Window chip repair: Best product to use? Topic is solved

[theWIFES_S70]

A local discount store around here had this on sale for $8.99.


Well, it didn't work... Followed the directions to the T, too. Anyone have a brand that has worked for them?

[bmdubya1198]

Safelite used something similar on my mom's car when it got a big chip from a rock on the highway. It helped, but really it still looks like crap. He used some sort of vacuum pump thing to remove air bubbles and a sealer. I guess it's good they didn't replace it since there have been another one or two chips since then.

[mecheng]

I've heard crazy glue working well.

[scot850]

Up here in windshield breaking capital of the world (well all Alberta and Saskatchewan) we get the repairs done at windshield shops for about $20/chip. As I get so many done, I often pay $20 for 2-3 at the same place. Sure they are never going to be 100% opaque, but it does reduce the likelihood of cracking the windshield significantly with our weather and temp variations. I do seem to recall you get screwed in the US from what my brother told me he was quoted for chip repair in CA. With an aftermarket PPG windshield fitted up here for about $180 it doesn't take long to mount up the cost of a new windshield. I h ad a crack about 6" long at the side of the windshield on a 93 850. The repair shop drilled the end of the crack to stop it propagating and filled it. 5 years later sold the car with it still no worse. So a pro repair maybe worth considering.

Neil.

[mrbrian200]

I've used the rain-x chip/crack repair kit in the past for a crack (not a "spider" chip). It worked ok (didn't refract light) but what looked like a deep scratch was still visible/noticeable and in the end windscreen replacement was still necessary. That was a learning experience: best to leave this to someone with proper tools/equipment and experience. There's a writeup on NWRAs (National Windshield Repair Association) website regarding DIY kits and why they often don't give satisfactory results as opposed to using a good professional repair service.
See link at bottom "On Do-it-yourself (DIY) kits"
http://nwrassn.org/consumer-information/

I think the problem you're gonna have now is that you've applied resin improper which effectively seals it up and would prevent resin applied by a repair service from getting in (you may be stuck with it).

[theWIFES_S70]

I think the problem you're gonna have now is that you've applied resin improper which effectively seals it up and would prevent resin applied by a repair service from getting in (you may be stuck with it).

mrbrian200, thanks for this. This is the third time I've tried this (first time on the P80) and I've never been able to get any results. I have to admit, I was excited about the "made in the USA" label on the JBWeld kid. But frankly, this was straight up URO/PROPARTS level quality!

I was actually hoping that if I got some rosin in there it'l prevent it from cracking any further... The crack seems plenty stable (hasn't grown in a full winter up here in NY). Yeah, the crack is annoying. But my KERFLUNK is more annoying, the creaky dash is more annoying, the small scratches starting to rust are more annoying (why do we drive such annoying cars again?)

If I see a spot that does windshield repair, I'll definitely stop in and inquire. I checked out that Safelite company... quotes are out of this world! And that's with me driving to them! I can't imagine what it would cost if they came to me!

So basically, there is no real over-the-counter option for window chip repair... Good to know.

As always, thanks for the collective wisdom everyone!

[bmdubya1198]

I had my windshield replaced on my V70... $280. Hurt my wallet to have the guy come and do it, but I had no option at the time. Car couldn't be registered until it passed inspection, therefore I couldn't drive it anywhere to have it done. Couldn't pass inspection because the windshield was totally destroyed from the airbag.

[mrbrian200]

From what I gather safelite is about the last place you should go if you're specifically looking for repair rather than replace. They seem to be in kahootz with the insurance carriers to steer you into replacement (even when it's repairable/minor/replacement not really called for). In the last 10 years most major insurance carriers have dropped no deductible glass coverage from their comprehensive policies, nor do they offer a separate product to add it. Many people aren't aware of this and assume they have glass coverage...because 10 years ago most comprehensive policies included this (not subject to your deductible). They will steer you to replace because now as your deductible applies. For most people with a deductible between $500-$1000 windscreen glass replacement = 100% out of pocket. They notify your Insurance company who logs a claim AKA a zero/no fault, that can still be used as an excuse to jack your rates even though they didn't cover one penny for the glass replacement. And in the rare case they might actually authorize/cover a repair you risk your rates jumping (or lose your rebate/safe bonus etc) over a $100 or less service. Effectively for most people if you have a glass issue it's the same as a minor dent/scrape incident - you're on your own, and for your own long term financial interest it's probably best to approach it as such. Find a reputable repair/replace specialist, open your wallet and bite it.
Yes I'm a bit sour with regards to the insurance industry. Sooner or later we all have our experience with them whether it be auto home business or health it's all the same borderline scam artistry behind all of it. Go back 15-20 years or more the industry was largely much more reputable than is now.

[bmdubya1198]

Yeah, the only reason Safelite did the repair was because of the insurance. It may have been up to a $20 deductible, but I think it was actually free.