3M on outside of Windscreen

[Rad Hatter]

Recently my in law who owns an 89 Speedster in Singapore explained how after his windscreen was broken by a flying stone, was encouraged by the replacement garage to have the windscreen 3M protected.
By laying the 3M screen on the exterior of the windshield this will guarantee to stop stones or bits from cracking or smashing the windscreen almost bullet proof...they can even put it on the front of the bonnet ...its invisible. It also stops the heat..

This is conventionally put on the inside of the windscreen as an anti-glare tint however in his case it was placed on the outside (to perfection no bubbles etc).

So I went to my local 3M specialist and asked them to do the same in Hong Kong- they had not heard of this idea but thought it a good one...it took them 2 hours and the cost was 230 USD.
Since Hong Kong ALWAYS has roadworks and trucks big double decker busses the likelihood of having stones kick up is common and the chances of a cracked windscreen high.

So I feel this is a good investment since a new windscreen imported here would run into the thousands of USD.

Just sharing an idea that might save you the misery of a cracked windscreen.

[Jim Sims]

Depends on the size of the stone and trajectory; a couple of months ago my BMW's windshield suffered an almost normal impact from golf ball size rock. I doubt a thin layer of plastic film would have prevented the damage. The film likely helps with glancing hits from smaller rocks. In some jurisdictions, it is illegal to apply tinting or films to the windshield (windscreen) for various reasons - one being it impairs the vision of the driver looking out and the police looking in.

[Super_Dave_D]

I dont know - I had the 3m on my wifes Infiniti G35 and she hit a tire (I know) and left a huge black mark that just wiped off. I was shocked and sold on the stuff from then on. You should have seen how nice it held up after she totaled it a month later!!! I guess it would work the same as the 3m stuff they make for headlights. tip: dont try the tire thing.

[Rad Hatter]

Originally posted by SoCal911SC
I agree, seems like it will be very limited protection.

And, I don't think it's going to be long before your windshield wipers, regular car washing, etc. scratches the heck out of it. It's a soft film designed for interior use, not designed to be scratch resistant to the rigors of exterior windshield use.

Honestly I was sceptical and shared your concerns but was surprised at how effective the screen is on the Speedster he has had it on for 12 mths and is a daily driver, 90 degrees Fahrenheit EVERY day - tropical humidity 90%, heat, thunderstorms, monsoon rain the lot !! and its as good as new.....dispite the "rigors of windcreen use"....

Dunno about freezing temperatures and snow of course!

The 3M shop give a 2 year guarantee, the effect is staggering the stones just glance right off and don't leave any scratches or chips do.

Now - OK something the size of a golf ball at 100 miles per hour - yea but how often does that happen.

Oh- and It's not illegal as its not tinted...



Anyway - just sharing ...

[Super_Dave_D]

I was speaking of the other stuff, my bad, should have put a bulldozer blade on it. Probably wouldnt have helped.

[Super_Dave_D]

You know he is talking about the exterior stuff. I take back the "my bad" reply.

Originally posted by SoCal911SC
I doubt they put 3M anti-glare interior window tint on the outside of your wife's G35.

[Jim Sims]

"golf ball at 100 miles per hour"

50 miles per hour will suffice nicely (spall on the inside and everything) to damage the glass far beyond any hope of repair and it's happened twice to me within the last six years, except the last time the rock was slightly bigger than a golf ball! Damn gravel trucks!