and1c Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 ok, to cut a long story short, I was recently carrying some long pieces of 2 x 4 timber in my Mondeo work horse (done it hundreds of times before) and due to fate interfering, a large pothole caused one of them to jump forward a small amount and crack my wind screen (yes they were too long and it was my fault for not using a van). Ok, I thought...what a *******. I will have to get a new screen through my insurers (never used this before as never had a cracked screen before apart from literally years ago) Autoglass Sheffield were the bunch who were assigned by my insurers. The insurers dont really give a t*ss about your glass (or your car for that matter) and as such just said, ring this number (autoglass!) Anyway, a miserable so and so ended up coming out to replace the screen, complete with Cheapo pattern (non Ford) glass that just looked 'suspect' right from the off (it had no kitemark, no 'security' stamp like the OEM stuff and a different tint.....but the story continues The screen heating element wasnt working after they had gone and also it seemed to get VERY misted up overnight when the weather was cold (it hadnt with the OEM glass in).. So I rang them back and they sent a brainless twerp with a dud multimeter out to see if the heating element was faulty in the screen. No decision either way except I had a feeling it may have been my switch that was at fault so off he went with nothing solved. A week or so later....driving along and hit a pothole... Hear a CRACK.. look up and see the new screen has cracked at the top left corner..starting in from the edge and about 20 cm long Had to take it to autoglass to be assessed lots of sighing, tongue rolling etc etc 'Its not our fault that mate...its had an impact (yeah right!) 2 complaints later to their head office and Im being put into a tried and tested 'autoglass' complaints circle Phone Autoglass head office > complaints department > Sheffield Branch > **** off its not our fault > Phone Autoglass head office...etc Now I have given up and sworn never to use ANY autoglass company again and nor will I pay autoglass 1 red cent or have them near a car of mine again. Instead Ive started reading up on how to fit bonded windscreens and am buying the equipment, materials and a new FORD screen and going to fit it myself. This is going to cost me a lot more than the £50 to go through insurers again but I will never use those sharks again on principle. Be warned... youve got naff all comeback if you are ever unlucky enough to have something like this happen Edited// I have added the pictures to this post Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Raven Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 Always wanted to know what someone like this would do with a Supra screen? Would they have to order it in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
and1c Posted March 7, 2008 Author Share Posted March 7, 2008 Always wanted to know what someone like this would do with a Supra screen? Would they have to order it in? Very doubtful The Raven The general impression I got after much enquiring is that ''We never use OEM *eg Ford or Toyota* windscreens. We only use pattern glass because it is LOADS cheaper.. " So basically they make more money It got me thinking and logically the principles would be the same as for pattern bodywork parts... some are 'ok' but some can be badly fitting and completely cr*p!! I would never let these clowns near my Supra (or any car for that matter).. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Headroom Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 Write a strong letter of complaint giving all the details and send it off to the VERY VERY TOP man at Autoglass. They are the ones who dont get to hear about complaints because Head Office keep it from them. WQhen they know about a problem it usually ends up sorted. I have done this a few times with complaints, don't bother the indians, contact the chief. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMiFFAD Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 Your windscreen is actually a large loadbearing part of your car, i cant see how your not completly within your rights to insist they use OEM parts And i beleiev all glass has to have atleast the kite mark from a legal stand point, surly? Its like having your genuine TAG watch stolen and them telling you to buy a dodgy fake down the market and send them the bill Trying to think who did the screen in my sx, sure it wasn autoglass but elephant got them to do it, proper screen with proper nissan seals as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivan Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 Always wanted to know what someone like this would do with a Supra screen? Would they have to order it in? When mine went RAC (Autoglass?) ordered it from the local Toyota dealer. I had to wait for the windscreen to be delivered from Japan. It's probably just the common stuff they use patterns for - I can't really see anyone making copies of a Supra screen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 Sorry to hear this has happened to you. The local Autoglass company replaced my mates windscreen after it cracked, but they used untested adhesive tape on the paint to hold the glass in plase and when they removed the tape it took off the laquer as well. Quite a few months on and its still not been sorted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scoboblio Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 I was under the impression that the whole point of insurance is that you are reimbursed or restored back to the point you were at before the claim - so if it was a genuine Ford part that broke, they should replace it with a Ford part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky-Ricky Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 I would also make a complaint to you insurers, after all its them you pay your premiums to, and they should make sure you are getting OEM rather than sub standard parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colsoop Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 I would also make a complaint to you insurers, after all its them you pay your premiums to, and they should make sure you are getting OEM rather than sub standard parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
and1c Posted March 7, 2008 Author Share Posted March 7, 2008 Thanks guys I will contact the insurers and try a nasty letter to the top bod at Autoglass. The problem is...in 'their' opinion, the glass cracking is not their fault as they are saying something has impacted it, but I had only driven the car about 5 times with the new screen in!! on local roads that I know, and in 10 previous years driving I have never had a cracked screen (starting from the edge) A stonechip yes, but never a huge crack across the screen Which leaves me in the position of needing an 3rd party 'expert' opinion...to say their verdict. and thats going to cost me so I will end up more out of pocket Thats good if they dont have Toyota pattern glass...but I wouldnt be surprised if they existed...certainly in Japan. I was under the impression that the whole point of insurance is that you are reimbursed or restored back to the point you were at before the claim - so if it was a genuine Ford part that broke, they should replace it with a Ford part. i agree entirely. When I mentioned words to that effect to the first autoglass guy he looked at me like I was an alien and said 'WE DONT FIT OEM GLASS. WE HAVE OUR OWN SUPPLIERS' Whether thats just for mass produced workhorses like the Mondeo, I dont know...but he said there was a huge aftermarket supply of pattern glass. It is 'kitemarked' but not Ford Approved is what I should have said Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burna Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 Useful info here and also the correct part numbers for the windscreen itself and more importantly the correct seal http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showpost.php?p=347699&postcount=6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burna Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 When I mentioned words to that effect to the first autoglass guy he looked at me like I was an alien and said 'WE DONT FIT OEM GLASS. WE HAVE OUR OWN SUPPLIERS' That sounds like BS to me according to this guy http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showpost.php?p=348211&postcount=9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ark Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 Interesting read. I had my windscreen done last week, by Autoglass. It was a genuine Mr T window, complete with part number sticker, "Toyota genuine parts" packaging, the works - took them 3 days to obtain. The window was fine, but the trimming was a faff and popped out on the way home (5 hours after fitting, so plenty of time for any gum to dry), and it took hours of telephone hassle for them to fit me in for a fix. Meanwhile, the wife has had two windscreens for her Scoob in the last year - both genuine articles and she has had no problems at all. I guess it just depends on the workman - if you get the duffer, you're stuffed, but if you get the professional, you're fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 I once had a big chip, and Autoglass ordered in a new screen from Toyota. When the chap arrived with the screen hesaid he could fix the chip and advised me it was much better to do so because no matter how good a job he could do, it would never be as good as teh original factory fit and would compromise the rigidity of the shell. I went with his advice, but it was a shame as I'd have liked a nice new clear screen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marco Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 I had to use RAC autoglass once to have my windscreen replaced on my jspec mkiv. They ordered it from japan and genuine toyota seals etc. I had to wait 3 or 4 weeks for the windscreen to arrive. I get a call and they said it has arrived at their depot and will fit it tomorrow. Thats great! Next morning I get another call from them and they said they've damaged the screen loading it in the van!!! WTF? This thing travels from the other side of the world OK, then they damage it loading it in?! So they rang around and found another windscreen in another depot. Got it fitted and in the end it was all OK, but still I had to wait a long time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creative Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 I once had a big chip, and Autoglass ordered in a new screen from Toyota. When the chap arrived with the screen hesaid he could fix the chip and advised me it was much better to do so because no matter how good a job he could do, it would never be as good as teh original factory fit and would compromise the rigidity of the shell. I went with his advice, but it was a shame as I'd have liked a nice new clear screen. god people do spout some s***! only ever had 2 screens fitted. First was a rear screen on my BM, someone put a brick through it at work, fitted next day no problems. About 10 months later I noticed a rattle at the back when I turned the bass up on the install and noticed the screen was flexing. called them up, they found the original paperwork and sent someone out the next day to rebond it. (I didnt say anything about the 4 x 12's in the boot! ) Same with the front. ended up with a OEM bmw windscreen with tint. when winter came round I was getting water in the footwell. turned out the window wasnt bonded in correctly so another phone call and they were there the next day and refitted it complete with new seals etc. these were from the leeds branch. I would just keep hassling them, refuse to pay any excess until its repaired and let them chase you for the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
and1c Posted March 7, 2008 Author Share Posted March 7, 2008 god people do spout some s***! only ever had 2 screens fitted. First was a rear screen on my BM, someone put a brick through it at work, fitted next day no problems. About 10 months later I noticed a rattle at the back when I turned the bass up on the install and noticed the screen was flexing. called them up, they found the original paperwork and sent someone out the next day to rebond it. (I didnt say anything about the 4 x 12's in the boot! ) Same with the front. ended up with a OEM bmw windscreen with tint. when winter came round I was getting water in the footwell. turned out the window wasnt bonded in correctly so another phone call and they were there the next day and refitted it complete with new seals etc. these were from the leeds branch. I would just keep hassling them, refuse to pay any excess until its repaired and let them chase you for the money. Unfortunately I paid the excess to Autoglass after the new screen was fitted as they demand payment after they fit it Im going to try the Insurers tomorrow but Im not holding out much hope. its all good and well saying 'its not good enough" but Autoglass are trying to say 'I am to blame'?? This is some high pictures of the damage... Ive never seen a stonechip do such damage in one go but the Autoglass 'eggspurt' said he couldnt say what had impacted it, but something had. Maybe a pointed object like a knife or a key he insinuated.. Either Ive got a vindictive neighbour or they are talking BS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwayne Posted March 7, 2008 Share Posted March 7, 2008 sorry to hear of your troubles mate. i dont get it! why dont some companies ever admit any liabilty. i own a very small building company with not a lot of money but if we have ever had any problems or complaints we have always rectified them no questions asked (maybe thats why its just small company) that glass looks to have no impact damage to me! is there any way you can see the edge of the glass because it looks like its cracked under stress due to shelled or chipped edges (probably in 3 places). it may have been handled poorly before it got to your car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
and1c Posted March 7, 2008 Author Share Posted March 7, 2008 sorry to hear of your troubles mate. i dont get it! why dont some companies ever admit any liabilty. i own a very small building company with not a lot of money but if we have ever had any problems or complaints we have always rectified them no questions asked (maybe thats why its just small company) that glass looks to have no impact damage to me! is there any way you can see the edge of the glass because it looks like its cracked under stress due to shelled or chipped edges (probably in 3 places). it may have been handled poorly before it got to your car Cheers for the input dwayne Autoglass doesnt need or seem to give a rats as* about repeat business seeing as they are the biggest windscreen company around and with all major insurers etc I will remove the glass trim strips...I hadnt thought about handling being a possible cause. Either that or it was fitted badly. but after this little nitmare...I am now thinking... It is much better to keep your original screen if at all possible, no fitter can improve upon (or match IMHO) a factory fitted and factory bonded windscreen, which is why quite a few people I know who've had screens replaced have had complaints... (the Audi Coupe is a MAJOR problem car to rescreen correctly) Such as windnoise (that wasnt there before) leaks Condensation Creaking and more Someone I know of had to have his Audi Coupe screen refitted 6 times :blink:by Autoglass (i think oxford or Cambridge way). in the end they had to send their 'Daddy' fitter from another branch and he made a better job of it but it still wasnt as good as the original (replaced due to delamination) down to windnoise increase and leaked in heavy rain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
and1c Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 Well, the nightmare continues.... I contacted my insurers ibuyeco who are underwritten by Zurich Got the call centre treatment but managed to get through to someone helpful. Told them the story... 'ok, can I just speak to the manager, please hold the line'..comes back and says 'we dont use autoglass anymore as we've had a lot of problems??? We now use RAC windscreens?? wtf I thought...since a month ago? Anyway, he sounded really helpful, said they would try and sort it out and was going to put me on to the RAC who had been notified and would need to send their guy out to give an opinion before fixing it. So I made clear I WAS NOT paying excess again and wanted a refund if they would not fix it...transferred to the RAC... very helpful lady. She knew f*** all about my claim and basically they would be coming out and seeking payment if they did the screen (another £50 which Im not paying on principle!) So I had to go all the way back to ibuyeco, phoning the call centre 3 times speaking to 3 different people explaining the story as the T*AT I spoke to originally had not made notes. I am now waiting for a call back from the original guy who spoke to the manager...Im not hopeful. What would you guys do from here? I was thinking to write a very strongly worded letter to ibuyeco (sheffield autoglass are a complete waste of time) because they supplied autoglass who then fitted Pattern glass that cracked after two weeks... Also, I might mention the story being smeared all over the internet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ewen Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 I've had the Supras screen replaced by Autoglass (I posted the story up a while back) They got the screen tint wrong the first time, made a real botch of the second one, and the 'top bod in Dorset' had a go on the third one, cocking up the trim. As has been said before on here, make sure you ask for OEM, quote part numbers and ask for OEM trim and backing to be supplied too. That said, I've had ace service from Autoglass several times before on other cars...lack of training, interest and committment seems to be rife these days though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Havard Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 This won't help but I had mine replaced last May by Autoglass at Wigan. They fitted the screen two days after my claim and I had no problems at all..... I even rang autoglass and told the manager just how good the fitter was. He was clean and tidy, and the windscreen has been great ever since!! It always helps if you make it clear that you'll break his arms if he damages your car..... H. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwayne Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 I've had the Supras screen replaced by Autoglass (I posted the story up a while back) They got the screen tint wrong the first time, made a real botch of the second one, and the 'top bod in Dorset' had a go on the third one, cocking up the trim. As has been said before on here, make sure you ask for OEM, quote part numbers and ask for OEM trim and backing to be supplied too. That said, I've had ace service from Autoglass several times before on other cars...lack of training, interest and committment seems to be rife these days though. i remember reading one of your threads about the trim damage when changing screens. i had mine done a little while back and guess what they did:rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pabs Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 I always ask for OEM parts - takes them longer to get it and they make lots of groaning noises on the phone, but it ensures a proper part. I wrote a letter to the local autoglass afterwards to say how happy I was with the service - the fitter ended up getting "fitter of the month" or something so he should have got a few quid out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now