Cheap way to fix chipped windshield?
OhioGuy
went by us. It knocked up a stone which chipped our front windshield. I'm
wondering if there is a simple way to make it less visible? I've seen kits,
but have no idea which of the many kits I've seen would be best, or if I'd
just be better off using a syringe to squirt something in there. Our auto
insurance covers damage to other cars, so I'd obviously be best off taking
care of it myself.
The outside has a very tiny opening, perhaps 1/8" wide. It looks like
what I've seen on windows when someone shoots a BB at them. Inside, it
widened out a bit, then made a "star" pattern that is about 3/4" wide
maximum. Thankfully, it isn't right in front of the driver seat, but I'd
rather get it taken care of before water gets in there. (the vehicle is
stored outdoors - we don't have a garage) Currently, I have a clear piece
of tape over the opening.
It's a 1969 Ford Econoline E151 Van that we purchased recently for $500.
It drove us from Oregon up far into Canada (as far North as Alaska) and then
back East to Ohio without too many problems.
Anyone have any suggestions for what might work best? Thanks!
OhioGuy
clams casino
> Last week we were driving up in Saskatchewan, when a big logging truck
>went by us. It knocked up a stone which chipped our front windshield. I'm
>wondering if there is a simple way to make it less visible?
>
Visibility is the least of your potential problems. If left untreated
or improperly sealed, the chip can eventually (although not always) lead
into a non repairable crack.
Get it sealed ASAP by a professional before it expands. A pro can make
the chip nearly invisible, plus minimize the likeliness of having to
replace the entire windshield.
Rick
Will a car still pass an inspection with that kind of damage - even with a
repair?
Rick
clams casino
I've had two such chips repaired (after failing to repair one that
eventually required full replacement of a windshield as the chip slowly
grew into a full size crack).
Neither have been a problem for yearly inspections. I'm sure, however,
that will depends on the size, location and quality of repair.
Wayne Sallee
Just don't use one of those do it your self kits a
Wall-Mart. Those things don't work. They are a rippoff.
Where do y'all live that you have to get yearly
inspections. I'm glad that I don't have to get
yearly inspections on my vehicle. That sounds like a
pain. I have two small chips in my windshield. I
won't be fixing them, though I did try one of those
stupid kits. The chips are small, and I live in
Florida, so I won't have a problem with ice making
them bigger.
Wayne Sallee
Webm...@LeesburgNazarene.org
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
Al Bundy
> > Last week we were driving up in Saskatchewan, when a big logging truck
> >went by us. It knocked up a stone which chipped our front windshield. I'm
> >wondering if there is a simple way to make it less visible? I've seen kits,
> >but have no idea which of the many kits I've seen would be best, or if I'd
> >just be better off using a syringe to squirt something in there. Our auto
> >insurance covers damage to other cars, so I'd obviously be best off taking
> >care of it myself.
>
> insurance companies will waive the deductible for chip repair.
Yea. Great idea except he doesn't carry any comp insurance because
it's a $500 piece.
Chip repair places here used to charge $45 for a pair. Lately, I see
vans parked around in empty parking lots offering to make a chip
repair for nothing. I think Murray's sells the chip repair kit so Ohio
guy will be in line there in the morning.
Mary Mathews
My son put clear nail polish on the tiny crack on my windshield, and it
held as long as I kept the car. Mary
Seerialmom
> My son put clear nail polish on the tiny crack on my windshield, and it
> held as long as I kept the car. Mary
I thought I read somewhere before that putting Superglue will do the
same thing, just another idea.
Wayne Sallee
I think those two examples will only work if the
crack is not too tight. I think that on the tighter
cracks, a vacuum has to be pulled so that the sealer
can get in.
Seerialmom
> Seerialmom wrote on 8/10/2007 7:23 PM:
>
> > On Aug 10, 3:53 pm, maryatbe...@webtv.net (Mary Mathews) wrote:
> >> My son put clear nail polish on the tiny crack on my windshield, and it
> >> held as long as I kept the car. Mary
>
> > I thought I read somewhere before that putting Superglue will do the
> > same thing, just another idea.
>
> I think those two examples will only work if the
> crack is not too tight. I think that on the tighter
> cracks, a vacuum has to be pulled so that the sealer
> can get in.
>
> Wayne Sallee
If it's one of those little "star" dings on the windshield the theory
is superglue will spread into the hairline cracks that come off of
it. I haven't tried it (and I do have an old Nissan pickup sitting in
the driveway awaiting my trip to the local glass guy because I
technically want it done right the first time).
OhioGuy
There are no auto inspections for cars in Ohio, annual or otherwise. Even
if there were, I'm sure that historical vehicles would be exempted.
Logan Shaw
> Get it sealed ASAP by a professional before it expands. A pro can make
> the chip nearly invisible, plus minimize the likeliness of having to
> replace the entire windshield.
And, trust me, replacing the windshield is not cheap. I had to do it on
my current car, and if it costs $50 to prevent it, it's worth $50.
Not only that, on a 1969 Ford van, it might be "interesting" trying to
find the part. And the last thing you want on any vehicle is some
third-party replacement glass that doesn't quite fit right. Or
perfectly-good glass that isn't installed right and leaks.
IMHO, there are two roads (so to speak) you can go down with that van
now. You can either pay a little right now and be sure this problem
doesn't get worse and be happy, or you can take your chances. And if
you take your chances, you might have to track down a part, pay a lot
of money, and still not get good results.
- Logan
Wayne Sallee
> And, trust me, replacing the windshield is not cheap. I had to do it on
> my current car, and if it costs $50 to prevent it, it's worth $50.
>
> Not only that, on a 1969 Ford van, it might be "interesting" trying to
> find the part. And the last thing you want on any vehicle is some
> third-party replacement glass that doesn't quite fit right. Or
> perfectly-good glass that isn't installed right and leaks.
>
> IMHO, there are two roads (so to speak) you can go down with that van
> now. You can either pay a little right now and be sure this problem
> doesn't get worse and be happy, or you can take your chances. And if
> you take your chances, you might have to track down a part, pay a lot
> of money, and still not get good results.
>
> - Logan
Or if you drive an old vehicle that is not worth
anything and the window leaks anyway, then you look
at it a little different :-) But if you have a nice
car, then you'd best get it fixed professionally
right away :-)
Wayne Sallee
Webm...@LeesburgNazarene.org
clams casino
Since Ohio reportedly doesn't have inspections, having a cracked
windshield will likely fit right in with all the other misfit vehicles.
Logan Shaw
> Since Ohio reportedly doesn't have inspections, having a cracked
> windshield will likely fit right in with all the other misfit vehicles.
When I lived in California (which was 10 years ago, this month), that
state had inspections, but the only thing they checked was vehicle
emissions. You could have failing brakes, a broken windshield, and
doors that wouldn't close all the way and California would let you
on the road. But put out too much pollution, and you're outta there.
- Logan
Beeblebrox
>
> Just don't use one of those do it your self kits a Wall-Mart. Those
> things don't work. They are a rippoff.
>
> Where do y'all live that you have to get yearly inspections. I'm glad
> that I don't have to get yearly inspections on my vehicle. That sounds
> like a pain. I have two small chips in my windshield. I won't be fixing
> them, though I did try one of those stupid kits. The chips are small,
> and I live in Florida, so I won't have a problem with ice making them
> bigger.
>
> Wayne Sallee
> Webm...@LeesburgNazarene.org
>
heat can make them run too.
clams casino
sounds like TN, except smoking exhaust is fully acceptable there.
Al Bundy
Well, historical in terms of gross years old.
Jalopy in terms of condition I suppose.
I had a crack off to the lower left and kept it from moving by
applying clear silicone sealant to the outside and inside of the
glass. It would have been unsightly if not in such an out of the way
area. It never spread in 10 years. I have half dozen bull's eye chips
on the 2000 GMC purchased last year. I immediately filled them with
epoxy and shaved them when cured. They lasted all winter and summer so
far. If you want a good repair, see a pro. Otherwise, buy the kit and
DIY. Worst case, DIY with your own epoxy as I did.
PS. You must have prayed to Father Salanus beforehand if you got
through a vacation with that thing.