6.22.2011

XJ8 Windshield Replacement

Earlier this week I had the unfortunate mishap of a semi truck throwing a rock at my windshield.  This has actually happened several times over the course of the last year as I'm on the highway everyday on my way to work.  However, where the other chips were easily fixed or were barely noticeable, the rock that flew at me this time was about the size of a golf ball.

As soon as I saw the rock flying at me it was too late.  Travelling at about 110 km/h the hit was like a gunshot.  The damage was also immediately apparent as the crack began to run in several directions within minutes of being created.  I knew this wouldn't be a patch job.  I knew I was going to have to have my windshield replaced.

I've now gone through all of the hassle of finding a suitable replacement and my new windshield will be installed tomorrow.  The issue was that the current windshield for my XJ8 has heater coils in it that defrost the window quicker.  As it turns out finding a replacement with those coils is no easy task and it was starting to sound like an expensive venture to try and hunt one down - especially as it seems they weren't making them anymore.  A standard windshield however didn't seem to be an issue and I guess I can live without the coils.

Oh well.  The replacement and installation for this job is just under $300, and on the bright side of things, it means all those old divots will be gone too.  After all of the other work that I've done on my car over the last year, a new windshield will still be a cosmetic upgrade from what was there before the rock even hit.  With the summer now upon us, I want to take full advantage of my Jaguar looking and performing at her best.  Might as well look on the bright side, right?

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Posted by Editing Luke at
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6 comments:

  1. WendyJune 22, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    Sorry to hear about your windshield. I swear, those semi's should have their own, separate roads. I realize that cost-wise this would be impossible, but it would certainly be safer. That was a big rock that hit you. I know how loud and scary sounding just the little ones can be, so I can't imagine how loud this one must have been.

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  2. Editing LukeJune 22, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    Ya, it's just a random bit of bad luck. You think to yourself if I was just a little slower or a little faster I would've missed that rock . . .

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  3. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    $300? That's a terrific price. Was it OEM or Chinese?

    I'm waiting for a price on my own windshield...I have $500.00 deductible and the only place my glass shop can find a new one is through a dealer, because I don't want used and I do want OEM Triplex. I suspect it's gonna cost a bundle...

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    Replies
    1. Editing LukeJanuary 23, 2012 at 5:29 PM

      It was the only suitable replacement that the glass shop could find, made in Canada I believe. I tried to auto glass shops and neither could source one with the heat strips for '99, but at least the price was reasonable.

      Delete
  4. AnonymousDecember 20, 2012 at 6:07 AM

    Such accidents are common, glad that you were safe and nothing serious happened, cracks on windshield needs to take care of as early as possible, if you will neglect this issue they will keep growing and your whole windscreen will break within a few days.

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  5. UnknownJune 17, 2013 at 4:40 AM

    I was looking for something like this and I am so glad that I finally found it.

    Thanks
    Mississauga Auto Glass Repair

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