My car was broken into, and my liability insurance doesn't cover it. Anybody know a frugal way to replace my driver's side window? I'm no mechanic or anything, but I've...
DeliBoy replied:
Find the junk yard / pick-a-part yard closest to you. Mine lists windshields for $30, not sure what side windows are. There's plenty of guides out there to install the glass yourself, or you can pay someone out in the parking lot to do it in 20 minutes.
RuskiesInTheWarRoom replied:
It isn't particularly awful to install/replace a door window. I'm no gearhead at all, but I do know my way around the inside panel of a car door. Can you give us the make and year of the car? We may be able to give you some more guidance in order to DIY.
TheMagicDrake replied:
I would think your insurance would cover "an act of vandalism"?
ruthie967 replied:
This shoes how easy it is to do yourself. Most doors follow this setup. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ASg7-NE04
raziphel replied:
I've been there, it sucks. between now and your window replacement, swing by a body shop. they have this super-strong plastic wrap that can temporarily seal the window without the plastic flapping around in the wind and making *very* loud noises. if you ask nicely, they might hook you up (have 'em give you an estimate at least, even if you aren't going to use it). if they ripped out your stereo, have the repair shop give you an estimate for that too. the 2001 malibu, for example, has stereo brackets that are part of the dashboard. if those clips break, that means a whole new dashboard. :(
TaylorWynn2 replied:
You can actually bargain the price down. Probably won't go down below $50 but it doesn't hurt to ask around.
thiskillstheredditor replied:
Just an FYI- depending on how your car is built, you may need to replace the window regulator as well. Most cars you don't have to, but some you do. Join an online forum for owners of your car and see if someone else has replaced a window and posted a DIY. Odds are they have.
Dolannsquisky replied:
You would need comprehensive coverage for that. Also, comp. coverage has a deductible. I know that was not helpful.
PawnstarExpert replied:
Try picknpull.com It's where I go when I look for parts on my Prelude, and I have found quite a few things for them and, they seem to have a huge selection on lots of vehicles.
crash11b replied:
Pick a part yards are the best. My rear drive shaft of my truck snapped in half on me because my muffler was hanging and cut a groove into it like a lathe. The cheapest one I found around town was $125 new. I was completely broke at the time. The yard I went to had a $2 entry fee but couldn't guarantee they even had the right truck or part. I found the only one on the lot of 1800 vehicles and the drive shaft was in pretty good condition. I pulled it myself for $32. It was really cold, rainy and muddy as hell, but so worth the cost.
Dasmitch replied:
Usually there's a small stand/kiosk kind of thing at every junk yard i've gone to (Pick-n-pull) where they will install your glass and all for around 120 bucks (depending on car of course). for me it cost me 125 for a 2001 ford focus windshield. give them a shot.
bacoon replied:
Junkyard was already mentioned, but another option is to go to a auto glass place and see if they have any used windows. In chicago, they pick from the junkyards and re-sell them with installation. Got a rear passenger window on my VW replaced for under $90
dko replied:
if you have an even slightly popular car, there should be a model-specific forum somewhere online, just search. it's likely that there are install guides or at least advice about the repair available. side windows can be finicky to replace because of the window motor, connecting rods, bands, and related mechanisms. take your time and use a plastic dash tool to remove the doorliner and trim.
Geohump replied:
Yup, junkyard will work. Or a piece of plexiglass can be cut to fit. (msg me if you want some tips) Replacing the window is not hard, but take your time, and BIG TIP - get a repair book before you start. sometimes your local library will have one for your car.
Anonymous replied:
The cheapest way to do it would be a pick a part where you go unbolt it yourself. If you're not totally sure how to get it apart though you might be out there standing in mud cursing for long enough to get irked. Have you checked Ebay for one? If not there then I'd pay extra for a yard that has a clean one already removed. Then you can put it in at your leisure.
Anonymous replied:
If you pick one from the junkyard get the whole door it will save you a lot of headaches especially if it's not a manual window. At my local junkyard, a door itself is priced at 50 bucks with all the components plus its more practical to take from the hinges and the less time you spend time at the junkyard the better. Once you get home, take apart the junkyard door and study how it's designed and organize all the components in zip lock bags. If you end up breaking anything on the door you bought from the junkyard you still have your original door intact with parts that aren't broken vice versa. Skip all prior steps if you find an enire door that is the same color as your vehicle for less hassle and install it directly from the hinges.
come_on_seth replied:
Plastic bags and duct tape
object109 replied:
I had the same thing happen last week to me. I just called around and the glass shop one block from my work did it for $110+tax. I actually have glass coverage but the deductible is $100, so for I spent the extra $20 and skipped five miles of paper work.
Anonymous replied:
As others have a better direct answer I will only offer some related advice in two parts:
One: Having money won't make you happy but not having enough money can make small problems become big problems.
Two: Get better insurance coverage but use a high deductible of around $1,000. That should keep the coverage cost low. The next key is to have $1,000 at least in an account you won't touch unless you need to invoke your insurance for things like this.
It is probably only costing me around $16/mo to get this "acts of god" coverage at a high deductible and that is on a 2013 model car.
Having a plan and a small bit of cash is more frugal than being stuck with a huge inconvenience and/or credit card bill.
Anonymous replied:
Buy a new window.
thebigslide replied:
As is said below, side windows are luckily simple to replace and you can do a pro job with a used window for free improvement in noise reduction.
cursethedarkness replied:
I managed to replace a rear window on my car, and I've never done any work on a car at all. Get one from a salvage yard (mine was about $40).
mastodoncavalry replied:
Frugal Tip: If nothing in your car is worth over $50, leave it unlocked. I learned this the hard way after someone shattered my window for 3$ in change.
becky4201 replied:
Once you have the window replaced you might want to check with your insurance to see if you can add other than collision (comprehensive) onto your policy. With that old of a vehicle it might not cost very much & it covers a lot more than just glass breakage!
navarone replied:
Home owners or renter's insurance should cover it.
Anonymous replied:
Look around in scrapyards, and to save even more money you can always remove it yourself, rather than have the scrapyard employees do it. Look up videos on youtube on how to do it yourself. Or google "(year car) driver side window replacement".
coxoco replied:
Maybe this http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Rgox84KE7 iY#t=108 s will help you.
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Lauren L. replied:
2003 Ford Expedition
Sue H. replied:
Dave at Seattle Auto, 69 th and Roosevelt.
Pat E. replied:
Or...Sparks on hwy 99. 425-347-0800. Been our guy for many years. Very honest. Will save you $$$.
Tracy M. replied:
Jim Matson is my main car dude!!! He's at Magic Nissan and is AWESOME & totally honest!!!
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