Corvette windshield question
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Naples Fl.
Corvette windshield question
I have an 06 with 15K on it. In certain sunlight the windshield looks like it's been hit with a sand blaster. Is there a fix/preventative for this problem? Thanks
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: El Paso Texas
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,599
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From: Whittier CA
Don't hold me to this, but I thought I read somewhere that a "different" windshield is used so the HUD is readable. Maybe the windshield is coated with something and this is what you are seeing when the sun hits it.... ??????? 
Safety Car
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From: Pittsburgh PA
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12,000 miles on my 2006 w/HUD and it looks 100X older and more beat up than my 102,000 mile '97 Ford Taurus wagon winter beater car's windshield. Unfortuneately, I believe this is normal for Corvettes due to the windhield's extreme angle and car height. You notice it more when going directing into the sun. 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 11,087
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From: Missouri City, TX
Me too. My daily driver has over 39k miles. Nature of the beast. It can't be avoided IMO.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
The 'HUD' windshield does have specific properties but I don't believe it makes the windshield more susceptible to pitting. As mentioned, this is a common occurrence with Corvettes in general. I know C6 racers who use film 'tear-offs' to cover and protect their windshield but I don't know how practical that would be for a daily driver (not to mention it won't help an existing problem). Some optometrists sell a polishing solution to remove pits and small scratches on eye glasses. I remember one guy who was going to try this but I never heard how it turned out.
I can identify with the problem. My windshield has a couple small rock chips and is pitted severely from track use. When I replace the glass I'll start using the film tear-offs on the track.
I can identify with the problem. My windshield has a couple small rock chips and is pitted severely from track use. When I replace the glass I'll start using the film tear-offs on the track.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 187
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The 'HUD' windshield does have specific properties but I don't believe it makes the windshield more susceptible to pitting. As mentioned, this is a common occurrence with Corvettes in general. I know C6 racers who use film 'tear-offs' to cover and protect their windshield but I don't know how practical that would be for a daily driver (not to mention it won't help an existing problem). Some optometrists sell a polishing solution to remove pits and small scratches on eye glasses. I remember one guy who was going to try this but I never heard how it turned out.
I can identify with the problem. My windshield has a couple small rock chips and is pitted severely from track use. When I replace the glass I'll start using the film tear-offs on the track.
I can identify with the problem. My windshield has a couple small rock chips and is pitted severely from track use. When I replace the glass I'll start using the film tear-offs on the track.
I'm thinking there's something they do to make that windshield more reflective of the HUD than the standard windshield that just makes it appear that way. As someone wrote above, perhaps it's a coating, or a reflective layer in the glass sandwich, or something, that just gives it that appearance when the sun hits it a certain way.
Edit added: Just found this in a DuPont press release:
At the center of the HUD technology is a precisely engineered "interlayer"
of DuPont(TM) Butacite(R) PVB that acts as the screen onto which the HUD
information is projected. This interlayer is called the DuPont(TM) Wedge(TM)
because of its angular cross-section.
Laminated between two layers of glass, the Wedge(TM) is transparent to
allow distortion-free forward vision, but also is able to reflect the HUD
projection for viewing by the driver. The virtual image appears to float in
the driver's line of sight near the front of the car, minimizing refocus time.
Virtual image location and brightness can be adjusted to the driver's
preference. Together, these features help to reduce driver distraction,
enhancing safety.
The Wedge(TM) angle is critical, and was developed through close
cooperation with the GM engineering team, windshield supplier Asahi Glass Co.
and Nippon Seiki, which supplies the HUD projector and served as package
integrator.
"This is a great example of suppliers working together to add value to the
OEM," said Jeff Dickson, general manager, sales, for Nippon Seiki
International Ltd. "As we were adding great new features, such as a wide
array of user-selectable displays, it was important that the image be as crisp
and clear as possible. The laminate is a critical factor in achieving that
goal." The Wedge(TM) is manufactured from DuPont(TM) Butacite(R) PVB polymers to exacting tolerances.
Maybe, when the sun hits the "interlayer" in a certain way, it's not so "transparent." Suggest we all stop trying to clean and scrape it away.
Last edited by hotspur; Jan 20, 2010 at 11:50 AM. Reason: Added new information
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,724
Likes: 652
It's due to normal wear and tear....the car sits so low that it is suceptable to every peice of road debri known to man. I just had my windshield replaced as part of an insurance claim and it is perfectly clear.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 75
From: Cleveland, OH
I don't think the HUD windshield is "more susceptible to pitting." I noticed the problem with less than 7000 miles on the car.
I'm thinking there's something they do to make that windshield more reflective of the HUD than the standard windshield that just makes it appear that way. As someone wrote above, perhaps it's a coating, or a reflective layer in the glass sandwich, or something, that just gives it that appearance when the sun hits it a certain way.
Edit added: Just found this in a DuPont press release:
At the center of the HUD technology is a precisely engineered "interlayer"
of DuPont(TM) Butacite(R) PVB that acts as the screen onto which the HUD
information is projected. This interlayer is called the DuPont(TM) Wedge(TM)
because of its angular cross-section.
Laminated between two layers of glass, the Wedge(TM) is transparent to
allow distortion-free forward vision, but also is able to reflect the HUD
projection for viewing by the driver. The virtual image appears to float in
the driver's line of sight near the front of the car, minimizing refocus time.
Virtual image location and brightness can be adjusted to the driver's
preference. Together, these features help to reduce driver distraction,
enhancing safety.
The Wedge(TM) angle is critical, and was developed through close
cooperation with the GM engineering team, windshield supplier Asahi Glass Co.
and Nippon Seiki, which supplies the HUD projector and served as package
integrator.
"This is a great example of suppliers working together to add value to the
OEM," said Jeff Dickson, general manager, sales, for Nippon Seiki
International Ltd. "As we were adding great new features, such as a wide
array of user-selectable displays, it was important that the image be as crisp
and clear as possible. The laminate is a critical factor in achieving that
goal." The Wedge(TM) is manufactured from DuPont(TM) Butacite(R) PVB polymers to exacting tolerances.
Maybe, when the sun hits the "interlayer" in a certain way, it's not so "transparent." Suggest we all stop trying to clean and scrape it away.
I'm thinking there's something they do to make that windshield more reflective of the HUD than the standard windshield that just makes it appear that way. As someone wrote above, perhaps it's a coating, or a reflective layer in the glass sandwich, or something, that just gives it that appearance when the sun hits it a certain way.
Edit added: Just found this in a DuPont press release:
At the center of the HUD technology is a precisely engineered "interlayer"
of DuPont(TM) Butacite(R) PVB that acts as the screen onto which the HUD
information is projected. This interlayer is called the DuPont(TM) Wedge(TM)
because of its angular cross-section.
Laminated between two layers of glass, the Wedge(TM) is transparent to
allow distortion-free forward vision, but also is able to reflect the HUD
projection for viewing by the driver. The virtual image appears to float in
the driver's line of sight near the front of the car, minimizing refocus time.
Virtual image location and brightness can be adjusted to the driver's
preference. Together, these features help to reduce driver distraction,
enhancing safety.
The Wedge(TM) angle is critical, and was developed through close
cooperation with the GM engineering team, windshield supplier Asahi Glass Co.
and Nippon Seiki, which supplies the HUD projector and served as package
integrator.
"This is a great example of suppliers working together to add value to the
OEM," said Jeff Dickson, general manager, sales, for Nippon Seiki
International Ltd. "As we were adding great new features, such as a wide
array of user-selectable displays, it was important that the image be as crisp
and clear as possible. The laminate is a critical factor in achieving that
goal." The Wedge(TM) is manufactured from DuPont(TM) Butacite(R) PVB polymers to exacting tolerances.
Maybe, when the sun hits the "interlayer" in a certain way, it's not so "transparent." Suggest we all stop trying to clean and scrape it away.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
I had the same issue with my 05 with HUD, Insurance wouldn't cover it because sand damage is over an extended period of time...but they refered me to a glass place they looked at it to see if any repairs could be done, but they said it needed to be replace, I took it to the dealership and had it replaced under warranty...but definitely would like to know also if the HUD windshield are more sucseptible; I know they suppose to have a special coating or something on the glass...
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: PRINCETON WV
I dont think a HUD equiped car makes any differance. Noticed
this on my car at around 5000 miles, 2008 model year. Ask dealer
about this and he said I must have followed to close to someone
who threw rocks up on the windshield , BS. I personally think it is a problem with the windshield, good to see that I am not the only one
who tailgates rock throwing vehicles.
this on my car at around 5000 miles, 2008 model year. Ask dealer
about this and he said I must have followed to close to someone
who threw rocks up on the windshield , BS. I personally think it is a problem with the windshield, good to see that I am not the only one
who tailgates rock throwing vehicles.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 922
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia Canada
So, if you need the winsheild replaced you have to specify a HUD car?
Wonder if the aftermarket glass shops carry different types of windshields or if you would need an OEM only if you have HUD.
Wonder if the aftermarket glass shops carry different types of windshields or if you would need an OEM only if you have HUD.