Windscreens and ski trips

[Bellbird]

Already know what I'm going to ask???  Yep, have a broken windscreen from the trip to the snow!  So, what do you all recommend?  Just go to the local bloke?  Try second hand?  Any ideas are very welcome.  Can still drive it because it is not the daily and the crack is on the left hand side.  About 20cm long and snaking it's way up the windscreen more and more!  Didn't like being parked in the car park at the snow!  PS - Craig_m:  skis fit wonderfully through the little shute from the back seat to the boot! 

[colcol]

Hello Bellbird, see if your insurance covers it first, try a Alfa Romeo panel beater or a reputable Windscreen Supplier, best you take your car there to be replaced, as opposed to them coming to your place, always done better at their place where they have all the good tools, Colin.

[Beatle]

Does the 156 chute have an internal bag or is it open to the boot?  My 164 had a waterproof bag so dirty skis didn't wet the seats.

[Bellbird]

The Chute (thanks!) is open.  Has a plastic lip and flap though.  Worked well to protect the seats.

[Evan Bottcher]

That's like my 2nd favourite feature on the 164.  I guess they figured 'these bozos are can afford like $80k on this luxo-barge, I guess they'll be into skiing?'.

[Paul Gulliver]

Evan , What is your favourite feature, the turning circle

[dehne]

Evan , What is your favourite feature, the turning circle

I love a sedan that has a turning circle bigger than a roadtrain, 

[Evan Bottcher]

Evan , What is your favourite feature, the turning circle

It's your fault I'm getting off-topic.

A big sedan for a big country.  I can't imagine how bad the 164 would be in little villages in Italy.

My favourite feature was the relay which blew and disabled both airconditioning/ventilation and the electric windows.  On a 35+ degree day in heavy traffic.

[dehne]

re the 156 screen, I would check a variety of screen joint as they can differ upto $100, and they also offer a warrenty with installation that the screen will not leak, i have had to un fortunatly get a screen redone because when it rained i got wet feet.

[Bellbird]

Thanks dehne.  Good advice!  And to the others - would you blokes stop kissing one another!!!!

[Davidm1600]

heh heh that is why I have a sportwagon, over the sedan, more space = ease of putting skis, snowboards etc in in winter, and the surfboards in summer.   

I would have thought any of the competent windscreen places, ie. Windscreen O'Brians etc should be able to provide and fit up a new screen. But agree talk to the insurer 1st as it is a normal replacement item covered by the insurer for most comprehensive policies.

[dehne]

I have found o'briens to be expensive, for example a pajero front through them $290 and wait a week, windscreen city $160 nextday. guiletta (82mdl) priced the other day $220 windscreen city. just a ref point

[Davidm1600]

That is a perfectly fair comment to make dehne, down here in Tassie we only have two options, little difference I suspect between the two so hence basis for my comment. Much better if you have decent choices.

[colcol]

And find out what sort of warranty you have against leakages and what type of screen you are getting, Genuine, non Genuine, what brand of screen, etc, Colin.

[Bellbird]

Gee, all really good points!  Do agree re pricing of windscreens.  Same thing happened with my comprehensive.  It was $400 cheaper than all the rest with Allianz AND I included all the extra fittings on the policy (sunroof, spoiler, Alfa wheels etc)

Re skis and surfboards in chutes - Well, don't think I'll get my Surf Betty through the chute!  Might just have to go out an buy a wagon!  Yes, they are good work horses for that sort of thing!