Hey,

Anyone have their windshield replaced by Safelite recently? I just went through this process for my 17, and one part was poorly done in my opinion.

Once we determined I did not have a front camera, at least I do not believe I do, but their system said I did based on VIN. I only have auto wipers/high beams no front camera that I know of, so I let them do their thing to calibrate it.

They finished installing the OEM glass and turned the truck over to me, when I got inside I noticed the 'foam' strip between the dash and windshield is full of slices and gouges. Apparently, my windshield was hard to remove and the 'string' caught this foam several times. Now, my first question is why didn't you replace that? It looks like hell. They said it normally comes with the cars, but not with the trucks. Now, I have to go back so they can replace it. Of course this requires they remove the windshield and that requires they have another OEM windshield ready in case they break this one. Unbelievable! Why not do it right the first time. If you know trucks don't come with the strip, you should have one ordered for when you replace the windshield.

Maybe this is unique to the King Ranch/higher trim lines? I don't know. I'll try to grab a pic later, but want to see if anyone else has had this happen.

Also, am I being a 'dick' asking for them to replace it? I did not yell, or pitch a fit; I simply asked what happened there and why was it not replaced when the new windshield was installed?

 

No, I've seen some shady mobile glass installers. Had one using a sawsall on a work vehicle to separate the glass from the goop. Said he wasn't supposed to do that, but it's faster. They just want to turn and burn as fast as possible.

 

Yes, your truck has a small camera for the wipers. I am not sure about the auto dimming lights, might be a camera or a light sensing eye.

No, you're not being an A-hole for demanding that the job be done correctly.

 

If you have rain sense wipers and auto high beams, there is a front camera for it. Thats what it is used for. It's not the front camera for the 360 camera setup, that is in the grill.

If you are going to do a job, do it right, or, don't do it at all is the way I see it. No different than if you were to have a fender repaired, and they paint it the wrong color. It might look close enough, but close enough is not good enough when replacing or repairing windshields and other external parts.

 

Thanks, I did not realize there is a camera for controlling the auto-wipers.

 

Safelite did over $1700 in damage to a past truck of mine, then tried to hide it with a paint pen. I went back and spoke with the manager (I didn’t let the full Karen out)…

He was apologetic and told me to pick a body shop and send him the bill…

And that was for a back window…

 

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.

 

That foam strip comes in all trim levels of these trucks. It has an adhesive strip that sticks it to the dash. I'm surprised they didn't just toss it.

 

The more I research this, the more I'm inclined to agree with @Rich1961

It seems this is not attached, and can be replaced without removing the windshield. I'm going to speak with them about this when they call me to schedule the appointment to addresss the damage. It should just be buy a new one from Ford and replace it. Not, pull the windshield.

 

Where are you researching? It's been verified by others in posts elswhere that it is adhesive backed.

Here is the part# if interested HC3Z25044N32A, and you can see the adhesive strip in the screen shot bellow. You could probably get creative and figure out a way to set it without pulling the glass. Others have just deleted it when it started to become an eyesore and claim no ill effects.

 

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.

 

Not sure if these are clear enough, but i tried to capture the damage.

 

Agreed...that looks bad. Unacceptable bad.

 

That is terrible, they really tore that up.

 

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.