Rust found during Windshield Replacement

I made a post previously about a bad experience with a local auto glass installer that replaced my windshield twice in December and this past week it started leaking.
I called GEICO and got them to approve OEM windshield through Safelite. I took it to them today and they did the replacement but noted rust on the driver side A post, which I can only assume is from the shoddy installation and water intrusion.
I’m looking for advice as to what I should do. Safelite put the new windshield in but did the rust that’s there need to be cleaned out? Is it going to get continually worse and be a major problem?

 

As long as it’s now appropriately sealed, it won’t be a problem. Contrary to popular belief, rust does not spread. It’s not like a bacterial infection that reproduces and grows in size. It is simply oxidation of the exposed iron in the metal. It often appears to spread because the metal on the edges continues to get exposed to water when the source of water isn’t sealed off. Once that exposure is stopped, no more rust develops.

 

Safelight has a real bone about rust but for good reason. They always caution me on my old Ranger about if they find rust during disassembly, they won't warranty the work or possiblyeven stop the work.

Personally, I'd be concerned about it and would prep and treat the area. Granted, if you prevent further water intrusion, you should be good but on the chance you don't, what's that gonna look like next time you go to stuff a fresh window in it? I've seen a lot of older cars with bad cancer under the window seal. It starts somewhere, somehow.

 

That’s what I’m confused about as well. Is this windshield not warrantied from leaks now that there is rust present? It says on their warranty form that they exclude leaks and damage in connection with installations to vehicles with damage or rust on the pinch weld. Now I’m like do I take it to a body shop and get the rust that’s present scraped off or coated (if that will do anything at all).
I’m just really kicking myself. I took it to a Toyota dealer and used the installer they recommended and now it’s bitten me in the ass.

 

Key here is you found where the rust is comin’ from & you can stop it. Qualified shop should be able to look after this.

 

Trying to seal over rust is like trying to seal over sand. It isn't gonna happen. Now the location shouldn't cause a seal issue with the new windshield unless there is a pinhole. For me I would have put a rustmort type product on it and sealed it, before the windshield install. I know time was probably an issue, they wanted you out the door...

 

I am a certified glass installer (at least I was 20 years ago) but that rust is caused by the glass knife they use when it cuts into the body. The knife is usually a vibrating blade that slices the glue from inside the truck, if they push it too far out it will hit the body and cut right into the paint. If they do not prime the spots that have been cut then they will rust. Most people dont notice these spots until it is too late and the rust have destroyed the area.

Just putting new glass in there will not stop it, the area needs to be cleaned, wire brushed, and primed.

 

damn so what do I do now that Safelite has already replaced it?

 

Ooo, thats a tough one. I would find another glass installer and just ask them for a 2nd opinion, then bring that to safelite along with the picture you posted. Having another glass company saying its a problem hold a ton more weight than some random guy on the internet (me).

They can either pull the glass and have the area repaired now, or give you in writing and noted on your account that they will repair any damage down the road caused by the rust.

 

This may not be what you want to hear, but to do a proper job the glass should come out again, the rust sanded down, and the areas primed with epoxy primer and re-painted with proper auto body paint, and then the glass re-installed. A job for a body shop. My guess is 2-3 hours of billable body and paint hours, $150 in materials, and $200 in sublet for the glass r&i. $650 ish?

Who should pay for it is a different matter., and getting them to pay for it is a different one altogether. Definitely not Safelite's fault, they discovered the issue in the first place.

 

While not safelites fault, they should of told him that it needs to be repaired before the new glass goes in otherwise its going to cause a issue later down the road.

 

Yes I can see that. I think you are right. But still walking in their shoes the reality of such shops and their managers is that they are just not equipped and do not have the mindset for 'restoration' which this really is. What is Safelite to do? Park the truck inside a revenue generating bay until it gets sorted out taking up space? Charge the op storage? Tow it in an enclosed trailer back to the op's house until it is sorted out? My point is this is a logistical problem bordering on nightmare.

Either way this is not a huge part of the liability-which is really just another r&i assuming the glass does not break when removed again. This is a tricky one!

If I get such a call the next time a windshield is going in I would probably just tell them to STOP and then move the car to a body shop. Actually this post has caused me to want to inspect before it goes in!

 

I think it’s caused by the previous installer while using their knife to peel of the gue. They must have went too far to the metal. They were supposed to primer it. I think I watched it on ChrisFix’s.

 

This is absolutely ridiculous to have this degree of problem created by an incompetent installer.
I called GEICO and explained the situation. I’m scheduled now with an auto body shop for inspection. Now it’s comprehensive repair so I’m going to be charged a $500 deductible unless they waive it, or can get it back from the first installer. Now my question is since there is rust and it needs to be repaired does this lower my trade in value? In all likelihood I’m going to trade in within 5 years, is it even worth getting this repair done if I’m going to have to pay a deductible AND it lowers the trucks value? Or just hope it’s all good and trade it in in 4-5 years?