First off let me start by saying thank a million to all of the forum members. Everyones insight on all the threads has helped me understand my Rover so much better.

Ok so my question is why are windshields so expensive? I have a crack and dont really need a ticket for it. I was quoted around $500 for everything. Mainly the install was the most. They said it was certain clips. Can I purchase these clips somewhere else for cheap? I can get a good used windshield from a Rover graveyard near by for super cheap. I also found a company that would do it for $140, but usually, when it sounds to good to be true it usually is.

 

I have seen indy glass shop guys "harvesting" at the boneyard for hard to find glass. As long as you are not trying for the heated windscreen...

 

How do I tell if I have a heated one?

 

You do not have a heated windshield, they were not installed on NAS models.
And if you did, the glass alone would be $1200.
The reason they are so expensive is the seals, they all need to be replaced at the same time as the glass to do the job correctly and they are not cheap.
My last windshield was $700, total cost to me was zero dollars, glass coverage through your insurance coverage is totally worth the $12 per year.

 

Several past posts have talked about the glimmer effect in the glass where it sparkles with light shining through making it difficult to see. The advice on those posts was to use a glass polish to correct the issue. Every auto parts supplier I have visited treats me awful when I ask for the glass polish that removes the small sparkling effect... Normally they try to sell me the crack/chip repair kits.

Does anyone have a link to the "right" stuff to remove the sparkling effect?

 

Those "sparkles" are tons and tons of minute cracks in the glass which is not safe.
The only cure is a new windshield.
They do have a headlight polish what will remove those microscopic cracks from the headlight assembly.

 

Wow, I had no idea glass was so expensive. I have a small star chip/crack behind the rearview mirror. I called my insurance and they asked me if I wanted it repaired or replaced, so I said replaced. It is the heated windshield. Thank goodness for $0 deductible. I do not even know what the glass coverage costs, I have just always had it and it does not show up as a line item on my coverages....