Car Care
Windshield Chip Repair
Fixing rock divots in glass
Created by Tom MorrAccording to professional repairers, approximately 75% of damaged windshields can be repaired instead of replaced. This is encouraging news, especially when considering that any windshield damage that obstructs the driver's view is illegal.
For anyone whose windshield has doubled as a backstop for rocks and debris that fly off of flatbed trucks, prompt action is critical. Over time, grit accumulates in the windshield's damaged area, and temperature fluctuations can make the marred portion grow.
Do-it-yourself systems designed to fill windshield nicks are available from several companies. The two styles of kits are an inexpensive syringe (about $8) and a more professional-type bridge system (around $17).
Cracking Down
In general, windshield-repair kits are recommended for crackless pits of up to an inch in diameter—and they aren't intended for "stars," "spiders" or any type of cracks. Their actual resin repair compound is formulated to have the same refractive characteristics as OE laminated glass, the goal being to make the repair virtually undetectable.
The how-to photos here are of the syringe-type repair kit available at most auto parts stores. It's easy to use—the one-component chemical doesn't require mixing or heat to cure, just sunlight. (However, the chemical does contain an acid that shouldn't contact skin, eyes or paint.)
Our demonstration windshield here had the right type of pit damage, but the carnage was more than a year old. The result is that the repair compound didn't adhere well. Regardless, this is a worthwhile endeavor: The job only takes a few minutes, and the kits can be purchased either at your local parts store or by mail order.
Resources
Apollo Glass Works, www.apolloglass.com
Eastwoood Company, www.eastwoodcompany.com
JC Whitney, www.jcwhitney.com
Permatex, www.permatex.com
Step 1
Syringe-style repair kits (A) contain enough resin compound to fix one windshield chip. They mount to the glass with an adhesive disc and a plastic pedestal. Bridge-type kits (B) are more expensive but can be reused with resin refills. (Courtesy JC Whitney)
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Step 2
Clean the damaged area with glass cleaner and allow it to dry completely. Then put a rag or towel below the damage to keep any spilled repair compound from contacting paint.
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Step 3
For syringe-style repairs, punch out the hole in the adhesive disc, peel the backing off of one side of the disc and press it onto the glass. Center the damage in the disc's hole and point the disc's tab upward.
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Step 4
Peel the backing off of the disc's top side and press on the pedestal, aligning the tabs at the top.
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Step 5
Uncap the syringe and insert it in the pedestal, twisting till the syringe is firmly seated. Then pull the plunger upward to suck air from the damaged area, hold momentarily, and let go to force the repair compound into the damage. Repeat the plunging process 10 times.
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Step 6
The sun's ultraviolet rays cure the repair compound in approximately 30 minutes. Check from inside the vehicle for air bubbles and repeat the plunging sequence if necessary. To finish the job, remove the syringe, cut off the pedestal and disc with a blade and clean up any excess compound.
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