Newbie poster, but long time forum lurker here, I finally have an issue that there’s not already an existing thread for so here I am!

THE TRUCK
I have a 1993 T100 SR5 4x4 5-speed manual with 206K. I’m the 2nd owner, purchased in 2013 from a reluctant seller (his wife was tired of looking at it) with 167K and a bunch of deferred maintenance. Since purchasing I have replaced the clutch, repaired the firewall, replaced timing belt and water pump, and replaced the brakes and rotors. The truck has been solid, getting me up into the mountains and heroically plowing through deep snow like a champ, I really love this truck, 3.slow and all!

THE DILEMMA
My windshield is fracked and there’s a lot of rust on the frame where it attaches. I have shopped it around to multiple glass places from the big chains to the little guys who are questionable, and none of them are willing to touch it in its current condition without me first repairing the rust. So I took it in and got an estimate at a body shop, and to clean up the window frame and repaint it will cost roughly $1400, that includes the new windshield. I’m really torn about whether this is a good investment... on the one hand this truck has been exceptionally reliable, and other than my upfront maintenance cost to catch up on scheduled items, has been inexpensive to operate annually. However, my trusted mechanic (Toyota specialty shop owner) swears up and down that the Toyota 3.0 engines all develop compression issues at 220,000 miles. So my question for all of you is this: do I invest the money in the bodywork to replace the windshield, do I continue to drive around with a busted up windshield, or do I finally bite the bullet and start looking for that first generation Tundra to replace her?



1993 T100 SR5 4x4 5-speed manual wearing a Tundra 1st gen topper

Top edge rust

 

I don't see the crack in the photo.
If it is not obstructing your vision while driving and is legal in your state, I would not replace the windshield.
Having the 3.0 V-6 is problematic as your mechanic states....considering your current mileage is 206K.

If your T100 had the 3.4 V-6 and was in good condition otherwise, and you intended to keep it for a few more years, then I might spend the $1,400 on it.

Maybe find a good 1st Generation Tundra or a '97 or '98 T100 with the 3.4 V-6 and use the money for that vehicle.

 

Thanks for the input, confirming my hunch for sure, T100’s have become pretty rare for sale around here, other than ones being parted out, so I suspect a Tundra will be easier to find. Not sure if cracked windshields are legal or not in Colorado, but I drive around with the body shop estimate in the glove box just in case I need to plead my case, ha!

the cracks are way worse for the passenger, my side is acceptable vision wise.

 

This image shows the cracks better


It all started with a chip...

 

I drove for years with a crack like that on a car windshield. It was low on the glass like yours and was not an issue.
Started from a chip from kids shooting cars with a BB gun.
DMV regs said as long as driver view was not obstructed, it was OK.
Check your DMV regs online.

As for a good T100, look to California or similar for a good one.
You may have to travel to get one. They are still out there.
My son just found a '97 T100 SR5 X-tra Cab 4x4 3.4 V-6 Auto in Charlotte NC last week.
No rust, clean and well cared for. A one owner too.

 

score! Nice find, I will definitely widen my net, I do love the T100’s

 

Here is the 1997 T100 SR5, 4x4, 3.4 V-6, Auto just purchased out of Charlotte, NC. One owner. Very Nice condition.