Don't break your 'A' Class windscreen in France or Spain (7 Viewers)

[Blue Knight]

This is a very informative thread, thanks guys

It also makes me very happy in the knowledge that I own a Ducato Coachbuilt and therefore my windscreen replacement insurance is likely to come up trumps while in Spain and France.

I'll be sure to carry a big roll of duck tape for you A-Class boys though.

 

[Larrynwin]

This is a very informative thread, thanks guys

It also makes me very happy in the knowledge that I own a Ducato Coachbuilt and therefore my windscreen replacement insurance is likely to come up trumps while in Spain and France.

I'll be sure to carry a big roll of duck tape for you A-Class boys though.

A potential small price to pay for our fabulous panoramic views and spacious accommodation

 

[Dorset Diver]

I carry a roll of clear(ish) Duct tape, but I doubt that it would do much of a job on damage like that. How did it happen and was there any bodywork damaged?

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[Dave and Ginny]

Totally agree, however did that happen

Apparently a couple of bricks or rubble from the back of a truck!

 

[DavidG58]

Apparently a couple of bricks or rubble from the back of a truck!

were you not driving at the time? that would have made me blink as well I guess

you had a lucky escape I reckon

hope it gets sorted soon

 

[Dave and Ginny]

were you not driving at the time? that would have made me blink as well I guess

you had a lucky escape I reckon

hope it gets sorted soon

It wasn't me @DavidG58, was another member in the Hymer Owners Group on FB. Yes, think he did say it made him blink!

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[Larrynwin]

Apparently a couple of bricks or rubble from the back of a truck!

Could be considered lucky, if the side pillar as well as screen were hit could have cost a packet.

 

[nicholsong]

I just wonder whether these points are relevant to the info re Autoglass and Carglass not repairing either Hymer and/or 'A' Class in Spain and France.

It has been said on several forums and threads that 'A' Class screens should be dealt with by the respective coach and truck divisions of the windscreen repairers. I wonder whether the refusal is only from their car repair division. Surely these companies must repair coaches and trucks - they cannot sit around for days.

As for the suggestion that one should go to a Specialist Dealer, that might not be so easy - e.g. N+B have no dealer in Poland, so might have to go to the factory at Polch in Germany, but they are usually booked up for months ahead.

I had a chip repaired by Autoglass while in the UK, at Canterbury P+R by arrangement, who did not charge him for entry, and talked to the fitter about obtaining a replacement windscreen should one be needed - he assured me they could get one from Germany in 24-48 hours, without having to go to the Dealers.

On the chip repair I asked Autoglass about payment when I booked the appointment and they checked with Safeguard while I held, and confirmed that because it was a repair and not a replacement the excess would not apply and that Autoglass would bill Safeguard direct, which they did. I was very satisfied with
Autoglass and Safeguard.

Because of the above points I am a bit curious/dubious about some of the information about Autoglass/Carglass posted on this thread.

Geoff

 

[Northernraider]

My safeguard policy also states unlimited glass cover which I'm kind of glad now

It also has unlimited miles thankfully as if already have near my used what comfort were giving me and I've not left Scotland yet

Still hoping I don't need the windscreen done though...although it does have a few old chips

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[Dorset Diver]

My safeguard policy also states unlimited glass cover which I'm kind of glad now

It also has unlimited miles thankfully as if already have near my used what comfort were giving me and I've not left Scotland yet

Still hoping I don't need the windscreen done though...although it does have a few old chips

Don't tell NckNit about the lack of limit, he won't believe you.

 

[Dave and Ginny]

Because of the above points I am a bit curious/dubious about some of the information about Autoglass/Carglass posted on this thread.

Geoff

Geoff, I rang Comfort myself on Monday and they told me that Autoglass and Carglass are no longer repairing or replacing Hymer windscreens in France and Spain. AS for other A Class MH's I cannot comment.

Cheers Dave

 

[Parapilot]

The reason was that Caraglass will not touch Aclass screens because there are so many different types and they did not have the skilled teams to do them unlike Autoglass who sent a specialist commercial team out to do ours at home.

It was Autoglass that came out and the fitter was so relieved that he didn't crack the screen whilst doing the repair. He told me it's a two man job and they are a nightmare that can take hours to do. This is why they don't want to do them, too many man-hours, not enough profit.

Maybe there is a different system on some A-class screens, or there is some misinformation being propagated within the industry ?
My 2003 Hymer A-class needed a new screen this year, and after it took weeks to arrive from Germany the fitters (Autoglass) asked me to take it to their main depot as it would be a mammoth job.
It actually took them 20 minutes - the old glass popped out with a light push from inside and the new screen attached with just the lip of the rubber seal (easy to fit with a piece of string as I have done on many classic cars). They were surprised it was such a doddle - way easier to fit than the bonded screens on all modern cars.

So, I'd have to question any refusal to fit (for mine at least) - beyond the actual price of the glass. The smashed screen in the photo is the same ..... a totally simple and easy 20 minute job for 2 people.

In this instance it was not drivable I think most would agree.
View attachment 198250

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[Speve]

@Parapilot said :Maybe there is a different system on some A-class screens, or there is some misinformation being propagated within the industry


Ours was a bonded screen so as you say the older Aclass screens may well be able to be sorted.

 

[Dorset Diver]

In most modern cars the windscreens are bonded in place and provide a significant part of the strength of the vehicle. Is this the same for A class motorhomes? If it is, it may help explain some of the difficulties finding companies able to do the work.

 

[Chablais]

I have a 2008 Carthago A class, which i purchased secondhand in a private sale. when I first viewed the vehicle it had small damage to the windscreen, it had passed many MOT with the damage, however, the seller offerred to have the screen replaced. This he duly did, it took three weeks for the screen to arrive from Germany, Autoglass fitted it. When they fitted it, they cracked the inner face in a corner about 1cm.
They ordered a replacement screen and after another wait, fitted it for me at their commercial operation. I spoke with the fitters and they said, yes, A class are more problematic than the average car or van, but went on to say that some trucks, trains and diggers etc. are way more difficult. The manager then explained that some modern, high spec cars can now take a full day, due to to having to reset the cameras that are used for collision avoidance etc. some of which view through the screen.
As others have said, you need the commercial side of Autoglass when dealing with an A class. There are so many driving around the roads of Europe, and so many trucks with similar shaped screens it should be easier in mainland Europe than in the UK where they are rarer!

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