Ford windshield or quality aftermarket?

[The Artillerist]

A 2020 Ford Ranger Raptor original windshield has a rock damage.

Seller can replace it for free through insurance, but only AGC Automotive variant is available immediately and waiting for Ford’s original windshield to arrive and be installed is not an option for me.

I’ve decoded all of the markings and both FoMoCo branded windshield and AGC windshield cross reference to the same standards

Only difference is Ford’s is M39 and AGC’s is M423 as is highlighted in the pictures.

“The M423 and M39 markings on the windshields indicate the specific glass models or formulations used by the manufacturers. These codes represent internal designations for the composition, thickness, and performance characteristics of the laminated glass. While both are AS1-certified, meaning they meet the highest standards of optical clarity and safety, the difference lies in the specific design and intended use.”


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Any idea if AGC is somehow a relatively inferior product, given the specific discrepancy between its unit and the Ford’s?

 

[Propflux01]

Then I think you've answered your own question...

 

[The Artillerist]

Then I think you've answered your own question...

How did I answer my own question? Help me out, please

 

[Cujet]

I suggest you get the exact OEM windshield. Aftermarket windshields are often 'at best' optically acceptable meaning not as sharp and clear, but not terrible. There are other considerations that matter. One is that cameras and sensors don't perform the same way through aftermarket glass. Another biggie is noise. Quiet-glass is a thing. However in my experience aftermarket windshields simply chip and scratch easily. Regardless of how many claims are made that it is 'just as good'.

If you have an older vehicle and the windshield is terribly chipped up. An aftermarket choice will fix that problem. On newer vehicles, go OEM.

 

[bullwinkle]

If it has a collision avoidance camera, be prepared for weird warnings from it. The Safelite aftermarket windshields on our Transit 250s pretty much all do it.

 

[Rand]

How did I answer my own question? Help me out, please

Probably this

Seller can replace it for free through insurance, but only AGC Automotive variant is available immediately and waiting for Ford’s original windshield to arrive and be installed is not an option for me.

Since you cant wait for OE Glass you are pretty much answering your own question and have to go with AGC.

 

[The Artillerist]

Probably this

Since you cant wait for OE Glass you are pretty much answering your own question and have to go with AGC.

There is only one “1” (one) question mark in my entire post and it was not at the end of the sentence “which one should I go with”, wasn’t it?

I can instruct the seller not replace factory windshield with a rock damage, ask for an appropriate discount, and have a factory windshield fitted in my locale.

But if AGC is the same or nearly the same as factory windshield — and the meet the same certifications for strengths and clarity — then I would rather have the seller do the replacement before the vehicle is picked up.

 

[The Artillerist]

I suggest you get the exact OEM windshield. Aftermarket windshields are often 'at best' optically acceptable meaning not as sharp and clear, but not terrible. There are other considerations that matter. One is that cameras and sensors don't perform the same way through aftermarket glass. Another biggie is noise. Quiet-glass is a thing. However in my experience aftermarket windshields simply chip and scratch easily. Regardless of how many claims are made that it is 'just as good'.

If you have an older vehicle and the windshield is terribly chipped up. An aftermarket choice will fix that problem. On newer vehicles, go OEM.

Optically they meet the same certifications “AS 1”. Ditto for the strength.

But acoustics wise… that I don’t know. Hence my asking

If it has a collision avoidance camera, be prepared for weird warnings from it. The Safelite aftermarket windshields on our Transit 250s pretty much all do it.

Any idea what brand was fitted?

 

[AZjeff]

No aftermarket windshield is as good in all respects as OEM.

How's that?

 

[The Artillerist]

No aftermarket windshield is as good in all respects as OEM.

How's that?

It’s a supposition. But could you expand on this rather statement with some specifics?

 

[SC Maintenance]

Fuyao makes the "shatterprufe" glass. Its there trademark I believe so it must be there's.

However you said you can't wait for it anyway - so I agree - you answered your own question?

AGC is likely better than the safelite / aftermarket stuff.

 

[The Artillerist]

No aftermarket windshield is as good in all respects as OEM.

How's that?

It’s a supposition. But could you expand on this rather general statement with some specifics

 

[zzyzzx]

What's the price of each?

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Cost of FoMoCo out of pocket for you and again availability?

Waiting not an option for me as above would limit choices. I had the same scenario for a stolen catalytic converter so aftermarket is what it got.

This windshield would be for the Ranger to be used just behind front lines and quite possibly get beat up/cracked/chipped very quickly?

 

[Rand]

There is only one “1” (one) question mark in my entire post and it was not at the end of the sentence “which one should I go with”, wasn’t it?

I can instruct the seller not replace factory windshield with a rock damage, ask for an appropriate discount, and have a factory windshield fitted in my locale.

But if AGC is the same or nearly the same as factory windshield — and the meet the same certifications for strengths and clarity — then I would rather have the seller do the replacement before the vehicle is picked up.

You asked question but only had 1 answer. Therefore it was you answering your own question.
The other options weren't presented.

If the seller can have it replaced for free.. what sort of discount is possible--to not have it replaced?

 

[The Artillerist]

What's the price of each?

I’m in Ukraine. Online, Ford’s, the exact same as on truck I’m likely buying is $444.

The AGC is $415

 

[The Artillerist]

You asked question but only had 1 answer. Therefore it was you answering your own question.
The other options weren't presented.

If the seller can have it replaced for free.. what sort of discount is possible--to not have it replaced?

Sell the car 500 euros cheaper

 

[SC Maintenance]

How badly damaged is the current glass?

If the drivers view is clear I would pocket the 500 euro's and wait for the next stone.

 

[The Artillerist]

How badly damaged is the current glass?

If the drivers view is clear I would pocket the 500 euro's and wait for the next stone.

I’m contemplating this option.

It’s about 3/4 inch crater and there are TWO about 1 inch long cracks going opposite ways from it (can’t see on the photo):

 

[slacktide_bitog]

AGC is an OE supplier, though they may not have made your Ranger's OE windshield. There is nothing wrong with it.

Fuyao makes the "shatterprufe" glass. Its there trademark I believe so it must be there's.

However you said you can't wait for it anyway - so I agree - you answered your own question?

AGC is likely better than the safelite / aftermarket stuff.

This. Fuyao/FYG is a major OE supplier, and their glass is good quality. I've had a couple Fuyao windshields installed, no problems.

If it has a collision avoidance camera, be prepared for weird warnings from it. The Safelite aftermarket windshields on our Transit 250s pretty much all do it.

Safelite doesn't make their own windshields anymore. What kind of glass did they use?

Sometimes they use Fuyao/FYG, and sometimes they use Xinyi/XYG. The Xinyi glass is crap.