Maintenance on the car.

[DrDusty86]

I plan on getting a new windshield for the car soon. I priced one for $125. The 204k mile factory one is pitted badly. Is that a good price? Is there any tips before or during having it done?
I also want to get a new AC condener installed. Mine has a leak, I can see oil residue on the coils and had to recharge it a week ago. I got a quote of $595 from the dealer using a factory condenser, which is about $310. I could get a Murray condenser from O'rielys for $103, are they good quality? I'd still have the dealer install it. NO,ABSOLUTELY NO indi shops. I have only heard rip off stories, with no good. I've witnessed shoddy work, quotes for things that never got done..etc.
Car: 99' Escort zx2
Thanks,
Dusty

 

[Astro14]

$125 seems cheap for a windshield...just had one replaced on the Volvo for about $280...but everything on that car is too expensive...

As far as AC condensor...can't help you there...would want the whole system checked and tested...at 13 years old, you may have some blown o-rings or other problems. I wouldn't put one dime into the AC system until it was all checked....

 

[DrDusty86]

Cheap? As in possibly junk cheap?

The condenser does have a leak. are you suggesting I just slap some JB weld on the oily area.. I'm 99.995% sure thats where the problem is. Yes, they need the replace the associated O-rings and dryer.
Dusty

 

[rjacket]

Originally Posted By: Astro14
$125 seems cheap for a windshield...just had one replaced on the Volvo for about $280...but everything on that car is too expensive...


Hah! I had a quote for $1500 for a Lexus!

 

[Ben Boyle]

I just got a windshield from Slovakia for a car I own!

 

[rjacket]

Originally Posted By: Ben Boyle
I just got a windshield from Slovakia for a car I own!


Yes a lot of them are made in Eastern Europe. Glass is a speciality in Czechoslovakia which is now the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

 

[wallyuwl]

Originally Posted By: Astro14
$125 seems cheap for a windshield...just had one replaced on the Volvo for about $280...but everything on that car is too expensive...

As far as AC condensor...can't help you there...would want the whole system checked and tested...at 13 years old, you may have some blown o-rings or other problems. I wouldn't put one dime into the AC system until it was all checked....


He means inexpensive at $125, it seems. If it works, less expensive is better.

I agree, get the whole AC system checked out on a car that old. You may have more than one leak.

Ask around at work, or go on Angie's List (I've never been on there so I don't know how good it is, but it is a thought) for a good indy shop. Many are good but a few bad apples can ruin the bunch. Or, a less expensive alternative to the dealer, but not an indy, is to go to a place like Tires Plus or Firestone or a Goodyear shop. Usually they are pretty honest (there are always exceptions) because it isn't their own business and they have people to answer to up the chain (and you have people to complain to that can make it right up the chain if they do screw up).

 

[Dakota1820]

The condensors from oriellys that I have experience with were fine. Honestly though save your self the money and do it your self its real easy.

if your on bitog you can do it. Lol. But I do all my own work. I hate spending money If I dont have to.

 

[JimPghPA]

Originally Posted By: DrDusty86
Cheap? As in possibly junk cheap?

The condenser does have a leak. are you suggesting I just slap some JB weld on the oily area.. I'm 99.995% sure thats where the problem is. Yes, they need the replace the associated O-rings and dryer.
Dusty


And expansion control orifice (if it has a screen, which 9 out of 10 do).

 

[Ben Boyle]

No, I mean I literally had it shipped from Slovakia to me! It's for my Russian Lada Niva!

 

[user52165]

Originally Posted By: chevyboy14
The condensors from oriellys that I have experience with were fine. Honestly though save your self the money and do it your self its real easy.

if your on bitog you can do it. Lol. But I do all my own work. I hate spending money If I dont have to.


Very few shade tree mechanics can evacuate and recapture AC refrigerant, have a vacuum pump, gauge set, leak detector, and experience to do this. AC shops in January must be dying for business. I'm like you, I like to do my own work. But when it comes to AC, leave it to the pros.

 

[NYSteve]

Originally Posted By: DrDusty86
NO,ABSOLUTELY NO indi shops. I have only heard rip off stories, with no good. I've witnessed shoddy work, quotes for things that never got done..etc


Are you talking about chains like Iffy Lube or actual indie shops? Granted there are definitely bad indie shops but some real gems. I won't argue with what makes you sleep at night, just curious.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Gawd, the stealership is the LAST place we go!

A good indie will treat you a lot better.

But if you like the dealer then count yourself lucky!

 

[DrDusty86]

Is there any Indi shop in the San Marcos Tx. area?
Dusty

 

[The_Jeff]

An AC shop in texas? I bet you'll find one. Look in that yellow book near your phone.

Don't buy parts though, you'll make the guy mad. And any problem in the future he'll point at your discount compressor first, and probably not warranty it.

If Ford used the same windscreen from 1991 to 2002 (just guessing) despite a body refresh somewhere in the middle, it could easily be that cheap.

 

[Dakota1820]

Most people just let the refrigerant go in the air. (May hurt the enviroment but I think that's the least of my worries) and the. Then buy some 134 and a hose and put it back in. Simple. A lot of people will say you have to evacuate it and if its been dry for awhile I would. If it was mine and the system doesn't hold refrigerant. I'd just take the condenser out put a new one in and then go to a shop and have it evacuated and what not. Then let them recharge it or do it your self. I'd do it myself lot cheaper and very easy . Takes less than 10 minutes.

 

[MrRPM]

we got a new AC condenser and Radiator for a 2004 vibe from car quest for a little under 300 bucks. (sister drove into a fallen tree and a branch went right threw the 2 lol) It was amazing on the price differences from parts store to parts store. Orielys wanted 550 and AAP wanted 400.

anyways me and my dad did it all our selves in about 5 hours, it was very simple and we had never done an AC condenser before, it was easy and works great.