Miniscule windshield "nicks"...

[dgcate]

Guys, the windshield on my 911 has very small imperfections, ie, when driving in the sun, after she's had a good bath, there appears to be extremely small, very uniform "nicks". Not big enough to feel, just big enough to see. There's alot of them. (it was a florida car, sand in the air?). Anyway, I've somewhat nonchalantly tried some products that's supposed to clean this up, but with minimal results.

Has/does anyone else ever noticed these on their windshields? Have you had any success ridding the w/s of them...completely? If so, how? I'm thinking a some sort of local automotive w/s shop might be able to possibly buff these out, just thought I'd check with you all first. Any body had any success with this problem?

Thanks,
David

[Craig 930 RS]

Tons on mine from track use. Small, aren't they?
Had to replace my windshield --

[scottb]

Do a search here on the board. The factory windshields apparently are made from a soft glass, and are prone to pitting.

[creaturecat]

you could try "claying" before replacing

[klaucke]

Are you sure it's actually chipped? I've had vehicles with a super super durable scum on them, which glared in the sun. The best thing to do is clean it with vinegar and newspaper. You read that right, vinegar and newspaper, works like a charm, perhaps it could help your problem. If not at least you didn't waste much money on trying it.

[dgcate]

Thanks guys, tons of search info using "pitting"

Dave

[randywebb]

Do a public service and post the links you found here on this new thread for others after you....

[Silveresrty911S]

When I first bought mine it had the "dreaded windsheild wiper scratches". They were not terrible but could see them in the bright sun. I used Bonami powder a couple of times and it really helped until I replaced with new PPG glass.

[dgcate]

Rick,

I'm thinking of just going ahead and replacing it, esp. if it can be done reasonably (that's $400 bucks to me). Is PPG the way to go? I've read where some of the aftermarket w/s are hit or miss as far as imprerfections go.

Thanks
Dave

[Emission]

Windshields get pitted with use. There is nothing you can do (except drive exclusively at 3:00 AM when nobody else is on the road!).

There are some "scratch removal" windshield cleaners for home use that will take out minor (really minor) spots, and you can have a professional polish the windshield for larger spots, but the only way to get it really clean is to purchase new glass...

[masraum]

Good luck, I'll be surprised if you find a windshield for an '89 for $400. You're more likely to use you $500 insurance deductible.

[89911]

You just have to replace them if they get bad. I asked a window installer if there was anything you could do to buff them out and he said possibly, but it could cause distortion in the glass which would be even worse.

[Jack Olsen]

My approach: less-than-$200 aftermarket replacements. They're rumored to be harder than the factory glass. I have no idea if this is true, but I've never noticed any shortcomings.

I replace as needed. Windshields are non-performance-related consumable.

[porschenut]

If you're going to spend the money to replace it anyway, why not try a glass polish first? Or, you might even try rubbing compound with an orbital buffer.

[mkaraoglan]

ihave major issues with mine. recently at the local Super Car sunday someone else with a 997 mentioned that the belgian glass is very soft. he has only 1900 miles on his and dealer claimed : "normal".

total BS if you ask me.

mine is heavily pitted and they are actual mini chunks.

my 10 year old boxster was virually chip-free

[azasadny]

I used a claybar on my windshield but the pits were too deep. I took a rock through the windshield and had a new one put in and it's an incredible improvement over the old one! I also had the window installers use a new windshield seal and that made the install easier for them and it stopped the windshield leaks I was having when it rained.

[carnutzzz]

Newspaper won't help. You used to be able to wipe a dry newspaper on glass after you cleaned it to get it to really shine. It was due to the ink used at the time. My understanding is that newspapers no longer use that type of ink.

Also- I didn't think you could really polish a deep scratch out of glass, but watching sharkweek made me rethink that. Did anyone see where the shark bit the camera and his tooth scratched the lens? The camera guy polished for 6 hours and saved the lens. YMMV- but it seems possible to reduce windshield damage via polishing.

[ramonesfreak]

mine has millions and zillions. can hardly see when sun is glaring off. getting a new windshield in the spring

[DaddyGlenn]

Originally Posted by Silveresrty911S

When I first bought mine it had the "dreaded windsheild wiper scratches". They were not terrible but could see them in the bright sun. I used Bonami powder a couple of times and it really helped until I replaced with new PPG glass.

+1 on the Bon Ami --->cheap, easy and it works

[David E. Clark]

I tried a product called Detailer's Pride High Performance Glass Restorer that worked very well. It won't get out the "small nicks" but it is very helpful on etched water spots or mineral deposits.