Tailgate glass (double glazed)

[cayman57]

Morning all. Unfortunately some lowlife has broken into my camper by smashing the tailgate glass and robbing the inside, for some reason the inner glass has remained complete but the outer layer (tinted glass) is completely smashed. Does anybody know any companies that would be able to replace the double glazed unit
Many thanks
Simon

 

[Hotel California]

Very sad thing to happen.
I think you best look out for a VW dealer as normal glascenters probaly not have those double glazed in stock

 

[Richard Teale]

Autoglass can source a genuine replacement. Do you have glass cover on your insurance, if so give them a call?

The seal between the two glass panes has blown in my 2011 SE. This is not covered by my insurance as this is considered wear and tear. Autoglass quote over £600 to supply and fit. My local VW Van Centre quote £230+VAT for supply and fit, so will be having this done when the van is next serviced.

 

[andyinluton]

Does your windscreen insurance not cover it? Ive had side windows replaced previously under similar circumstances just paying the £50 windscreen excess. When you read the small print it covers all glass not just the windscreen.

 

[Geezso]

You have to be sure it covers specialist glass too. All glass may be mirrors and windows, but specialist glass can be panoramic roofs, rear Cali windows and some of those Honda spoiler windows you see.

 

[Richard Teale]

Quite right Geezso. The fella at Autoglass had to do some digging and call me back, but assured me that they could fit a genuine 'insulated glass' tailgate panel with the required privacy finish, BUT (and here was the rub for me) only if it was smashed or damaged 'accidentally'. A blown seal between the panes is regarded as wear and tear by most insurers.

So if you have glass cover as part of your insurance give Autoglass (or I imagine any other national glass fitting company) a call and they should do the legwork to see if you are covered for your side and rear windows and will source the right glass. But do labour the point with them that this is not simply a Transporter tailgate but an 'Insulated Glass' panel for a factory camper.

 

[Loz]

BUT (and here was the rub for me) only if it was smashed or damaged 'accidentally'.

"Hello Autoglass? you'll never guess what happened just after I got off the phone with you, Well I just went to but the bikes on the back and a peddle has gone through the glass, can I book that fitting now please?"

 

[Richard Teale]

"Hello Autoglass? you'll never guess what happened just after I got off the phone with you, Well I just went to but the bikes on the back and a peddle has gone through the glass, can I book that fitting now please?"

The thought had never occurred to me ;-)

 

[NZCol]

I managed to smash my back window (long story. Its a tricky fit so would get a VW centre to do it

 

[Richard Teale]

That's pretty much what I concluded @NZCol - also (and perhaps unusually) VW Van Centre much cheaper than Autoglass at circa £300 fitted inc VAT versus £660 at Autoglass!!!

 

[2into1]

Not sure a vw dealer actually fits glass themselves. Its hardly a core competency, especially on Cali's. I suspect they call someone in (like autoglass) who they give repeat business too. Price saving at vw is certainly attractive.

 

[Zebedee]

Some of you may remember I had my back window shattered by a firework last October. I called Autoglass....long story short they turned up with the wrong window. Couldn't do and didn't seem to know what they were doing. Ordered the real glass through SMG Cowfold but they could not fit it....a specialist, real specialist, fitted it for me www.gavaddyvcp.wix.com, lovely chap and we made our ferry on time. He does vintage, classic and prestige glass only. And he was very reasonable.he was in Brighton but I think he travels too.

 

[cayman57]

Thanks for all your comments. I went through SMG Cowgold who were very helpful and got the tinted rear glass in 24hrs. Unfortunately they don't fit but recommended somebody local who came and fitted it for £60 plus vat, well worth it as he had to remove all the panels etc on tailgate to get all broken glass out. Unfortunately the thieves had damaged all internal trim panels so SMG are now ordering all those for me as well as glass damaging paintwork on tailgate as well so now total bill for insurers is approaching £2000!! Very expensive break in as well as being very inconvenient.
Simon