had any experience on TVR's anywhere near my car so I'm currently waiting to hear from Hexham Horseless Carriages who are expecting a stock of windscreens to arrive soon & it will then be going up to them. The extra £ 50 it will cost will be worth it.
Phil.

My excess is £80 I believe and I too would happily pay £125 but my insurance company are only offering to pay £185 toward the cost. The screen is around £450 adn I reckon it will be another £150-£200 for a TVR garage to fit it, so it's going to cost me around £425 if I go with my own installer.

[V8 GRF]

taylormj4 said:

V8 GRF said:

As mentioned there was a batch of rejects from the old TVR factory that unwittingly got put into stock during the clear out at Bristol Avenue. As mentioned they're all gone now and new screens are available from TVR Car Parts.

I had my screen replaced last year and while it was covered by my insurance my instance that it was fitted by X-Works and not their approved fitter (Autoglass) meant I had to pay upfront for it but they re-imbursed me within a week once I'd submitted the invoice.

Did they reimburse you the full amount minus the excess or only a proportion?

They reimbursed the full amount minus the excess, so I'd tell your insurer to sling their hook next renewals time

I'm with Classic line as well underwritten by RedStar Equity, despite bad reports elsewhere I've had nothing but great, no quibble, service from them and thet includes an expensive accident, a second claim after 6 months dealt with under teh first claim and this screen replacement only 1yr after the screen was replaced in the first claim.

Edited by V8 GRF on Thursday 10th March 16:21

[Andav469]

Had my screen replaced by TVR Central last year, a perfect job and an insurance approved fitter

[spikep]

Having my windscreen done on monday by National windsreens via classic line (equity redstar) will report back.

One question though, should the roof be on when they fit it (Griff)?

I ask this as my last sreen has not quiet fitted prop on the door to seal interface. ie, doors are fine with the roof on but I had to modify the seal to get the doors to shut with the roof off (the screen was fitted with the roof off).

[V8 GRF]

spikep said:

One question though, should the roof be on when they fit it (Griff)?

I ask this as my last sreen has not quiet fitted prop on the door to seal interface. ie, doors are fine with the roof on but I had to modify the seal to get the doors to shut with the roof off (the screen was fitted with the roof off).

It's easier to actually fit it with the roof off but once the screen is in I'd have them put the roof on as the sealant sets.

[spikep]

Had my screen fitted yesterday by National windscreens. The old screen had a TVR and Triple XXX loggo but the new one did not. To say the fit is rubbish is an understatement, the new screen appears to big and sits to far off the frame. The car is drivable but I have no rubber trim on.
I will give National windscreen their due as the fitter did his best, I just think the screen was not within tolerance. They hopefully will be able to get an official screen and it should work.
Will also be talking to my insurer today.

[nawarne]

spikep said:

Had my screen fitted yesterday by National windscreens. The old screen had a TVR and Triple XXX loggo but the new one did not. To say the fit is rubbish is an understatement, the new screen appears to big and sits to far off the frame. The car is drivable but I have no rubber trim on.
I will give National windscreen their due as the fitter did his best, I just think the screen was not within tolerance. They hopefully will be able to get an official screen and it should work.
Will also be talking to my insurer today.

...So, I would be winding it in to the insurer that their insistence on using National (owned by RAC??) has cost them twice, because it wasn't done right the first time! I'd also highlight/labour the fact that the poorly fitting glass could lead to consequential damage as a result of water ingress to interior and electrics....Which they would be liable for.

Nick

[crossy67]

National windscreens is a privately owned group of companies operating under a national banner, they're nothing to do with the RAC.

Insurance companies award contracts based primarily on price, cheap windscreen companies will fit cheap glass. Cheap glass is not good.