Rock chip in windshield repair

Trent P. · 10-24-2002, 11:59 AM

I have a small crack in my windshield due to an errant rock. Just wondering if anyone has any experience getting these fixed. I understand it is possible to repair just the small crack without doing a total replacement. A search of the archives wasn't too helpful.

Has anyone done this or had it done? DIY or a glass shop? How much? Product recommendations?

Thanks for the help!

Joeaksa · 10-24-2002, 12:30 PM

I lost a windshield to this and most important is finding someone who is good (read lots of experience) and do it fast.

The longer you wait the more chance it will spread. Do not wait a few weeks until you "have time" or it could be too late. I wonder if the thing that sets it off is the temp changing at night along with the vibration of driving but it sure cost me $350 that I had allocated for other toys.

Joe

71T Targa · 10-24-2002, 12:31 PM

Is it a crack or just a chip?
If it's a crack, it will just keep getting worse until you replace the windshield.
If it's a chip I had good luck with a glass company. They repaired the chip (you could still see it though) for about $50 and guaranteed the work. If I need to replace the windshield, they will give me the $50 back, and I will put it in through my insurance.

sammyg2 · 10-24-2002, 01:15 PM

I had a small (3/8" long) chip/crack in my windshield last year.
At a local autocross (Irwindale speedway) a company that specializes in "paintless dent removal" had set up a repair area, and they approached me and offered to fix the crack for $40. The "technician" told me that it would be almost invisible when he finished.
Well, almost 1/2 hour later I had a wallet that was lighter by $40 and a 1 1/2" crack where the small one use to be. I requested a refund but did not get it. He blamed it on a flaw in the glass.

Needless to say I was pissed, but I got over it and went out and bought a replacement windshield.

I will never ,ever, ever trust my car to one of these "technicians" again. Maybe if I was smarter I would have gone to someone who had the necessary expertise and that offered a guarranty, but I was stupid enough to believe the guy.

PS I am so proud of the restraint I used in writing this post. I only had to re-write it three times to tone it down :-)

Jim T · 10-24-2002, 01:29 PM

I don't know how many miles you have on the car, or how much the windshield is for that particular model, but . . .

I recently got a chip in my 12 year old BMW window. I used it as an "opportunity" to buy a new windshield. The cost was low ($145, came to my house and installed in 1/2 hour), and it amazing how much nicer the car is to drive with a nice, clean, smooth and unpitted windshield!

If your windshield is an average condition 11 year old windshield, you might want to look at replacement rather than sinking money into a fix. Just a thought.

carnut169 · carnut169's Garage

Just to repeat what has already been said a chip can be "repaired", a crack can not. If it is just a chip often the repair can prevent any spreading and will be almost invisable. I wish the windshield was ony $150... but it is more and you might get leaks if it is not installed correctly. 911s are hard to do, and for that reason I would try to fix it before replacing it. If you do have to replace it Jim is absolutely correct - it is nice to have a clean one!

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

I have repaired several 'chips' and 'bullseyes' in windshields.

By a kit at your local auto parts dealer. The first one I fixed over 3 years ago and the damage has not spread from a chip to a crack.

jeff m · 10-24-2002, 06:27 PM

The home repair kit will fill the hole, sort of!

It should be done with a vacuum pump to evacuate the air (and moisture if any) then the vacuum pulls in the glass repair liquid, if done well it is almost invisible.
That means visible only to someone who knew where the chip or bullseye was.

Jeff
911T