VW California back window repalacement (UK) - HELP!

[slw1980]

Hi All,

I hope you are well.

I wanted to get some advice about replacing my back window which I broke this weekend reversing into a tree!

All the 'auto windscreen replacement' places (Autoglass et all) don't seem to acknowledge the existence of a double-glazed back window option, they want to fit an unheated Transporter window.

None of the VW garages I have spoken to do Windows...and haven't been able to give me any advice of where to go.

I am struggling to know what to do here...I want a double glazed (I think VW call it 'insulating glass') option because of insulation but don't know how I can get it...

Has anyone had the same issue? Do people know what I am talking about!

Thanks in advance...Si

 

[Wongo]

You’ll nee the parts number, Call VW direct.

 

[Victor]

I opted for single glazed tailgate window for this very reason, I have never felt any difference in insulation. Are you going through insurance or paying for it yourself? If paying your self I would opt for single glazed as you will save a fortune.

 

[slw1980]

HI mate, been on the phone all day with VW and its like banging my head against a brick wall. Also when you say "VW" do you mean a VW dealership like Collingdale, or is there some centralised place where people actually know about the vehicles they sell? How would I go about finding out the part number do you think?

 

[slw1980]

I opted for single glazed tailgate window for this very reason, I have never felt any difference in insulation. Are you going through insurance or paying for it yourself? If paying your self I would opt for single glazed as you will save a fortune.

Hi Victor, no my insurance will pay for it, i just need to cover the first £90. I am fearing that I may have to do the same just very annoying as I would much prefer to keep the original spec if I can. Thanks for your input though!

 

[mccp]

The parts numbers on here might help:

http://www.oemepc.com/vw/part_singl...category/845000/part_id/3689358/lang/e#sec_10

 

[T6 CFO]

I would try your local dealer and ask them who their bodywork specialist is. Give them a bell as in my experience authorised repairers do warranted work.


Mike

 

[slw1980]

You’ll nee the parts number, Call VW direct.

2 VW dealerships both said "it is against company policy to give our part numbers"...thanks for the support VW!"

 

[slw1980]

I would try your local dealer and ask them who their bodywork specialist is. Give them a bell as in my experience authorised repairers do warranted work.


Mike

thanks Mike!

 

[slw1980]

The parts numbers on here might help:

http://www.oemepc.com/vw/part_singl...category/845000/part_id/3689358/lang/e#sec_10

Thanks mate

 

[WelshGas]

HI mate, been on the phone all day with VW and its like banging my head against a brick wall. Also when you say "VW" do you mean a VW dealership like Collingdale, or is there some centralised place where people actually know about the vehicles they sell? How would I go about finding out the part number do you think?

A little hint as to which Vehicle you have and the Year, either in your post or by selecting the Year and Vehicle on your Account Preferences page so they are displayed under your Forum Name would be of great assistance.
You can order the parts through VW - expensive or through TPS.
TPS normally supply to the Trade but will sell to the public. All parts are genuine OEM, in fact Dealerships use them, and normally cheaper { No VW add-on }, but if your Insurance is paying then it doesn't really matter.

 

[CampervanBits]

TPS is owned by vw

 

[Hotel California]

Any "decent VW dealer " should get his hands on a replacement window , don't think those doulble glazed windows are availeble in aftermarket brands.

 

[WelshGas]

TPS is owned by vw

I didn't realise that. So why do they seem to be cheaper than buying from a Dealership? Just down to Dealership markup?

 

[Loz]

7E5845503D seems to be the part number that equates to the PR code (QL0) for double glazed rear glass.

It is not uncommon to have to order glass from the dealer and Autoglass to meet your van at the dealer to fit it.

Note: double glazed vans are not wired for heated rear screen so if you go single glazed it wont be heated.

 

[CampervanBits]

I didn't realise that. So why do they seem to be cheaper than buying from a Dealership? Just down to Dealership markup?

yes but in our experience vw is not that much dearer than tps

 

[yanathem]

All the 'auto windscreen replacement' places (Autoglass et all) don't seem to acknowledge the existence of a double-glazed back window option, they want to fit an unheated Transporter window.

None of the VW garages I have spoken to do Windows...and haven't been able to give me any advice of where to go.

I am struggling to know what to do here...I want a double glazed (I think VW call it 'insulating glass') option because of insulation but don't know how I can get it...

Has anyone had the same issue? Do people know what I am talking about!

Just had my tailgate glass changed this afternoon by autoglass, couldn't have been easier. Just rang auto glass gave them my insurance details and the registration details of my van, only question they asked was if it was the original vw tinted privacy glass, took the fitter about 1hr in total before he was on his way.
It was the standard double glazed tailgate unit.
My only advice is not to confuse the telephone assistant with whats installed now, just give them your reg number and tell them its a California if they ask, when the appointment is made just wait and see what the windscreen fitter fetches. Your van is still useable, i've still been using mine with just the one pane of glass for the last two weeks and it never fell out, mind thats if you have only broken the one side.
I was hoping to change the tailgate glass from double glazed to a heated or standard single because of glass unit failure which is a problem on all double glazed glass units, van or home, but i never got anywhere when i enquired regarding electrics for a heater switch and then i thought the gap between the internal tailgate trim and the glass could be bigger because of the size difference between the double glazed and single pane of glass. Plus if i did change i would have had to pay the full retail price, going for the same replacement it was just the insurance glass excess i had to pay and i suppose it keeps it simple for the next time the glass accidentally breaks.
I'm guessing people who have opted for the single glass from the factory could quite possibly have a slightly different trim, obviously i'm not sure on that and without a van with single glass to look at for reference it is just a guess but the thickness of the double glazed unit and single pane is quite different.

 

[Skylark2.0]

I had a problem with our front windscreen and I insisted on a vw windscreen. I had to fight hard. Really hard, they agreed a vw part and tried to fit a generic windscreen but I sent them away. Check everything. Trust nothing.

 

[Trebor]

Yo

Hi All,

I hope you are well.

I wanted to get some advice about replacing my back window which I broke this weekend reversing into a tree!

All the 'auto windscreen replacement' places (Autoglass et all) don't seem to acknowledge the existence of a double-glazed back window option, they want to fit an unheated Transporter window.

None of the VW garages I have spoken to do Windows...and haven't been able to give me any advice of where to go.

I am struggling to know what to do here...I want a double glazed (I think VW call it 'insulating glass') option because of insulation but don't know how I can get it...

Has anyone had the same issue? Do people know what I am talking about!

Thanks in advance...Si

Hi recommend you use a specialist Windsreen fitter like . Don’t know where you are .
Contact Details


Firstglass Automotive Glazing
Unit 2B
Sharp Road
Poole
Dorset
BH12 4BG

Google map
Telephone: 01202 762267
info@windscreendorset.co.uk

and only use Geniune Vw windows . We had £1500 of new windows last year fitted by Firstglass after a break in in France . I refused the insurance recommended national having seen the standard of work in the past . They will get the right glass from your VIN . I’ve just had a look in their gallery and there is a t5 rear window . I know Cali is double glazed but won’t be problem . Bet it’s not a cheap part though ! Good luck .

 

[yanathem]

I had a problem with our front windscreen and I insisted on a vw windscreen. I had to fight hard. Really hard, they agreed a vw part and tried to fit a generic windscreen but I sent them away. Check everything. Trust nothing.

With the three double glazed windows in the back no other company manufactures or supply’s them, so it’s a VW only part. I’ve had two so far now, tailgate and driver side rear fixed window and both are original VW, only slight downside to that is a couple of weeks waiting time for them to be ordered in, both from autoglass.

 

[Gazellio]

HI mate, been on the phone all day with VW and its like banging my head against a brick wall. Also when you say "VW" do you mean a VW dealership like Collingdale, or is there some centralised place where people actually know about the vehicles they sell? How would I go about finding out the part number do you think?

Colindale know ZERO I knew 10X more than any of the sales team when buying mine and it had been 5 years since my last Cali...

 

[Skylark2.0]

With the three double glazed windows in the back no other company manufactures or supply’s them, so it’s a VW only part. I’ve had two so far now, tailgate and driver side rear fixed window and both are original VW, only slight downside to that is a couple of weeks waiting time for them to be ordered in, both from autoglass.

You are right, there was a lead time but don't let them force you to have a cheap option. When the draft is blasting past your neck, you will regret it!!

 

[rod_vw]

Moral with VW dealerships, don't go to the showroom parts counter most have a trade counter where you usually find a much more knowledgeable parts person.
He (or she) should be able to identify exactly which window should be in your van from the chassis number and tell you if there is one available in the UK. If there is one in stock centrally the delivery time is usually 'next day' otherwise you will be waiting for one from Germany.

My local TPS (Shrewsbury) are reasonably good but I have known the manager for over 25 years.

Rod

 

[AlanC]

I didn't realise that. So why do they seem to be cheaper than buying from a Dealership? Just down to Dealership markup?

I was told the price difference was to allow independent traders to be able to compete with the dealers.

Mind you, that statement came from a dealer...make of that what you will!

Alan

 

[slw1980]

Hi All, many thanks for your support. Finally (I hope) sorted it by getting VW (Robinsons) in Norwich to order the 'insulating glass' (aka double gazed) and getting a partner to fit at their garage. Autoglass and all the other's simply could not even find the double glazed option, I spoke with about 20 different people and they were adamant about this...they just had the laminate heated or unheated transporter 'single glazed' option. The glass from VW cost £280 and fitting £55 extra (Norwich local firm) which I am hoping my insurance won't cause issues with. For clarity in case anyone from is reading this thread in future, I have a 2014 VW Caifornia SE. Thanks again all!