Replacement windshield with no factory blue tint?

So I was driving my Tacoma earlier today when a rock flew up and hit the lower half of the windshield, creating a massive horizontal crack spanning 80% of the length of the windshield. Damn. Anyways, it probably should be replaced asap and I'm interested to know what my options are and what I can expect to pay for a new one. Visibility with my truck has also been a pet peeve, so I'm also wondering if it would be possible to find a replacement that doesn't have the 4" strip of blue tint that's factory embedded and impossible to remove. (makes the windshield feel smaller, blocks stoplights, etc) Is there more than one type available or do they all follow the stock design?

It would be awesome to get some insight on this.

Thanks,
Adam

 

Not sure about MI but in SC the insurance company pays 100% on glass breakage.

You should be able to get a clear glass without the tint, just make sure you tell the installer that is what you want. It should be slightly cheaper also.

Cost. I have no idea. Check with your insurance company before you pay they may cover it. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

I pay 200$ deductible on my insurance for new windshields.

Blue strip? Mine never came with a blue strip.. I bet you can pick anyway

 

You may want to keep the blue tint as it reduces glare. I had a trooper with no blue tint and replaced it with the tint when I damaged the windshield.

 

You'll probably just need to call your insurance company to find out. You should be able to do what you want if the windshield you want is available.

Around here my insurance works with an affiliated glass company or you can use your own. They also repair chips for free, but if I replace the windshield I pay my $250 comprehensive deductible. I've gotten rock chip repairs on my last three vehicles including the Tacoma. I'm a rock magnet but no cracks like yours yet!

 

Correction.. Mine does have a blue strip haha

 

You can't get one without. I'm dealing with this currently. Not even the dealership can get one. Every auto glass place in town has only one option which leads me to believe they aren't found in nature

I really wanted one. I'm 6'1 ish and will wear sunglasses if I need to. Don't need less visibility the other 90% of the time.

 

That's stupid actually, I totally agree with you, XXXX would probably know if you can get it

 

bahhhh...just tint the rest of your windshield...looks cool, reduces heat remarkably well, and most of the time you can barely tell its there at all...

 

More tint!!!

 

Dan, Bad Ass!

 

PPG/PGW does not produce glass for the Tacoma's without the tint strip.

They are the primary manufacturer of replacement auto glass for our trucks in the US.

If someone is willing to pay thousands I'm sure they could get one made without it, but my local guys are selling the windshields installed for $165.00 and that's with tax.

So the real question is who in their right mind would waste that much money for a clear custom shield? If that blue strip was such an issue for visibility due to driver height I know if it were me I would not have bought a Tacoma.

 

Thanks for the input. I can live with it; I just wondered if it was an option.

 

I was looking at listings for 2012/2013 Tacomas and noticed that base models clearly did not have the blue tint, but it was still kept on ext/crew cab models. Does anyone know if it is possible to swap a 2012/2013 windshield into an 2009? Are there any differences in the sheet metal, materials used, or design that would prevent a swap?

 

I had a chip last week and within 24 hours it had went into a crack that spawned over three quarters of my windshield. I phoned Speedy Auto Glass and it was going to be between $450-500 CDN(with the blue strip at the top) to get window, install etc. I don't have front glass insurance so it will be coming out of my own pocket. I hope this helps.

 

Should be the same windshield...

 

I just stopped by safelite today and they mentioned the '13 windshield was a different part number and had could have problems fitting if there are any changes. I honestly think it's the same windshield though and the '12 Tacoma in the dealer lot next door was virtually identical with the only change being the pattern on the border. I'm going to call the dealer to see if they can offer any insight.

 

thats aboot 300-350 high.

$160 installed down here all day long

 

I just paid $155 out the door for a windshield for my 2005. That's cheaper than the deductible if I had had glass coverage. Check around before you use one of the "National" glass companies, you may be surprised at the price difference! And it makes sense that they only offer one choice, most Tacoma owners probably don't care and are fine with the standard glass as replacement. It's much cheaper for them to stock just one style of windshield.