The first lesson from my experiences is DO shop around! One of the problems was a huge cluster of chips in the windscreen, directly in the drivers view from a wheel nut flying my way while sat in a queue of traffic. I reckon the other car was doing about 25 mph as it left a roundabout and joined the dual carriage on the opposite side of the road. Had I not been trapped in a queue and blocked by a central barrier, they may have got it back and a bill for a screen.
Due to an odd array of insurance policies and deals at the time, annoyingly that screen isn't covered for that car. So, it was not repairable due to the size of chips and how close together they were. My first call was to Autoglass......... they've been banging on on the radio about chips in screens, blah blah........ £290 sir for a new screen and for it to be fitted.
HOOOOoooow much? Ermmmm, oooook, how about if I supplied a screen, they wanted £96 or so. Right........ not impressed at this point, and as it's not a bonded screen, it's on a rubber I contemplated attempting it myself. However I didn't want the hassle of it possibly leaking, and if unnoticed causing rust over time in places I might not spot. At this point I thought there might not be any point in trying any other firms, surely they'll be about the same price as they're all competing? Well, a quick call to RAC Autowindscreens made me reconsider that, £156-56 for a new screen and for it to be fitted. Or £66 or so for someone to come out and fit a screen that I supplied. What a difference!
Sadly due to some changes in the company apparently and the chaos it's causing, the first two screens arrived at their depot damaged, but the 3rd one was spot on. I must say, the chap who fitted it did an excellent job, and took the care and time to get it right, respected the car, despite it being old and all in all it was worth it!
I'd also noticed one of the front wheel bearings was making a noise, nothing major and most people couldn't tell it was showing any sign of being a problem. So I took the opportunity to replace both front wheel beaings. Also a front ARB link was replaced as it had started making a noise.
New tyres all round, also the tracking was out on the front and had scrubbed the front N/S tyres outer edge. So the tracking will be done now it's got an MOT to get me there legally!
The last thing was that just like James' 360 after standing a little while, the indicators refused to flash on and off, they just illuminated and stayed lit! So quickly this morning the thread was consulted to remind me exactly which relay might be required from one of my other vehicles, but a quick wiggle of the connections and a tap resulted in it working again!
Off for an MOT in the snow, up on the ramps it was dripping as the snow melted and the slush fell off, I didn't want to be under there inspecting it, I felt a bit sorry for the poor guy! Anyway, it passed!
So, remember, shop around, cheapest isn't always best, but if it's a well known company or they've a good reputation, some savings can be made. £133-44 in my case!
Pete
