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Black Puma

Member Since: 31 Jan 2015
Location: Sydney
Posts: 188

2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 SW Sumatra Black

Advice needed on replacing windshield

I have a couple of bad chips in the windshield. They can't be neatly repaired, so time to replace the glass.

1. Not many glass repair shops are interested in using genuine glass, only aftermarket

2. One place offered aftermarket glass and said, "original rubber is in good condition, they can use that one"

3. Place that did quote for aftermarket and genuine: $720 v's $1,890

4. Can buy genuine glass and rubber as parts for $1,400. Get it fitted somewhere (or maybe myself)

I assume the reason is an act of sadist humor, but LR sent all the Defenders that don't leak, to Australia, where it doesn't rain much. But my concern, using aftermarket in this area may risk leaking and then corrosion around windscreen or bulkhead.

What are peoples thoughts/opinions? Go genuine because it's safer and better? Or there is no difference, but make sure to get a new rubber?

Any input much appreciated, want to get this right first time.

9th Feb 2021 1:06am

Oldowner

Member Since: 26 Dec 2018
Location: South west
Posts: 623

2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Aintree Green

I wouldn’t have any issues in using a non genuine glass, I have often used it and it is correctly stamped with relevant standards and have had no issues with delamination etc (a non genuine, green tinted glass here in uk LR042725 is under £50 new).

Make sure you get the green tint version if yours is anything other than a basic utility model - (after 2012 all vehicles had a green tint as standard)

I have reused the original rubber in the past if not too old with no issues. I have fitted one in the past with a Britpart rubber and the joint failed during fitment. It would be preferably to fit a new rubber however as the old rubber may have a “memory”

It should only take an hour or two tops to do the job, the defender is very easy to change. Just need to remove A pillar trims, rear view mirror and sun visors and drop the headlining at the front slightly.

9th Feb 2021 6:06am

Dinnu

Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3414

2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black

If you do it yourself, do not use dishwashing soap to ease the rubber. Dishwashing soap promotes corrosion. 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black

9th Feb 2021 7:10am

Balvaig

Member Since: 19 Feb 2016
Location: Fife
Posts: 730

2016 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 Landmark LE Corris Grey

I would go for original rubber and aftermarket glass, checking it meets OEM standards.
I would not reuse the window rubber because of the heat and sun, which hardens and degrades the rubber.
Try and get one of the mobile glass fitters to fit it. They make it look easy.

9th Feb 2021 12:05pm

landy andy

Member Since: 15 Feb 2009
Location: Ware, Herts
Posts: 5699

2006 Defender 110 Td5 USW Zermatt Silver

LR rubber. Don’t try yourself (not as easy as it looks), Pilkington glass only, (especially if heated). Would be my advice.

9th Feb 2021 12:16pm

Oldowner

Member Since: 26 Dec 2018
Location: South west
Posts: 623

Balvaig wrote:

Try and get one of the mobile glass fitters to fit it. They make it look easy.

It is easy. Anyone with a bit of diy skill can do it

9th Feb 2021 1:57pm

Black Puma

Member Since: 31 Jan 2015
Location: Sydney
Posts: 188

Thank you everyone. Really appreciate the tips and info. I have been struggling with what to do for a couple of weeks now, so a relief to have a easy plan to get hsi done.

Going to go with genuine rubber, and an aftermarket screen. Looking for Pilkington if possible, and green tint.

Seeing as going aftermarket. I will have it fitted, the original issue was, that people didn't want to fit the genuine glass. I guess if they made a mistake and cracked, it's an expensive day for the fitter.

9th Feb 2021 10:09pm

landy andy

Member Since: 15 Feb 2009
Location: Ware, Herts
Posts: 5699

The genuine glass is Pilkington, and for fitting I use a company that fits lorry and coach/bus windscreens. They appear to be the only ones who know how fit an old school screen. They fit them in no time, and they have never broken one on fitting for me, and that must be about 6-8 screens.

9th Feb 2021 10:28pm

Ianh

Member Since: 17 Sep 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 2000

Landy Andy. Could you advise on the company you use to fit the glass, plus where do you source your pilkington tinted heated screens and new rubber.
It would be handy to have these details at hand incase I get a big stone chip or crack in the windscreen.

9th Feb 2021 11:34pm

landy andy

Member Since: 15 Feb 2009
Location: Ware, Herts
Posts: 5699

Yes mate.

I use these guys. They’ve fitted many for me, at their site and at wherever I’m working. I’ve also given their details to many others I know and have never heard a bad thing about them.

They also will “look after you” if they can and reduce your excess if going through insurance depending on the cost to them. Sometimes I’ve got a new screen through insurance for nothing, other times £30. Just depends on costs, and insurance company.

They are in Takley, near Stansted airport, so same county as you.

https://jayandrobswindscreens.co.uk/

9th Feb 2021 11:51pm

Ianh

Member Since: 17 Sep 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 2000

Thanks Andy, Essex is not that big, and better to travel a few miles to someone who knows what they are doing with an old school windscreen.

10th Feb 2021 6:29pm

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