2008 Silverado Windshield replacement - OE or Aftermarket (Pilkington)

[Mossyoakglock]

I need to replace my windshield on my 2008 Silverado. The crack is a good 6"+ so it needs to be replaced. 

 

I called my local dealer and they gave me the contact of the local glass installer they use for all windshield replacements through the dealer. Gave them a call and they said $579 for OE/dealer glass or $220 for Pilkington. 

 

I know Pilkington was an OE supplier at some point for GM (my side windows are all Pilkington) but my windshield is Guardian. Is Pilkington still an OE supplier of windshields? I also called Pilkington and they told me they show the same glass part number for OEM and for aftermarket. She said they used to have a lower tier glass but she said they don't manufacture that anymore, at least for my truck. She said it was called Trivek or something like that. She said if it doesn't mention Trivek, then it's the same as OE. Does anybody know if that is true?

 

Does anybody know who manufactures the glass if I were to have the glass installer get a genuine GM windshield? I’ve hear some bad things about aftermarket glass with distortion and waves and always go with OEM glass but I’ve heard good things about Pilkington.

[Mike GMC]

I've used Pilkington before and it was good.  The OE glass on my 2000 is looooong gone.  So I can't tell you who made it.  If I'm not mistaken, guardian is the only remaining US glass manufacturer.  If you OE glass lasted12 years, get another one.  Around here we have to replace glass every year or 2, there is that much gravel and big rigs to kick it up on the highways.

[Mossyoakglock]

I'd like to go with OE but I also would like a new truck in the near future so not sure I want to drop $500+ on a new windshield. But not sure if it's worth twice what the Pilkington costs. 

 

I'm not sure who makes the OE glass these days and what brand I would get if I went through the dealer.