Cracked windshield replacement; poor 'finish' workmanship
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 160
Likes: 5
From: Bay Area, CA
That foam strip between the window and dash should just pull out. My 19 when I had it, I had to use a paint mixing stick to re-insert it, as it kept working it's way out, and was only held in place by pressure from the windshield and dash. Maybe it was supposed to be glued in, but mine wasn't. I see the same thing happening to my 22.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 598
Likes: 218
From: New Jersey
I made the mistake of letting safelite do a simple windshield on an explorer I used to own. They gouged the steel aperture, didn't seal it properly, windshield leaked, rusted the aperture out. I will never let those guys near another vehicle ever again.
I can't believe they let a job looking like that out of the shop... actually, I can. You did the right thing by staying on them about it.
I can't believe they let a job looking like that out of the shop... actually, I can. You did the right thing by staying on them about it.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 577
Likes: 330
From: Southwest Michigan
That foam strip between the window and dash should just pull out. My 19 when I had it, I had to use a paint mixing stick to re-insert it, as it kept working it's way out, and was only held in place by pressure from the windshield and dash. Maybe it was supposed to be glued in, but mine wasn't. I see the same thing happening to my 22.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 8
I had the windshield in my 2019 xlt replaced recently by Safelight. They said before the job that they typically just remove the foam strip and don't replace it. I wasn't sure how I felt about this but once it was done I like it better with no strip. Now I'm not staring at the stupid foam strip coming out on the ends all the time.
The rest of the install went fine with no quality issues.
The rest of the install went fine with no quality issues.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 503
I researched this site almost exclusively. I do notice the adhesive strip. I'm sure it is near impossible to place with the windshield in place. I just really hate the idea of another windshield pull to replace this, but it really looks like hell. Not just it sticking up like many threads mention, but actually sliced and generally boogered up a good bit. I was not even looking for it and noticed as soon as I sat in the truck.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 31
From: Idaho
My front window is do for replacement. That would **** me off. I did look at my truck and it is just a weather strip to give a finished look to the truck. It also prevents items from falling down the back side. You could add that back after the windows install, it would take time and care. I will most likely have to add i back myself after my install. Thank you for the picture of product, it is just 3m weather striping
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 97
Likes: 29
Unfortunately most glass guys are like this. My 20 has had a small crack on the drivers side upper corner since 2k miles. It bothers me, but I know I'll be even more bothered by whatever damage the glass guys will do.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 129
From: Maryland
They installed the correct windshield and calibrated the camera. Both wipers and auto high beams operate as expected. I’m just bothered with the condition of that seal/gasket/foam-thingy.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 129
From: Maryland
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 11
From: Central NJ
I had developed a cracked windshield a month ago. I called Safelite in to where I was working, and they came with the wrong windshield. Said the correct windshield could be ordered but would be more expensive and take a few days. Told him I wouldn't be in the area that long, so no. This week we had an appointment with Safelite in my home base area, again, came with no windshield to verify they had the incorrect one (after we verified by phone last week) and after sitting on the phone in my office for 30 minutes trying to figure out which one it is, he left. His office called 30 minutes later and told me they could have it by Monday but now the price was going from like $1,100 to $1,700. I called my dealer and they said they fix Safelites F up's all the time, and he could do my windshield, with OEM, for $800. So, it is in the dealer today have that done. So, guys, check with your local dealers if you need a windshield.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 129
From: Maryland
It can be replaced without removing the windshield. Takes patience though to get it right. The trick is getting it in place with a bit of the backing removed. Then once the strip is in place, remove the backing and let it adhere. Sort of like when putting fender flares on, peel back a small bit, get it aligned, then pull the strip out while pressing it in place.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 129
From: Maryland
Update…
So, we just had 5 days of rain with some periods of very heavy rain. I find my auto wipers DO NOT work any more. And, yesterday morning I found a puddle of water on my driver side floor mat. Fortunately I have tray floor mats so the water was contained.
It appears to me I have two more issues to go back to safelite with now. Great!!!!
So, we just had 5 days of rain with some periods of very heavy rain. I find my auto wipers DO NOT work any more. And, yesterday morning I found a puddle of water on my driver side floor mat. Fortunately I have tray floor mats so the water was contained.
It appears to me I have two more issues to go back to safelite with now. Great!!!!
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 129
From: Maryland
Return visit confirmed the initial job was poorly done. They found the source of the leak and why the auto wipers did not work. They removed the windshield, installed a new OEM Ford one, and a new 'gel pad' that operates the auto wipers. While they did not have a replacement foam gasket for the dash, the installer took time to align the current one better so you barely notice the slices. I now have functioning auto wipers, and a windshield that does not leak. I do not even see the foam gasket unless I really get close and look hard to find it and the areas that were cut. While I'm not happy about the foam, I'll live with how it looks now.
I need one more good solid rain to really think this new install does not leak, but the few small rains did not show evidence.
I need one more good solid rain to really think this new install does not leak, but the few small rains did not show evidence.