Re: It has been a few years ago but I had Safelite replace the windshield in my 02 Boxster...

Had a rock chip that turned into a crack. Safelite filed in the chip and did a horrible job. My wife said there was a bump when they finished. The glass was all streaked, and within only two miles of driving, the chip turned into a crack. Now, I have to replace. Not sure if I want to use Safelite here in Arlington, VA. They don't have their act together, but if anyone has used this national outlet, is their windshield any good? Is it OEM, or generic? Dealer will be a couple of hundred more as the insurance company pays only the max of what Safelite will charge. Anything above that gets added to my deductible. I'm just wondering about the quality of the part they'd use and how compatible it will be with my 2009 997. Doesn't the windshield have both the radio antennae and remote antenna in it?

I was leery but the dealer cost was $1300 and this gets farmed out to a specialist. Ouch! My cost was the $500 deductible.

I was assured that the tech that who would be sent to my office and do the car was experienced. I suspect he's the "specialist" the dealer used. Both the insurance adjuster and I tried to pry this info from the dealers but they were pretty close-mouthed.

As an aside: However, if you go by a dealer often enough you'll catch the windshield/glass repair guy there and even the tint guy and the guy that applies the clear bra. These guys come in on a weekly (at least around here) basis, the same time/day. The glass guy at one dealer I'm familiar with comes every Friday and brings donuts!

Anyhow, both the installer and I carefully checked the replacement glass. It was identical to the OE glass in the car. Same markings, tint, radio antenna, and so on, save the spot the rear view mirror attached was a fraction of an inch (I had a tape measure with me) lower or higher but both the installer and I agreed the difference was not significant and this proved to be the case.

The installation went well, took several hours. I looked in on the process several times and believed the tech did most of the work with one hand... he was on his cell phone every time I looked. The only time he was not was when I looked over the glass with him and I went to view the work after he was done.

Now at that time only OE glass was available. OEM glass may now be available so you have to be sure it is good enough, close enough to use.

In my car's case, the job came out just fine.

Oh, have the car washed and dry. I got no specific instructions to do this but I just felt it best.

Sincerely,

MarcW.

Thanks.