New windscreen required

[KenL]

Well, a stone finally got me. Got struck on the screen yesterday and thought nothing of it but this morning I noticed a curving crack about 10 cm long. It is down near the bottom under the passenger side wiper.

I expect I will go the autoglass route via insurance.

Anyone experience of this and what to look out for? I don't have a heated screen or auto wipers thankfully.

Thanks.

[Stewart]

In all my years of driving it has only been in a MINI I’ve lost a screen. In saying that when it hit I thought someone had shot a gun it was that loud.

Went to Autoglass and we talked, we tried the free resin route but it was just below the rear mirror. To be frank it still looked crap. So as we agreed if I tried the resin I could come back for a new screen if I was not convinced. Auto glass ordered the new screen and A pillars as it was best not to use the originals after they have been removed.

All happy it was nice a new and within weeks down in Yorkshire “Bang” but it was only small. Gave up in the end so my screen has a few wee chips but nothing to make me think it needs replaced.

Someone lets call him “Trigger”:hand: shot passed me on the HT on a road surface that kicked up loose stones, cut in and accelerated. So I have a few battle marks from that on the screen including I can only assume at the same time three chips on the bonnet going by the painful “ting, ting , ting” as he went passed. But hay its too much fun to grumble and lets face it they are there to be used and enjoyed.:smilewinkgrin:

[simonfr]

No experience of getting a screen changed on a mini, but after a track day at Crail (rough surface) I came away with a cracked screen on a MX-5. From that experience I would say that before you leave the fitting centre just make sure you're happy with the quality of finish around the edges on both the inside and outside of the car. Check the seal closely to make sure it has been neatly finished, and double check your paintwork..... I'm sure I ended up with an inch long scratch that wasn't there previously :(

[weefossy]

Lost a screen on The Beast last year. Autoglass via our insurance company were excellent. Guy really knew what he was doing. They replace the A pillers automatically and we got new wiper blades thrown in. You also get a life time gtee. Top class service for £75 excess.

[KenL]

Thanks for that weefossy.

I know you also live in East Lothian, where was the branch you used please?

[weefossy]

Ken, insurance company gave me a direct number and I dealt through that. Not sure where the guy was located and I can't even find a receipt, which is unusual for me. Normally I keep everything. Apologies.

[Duncan Stewart]

Needed a new screen several times
Auto glass just did it in the car park at work so not seen what they actually did but no fuss or mess made inside or outside the car.

[KenL]

Ken, insurance company gave me a direct number and I dealt through that. Not sure where the guy was located and I can't even find a receipt, which is unusual for me. Normally I keep everything. Apologies.

Was it a mobile thing for you? That would be good if they came to my house. I have a week off in October, they could do it then.

[weefossy]

Yes they did it on my drive / garage. Took them 3 days to order up the right heated screen with tint and rain sensor and then a couple of hours to do the work.

[KenL]

Thanks.

[AndyP & Lenore]

Our new JCW Hatch came from the dealers with a free 6" score on the windscreen. So they replaced that within a few weeks of us getting the car. When we picked the car up from it's windscreen replacement it came with a free dent on the roof. Again, the roof was repaired by the dealer - (actually Dent Central fixed it). The whole experience was one I'd prefer to have avoided but what can you do. :o

[Gismo]

I've had a couple of screens fitted with the car at the house, the only problem is if it rains, they won't fit it unless you can drive it into a garage or under cover.
Also, give them time to order the correct screen, insist on one with the Mini logo branded onto it

[KenL]

OK, thanks for all your advice. Autoglass are coming to the house on Monday.

I asked if the screen was oem. He said no I would need to phone the insurers and ask for this specifically, he also said they may ask for extra cash! So will go with the like for like replacement.

He was clueless about the a-pillar finishers, but assured me that the car would be returned to its current condition.

[Blueboy]

I bought my car on the Sat which when sold was to get the screen replaced as had a chip in it, and when it was delivered on the Sun was very busy building another vehicle for a show and didn't check it over. When I got round to detailing it I noticed the cracked pillar, and long story short seems that the dick from Auto Windscreens hadn't got a clue removing or fitting it as all clips were cracked! Shouldn't be working on cars if they aint got a clue how to properly remove trim!!!:argh:

[KenL]

Windscreen and A pillars were replaced today. Very efficient service.
He left old pillars behind suggesting I sold them on ebay!

Will not be driving until tomorrow.

[KenL]

Hmmm!

Went out in the car today to play golf. On my return I had another look.
On the driver side the trim at the top is not properly attached. Also, the A pillar looks too low.

So, I called to complain and someone is coming tomorrow to sort it.

[KenL]

Sorted!
Chap called the other day. Fitted another A-pillar in the correct position and re-attached the rubber trim at the top.

[Stewart]

Glad it all worked out ok. :thumbs up: