Repair or replace?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
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Repair or replace?
I've just gotten a chip in my windshield about the size of a large pea right below my eye line and (for me) is just blocked by the top of the steering wheel. I do have insurance. I have never had to replace or repair a windshield. In your humble opinions, is this something you would have repaired or replaced?
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St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I've just gotten a chip in my windshield about the size of a large pea right below my eye line and (for me) is just blocked by the top of the steering wheel. I do have insurance. I have never had to replace or repair a windshield. In your humble opinions, is this something you would have repaired or replaced?
Since it's a repair I would suspect your insurance would pay 100 per cent and waive your deductible.
I would say repair unless you find it distracting or annoying.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,526
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From: Oceanside NY
I've had about a dozen windshields repaired successfully for about $70.00 each time. Here in NY there is a company named Safelite, they came to my house and to my office and did it right in front on me..... I'd rather pay $70.00 then rip it out and replace it. Tha t doesn't look to bad.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Dumont NJ
I've had about a dozen windshields repaired successfully for about $70.00 each time. Here in NY there is a company named Safelite, they came to my house and to my office and did it right in front on me..... I'd rather pay $70.00 then rip it out and replace it. Tha t doesn't look to bad.
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
I'd go with the repair first. They will come out and drill a hole and clean out the chip. They will then put on a pressurized unit that will inject a clear epoxy in to the chip which will allow it to flow out in to any of the edges that could propagate a crack later. Once repaired it will be virtually invisible if done correctly. You will have to know where to look and at just the right angle to even see it.
Having seen what the removal of a Corvette windshield looks like I will always opt for the repair before replacement and I have full glass coverage on my car with zero deductible.
Having seen what the removal of a Corvette windshield looks like I will always opt for the repair before replacement and I have full glass coverage on my car with zero deductible.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Southern Florida
I'd go with the repair first. They will come out and drill a hole and clean out the chip. They will then put on a pressurized unit that will inject a clear epoxy in to the chip which will allow it to flow out in to any of the edges that could propagate a crack later. Once repaired it will be virtually invisible if done correctly. You will have to know where to look and at just the right angle to even see it.
Having seen what the removal of a Corvette windshield looks like I will always opt for the repair before replacement and I have full glass coverage on my car with zero deductible.
Having seen what the removal of a Corvette windshield looks like I will always opt for the repair before replacement and I have full glass coverage on my car with zero deductible.
I would also go this way first. A chip is lot's better than a crack and I have also had success with the above proceedure.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Tucson Arizona
With full glass coverage I had never repaired a chip or small crack...I've always just replaced the glass. Not long after getting my new C6 I got a small ding (like you) right in my line-of-sight. Not wanting to replace the windshield in my then new C6 I opted to repair it.
I was surprised with how well it turned out. You really have to look hard to find where the repair was made. I know some dings can't be repaired but the repair person should have a good idea beforehand if your damage can be repaired or not. I'd give the repair a try. Worst case and it doesn't turn out well...you replace the glass. Good luck!
I was surprised with how well it turned out. You really have to look hard to find where the repair was made. I know some dings can't be repaired but the repair person should have a good idea beforehand if your damage can be repaired or not. I'd give the repair a try. Worst case and it doesn't turn out well...you replace the glass. Good luck!
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St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
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Melting Slicks
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A follow-up...
Just had the windshield repair folks do their thing and I have to admit I am disappointed.
They tell you immediately that this is to try to save the windshield damage from spreading AND that it may create more cracking than existed already. I now see more cracking (about 1/4" to 1/2" on each side of the chip) after the repair but it is slight. It certainly didn't make it in any way invisible. Fortunately, that is still covered by the top of the steering wheel. I just hope that it really works to keep the crack from spreading.
They do warrant it for the lifetime of the repair but they do not warrant it from spreading???
BTW, Safelite does NOT drill a hole into the windshield anymore as part of the procedure.
They tell you immediately that this is to try to save the windshield damage from spreading AND that it may create more cracking than existed already. I now see more cracking (about 1/4" to 1/2" on each side of the chip) after the repair but it is slight. It certainly didn't make it in any way invisible. Fortunately, that is still covered by the top of the steering wheel. I just hope that it really works to keep the crack from spreading.
They do warrant it for the lifetime of the repair but they do not warrant it from spreading???
BTW, Safelite does NOT drill a hole into the windshield anymore as part of the procedure.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
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From: Chandler Arizona
One other thing to consider is how old and pitted the windshield is. I can't believe how pitted my 06 windshield has gotten in a short amount of time. If I get a chip, I'm opting for a new windshield.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Rockwall TX
St. Jude Donor '11
If ins does not cover the glass. Major part chains sell a kit for $15. It has 4 suction cups attached to a resin chamber. Used it to repair numerous chips on my old DD. Follow the directions, you get one shot at it.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Good choice. Trust me ~ put off replacements as long as you can... potential for other problems like rearview mirror "wiggle", poor sealing, etc. Not worth the gamble unless absolutely necessary.
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
Just had the windshield repair folks do their thing and I have to admit I am disappointed.
They tell you immediately that this is to try to save the windshield damage from spreading AND that it may create more cracking than existed already. I now see more cracking (about 1/4" to 1/2" on each side of the chip) after the repair but it is slight. It certainly didn't make it in any way invisible. Fortunately, that is still covered by the top of the steering wheel. I just hope that it really works to keep the crack from spreading.
They do warrant it for the lifetime of the repair but they do not warrant it from spreading???
BTW, Safelite does NOT drill a hole into the windshield anymore as part of the procedure.
They tell you immediately that this is to try to save the windshield damage from spreading AND that it may create more cracking than existed already. I now see more cracking (about 1/4" to 1/2" on each side of the chip) after the repair but it is slight. It certainly didn't make it in any way invisible. Fortunately, that is still covered by the top of the steering wheel. I just hope that it really works to keep the crack from spreading.
They do warrant it for the lifetime of the repair but they do not warrant it from spreading???
BTW, Safelite does NOT drill a hole into the windshield anymore as part of the procedure.
I would never recommend this procedure if my experience had been like yours.
