Replacement windscreen fitters...can you recommend?
Discussion
I had a chipped windscreen last summer - Autoglass attempted a repair but cracked the screen so booked me in for a replacement. This was originally 2 weeks later. However, before the car was due to go in they phoned me and asked me to call over to the Guildford depot so they could check the car over. Upon seeing the car, one of their senior fitters basically said that the screen had slipped down slightly (this wasnt actually the case) and therefore he didnt want to do the job as couldnt guarantee that when removing the old screen he wouldnt cut the leather on the dashboard - I thanked him for his honesty.
I then spoke to my insurance company (at the time it was Privilege) and told them what had happened. They told me that Auto Windscreens were also an approved repairer, and I had to make another trip back over to Guildford, to be told by the Manager of the branch that 'my fitter in there had been fitting windscreens for over 30 years - of course he knows what he's doing'. He still however couldnt guarantee that they wouldnt cut the dashboard leather, and clearly didnt want a claim against him for further damage.
I eventually managed to get agreed with the insurance to get the screen replaced at Fernhurst TVR who I believe use a mobile fitter, but has been doing TVR screens for years. Fernhurst also told me that they have previously seen numerous cars come back to them to have screens fitted properly that have initially been to somewhere like Autoglass. Fernhurst also said that they would need the car for 24 hours to make sure that the screen settled properly into place. The result was an excellent job.
From looking at previous threads, I think that there have been some good experiences at places like Autoglass, but also a few horror stories - I guess it depends on whether you get a fitter with previous TVR experience.
I would however have no hesitation in recommending Fernhurst - my insurance paid up and the resulting job was excellent. Southampton also isnt that far away. My current insurance policy (now a classic policy) also gives me the choice of who to use for repairs - not sure whether you also have the choice?
Hope this helps.....
I then spoke to my insurance company (at the time it was Privilege) and told them what had happened. They told me that Auto Windscreens were also an approved repairer, and I had to make another trip back over to Guildford, to be told by the Manager of the branch that 'my fitter in there had been fitting windscreens for over 30 years - of course he knows what he's doing'. He still however couldnt guarantee that they wouldnt cut the dashboard leather, and clearly didnt want a claim against him for further damage.
I eventually managed to get agreed with the insurance to get the screen replaced at Fernhurst TVR who I believe use a mobile fitter, but has been doing TVR screens for years. Fernhurst also told me that they have previously seen numerous cars come back to them to have screens fitted properly that have initially been to somewhere like Autoglass. Fernhurst also said that they would need the car for 24 hours to make sure that the screen settled properly into place. The result was an excellent job.
From looking at previous threads, I think that there have been some good experiences at places like Autoglass, but also a few horror stories - I guess it depends on whether you get a fitter with previous TVR experience.
I would however have no hesitation in recommending Fernhurst - my insurance paid up and the resulting job was excellent. Southampton also isnt that far away. My current insurance policy (now a classic policy) also gives me the choice of who to use for repairs - not sure whether you also have the choice?
Hope this helps.....
http://www.nationalmobilewindscreens.co.uk/
These guys did my Griff last August. Great company to deal with. Have a lot of TVR experience.
These guys did my Griff last August. Great company to deal with. Have a lot of TVR experience.
Firstglass Automotive Glazing - top quality and the owner/head tech is a top bloke. He has a long history with TVRs going back to Blackpool days and is the first choice specialist for Ferrari, Maserati, Rolls Royce and other top marques.
I have just spoken to my broker and the only company my insurer uses is Autoglass... I called them and arranged a mobile fitting but they phoned me back saying they need the car at their depot for a full day to fit it. It seems they do know what they are doing and have prior experience of TVRs apparently. Time will tell...
Glassman said:
notax said:
I have just spoken to my broker and the only company my insurer uses is Autoglass...
Fair emough, but this what the broker said 
:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyeChgOvhrs
and in case you're wondering this isn't how it got a broken windscreen!
Mr Aardvark, could you let me know how much you were charged to replace your screen by Fernhurst?
I had mine replaced by a local well-known Midlands-based TVR specialist a couple of months ago, but my insurance company said they had charged too much and wouldn't meet the whole bill, even after I'd paid the excess
They wanted me to use Autograss but I refused, quoting some of the problems I'd heard. My excess went up slightly but I was prepared to accept that for peace of mind of having it done by a Pro. After I sent the bill off, I got a cheque, minus the excess AND minus the amount they claimed I (i.e they) had been overcharged - A double whammy!
So if you could let me know what yours cost (maybe by PM/email if you prefer), it could give me some bullets to fire at my insurance company to try and get some money back.
Andy
I had mine replaced by a local well-known Midlands-based TVR specialist a couple of months ago, but my insurance company said they had charged too much and wouldn't meet the whole bill, even after I'd paid the excess
They wanted me to use Autograss but I refused, quoting some of the problems I'd heard. My excess went up slightly but I was prepared to accept that for peace of mind of having it done by a Pro. After I sent the bill off, I got a cheque, minus the excess AND minus the amount they claimed I (i.e they) had been overcharged - A double whammy!
So if you could let me know what yours cost (maybe by PM/email if you prefer), it could give me some bullets to fire at my insurance company to try and get some money back.
Andy
notax said:
My Chimaera needs a new windscreen and the only company I've found who seem happy to take it on are the AA. Can anyone recommend a company with TVR experience? I am based in Southampton. Thanks.
I used Natinal Windscreens at the small industrial unit close to Dock Gate 1 (?) (where the Hovis grain silo is). when I had a new screen fitted on my V8S...a few years ago.They did a good job once they'd sourced the correct screen. I kept the car for more than a year afterwards and every thing was still good.
Nick
nawarne said:
notax said:
My Chimaera needs a new windscreen and the only company I've found who seem happy to take it on are the AA. Can anyone recommend a company with TVR experience? I am based in Southampton. Thanks.
I used Natinal Windscreens at the small industrial unit close to Dock Gate 1 (?) (where the Hovis grain silo is). when I had a new screen fitted on my V8S...a few years ago.They did a good job once they'd sourced the correct screen. I kept the car for more than a year afterwards and every thing was still good.
Nick
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