Windshield Scratches
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 227
Likes: 54
From: Adams Massachusetts
Windshield Scratches
I tried the search function on this one, but came up with nothing. I just picked up a 2007 convertible with 24,000 miles on it. The car is in very nice condition, but the windshield is covered in scratches that seem to have been caused by the windshield wipers. These fine scratches exactly follow the wiper coverage and the direction of travel. Imagine that your windshield wiper blades were made from Scotchbrite and you turned them on high for half an hour on a dry sunny day. You don't notice the scratches when looking at the car, but if you're driving towards the sun or oncoming traffic at night, the scratches are significant. I've never seen this on any other car I've owned. Is this a typical Corvette issue? Any recommendations on how to correct it other than replacement? I wish I had noticed it during the test drive, but I was having too much fun.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 4,362
From: Chirper Island
Yikes!
My '05's windshield (original) looks like it's been sand-blasted (so did the front end before Dr Colorchip), but I've never owned a car with directional scratches like this. One would think that if you got one, you would change something before they got really bad.
I guess it's time for both of us to get new windshields.
My '05's windshield (original) looks like it's been sand-blasted (so did the front end before Dr Colorchip), but I've never owned a car with directional scratches like this. One would think that if you got one, you would change something before they got really bad.
I guess it's time for both of us to get new windshields.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 66
From: Louisville, KY
I had a scratch on the pax side of my GS from something that was on the wiper blade. Called everyplace I could think of. No body would repair it. A body shop guy told me using a buffer with polishing compound may take it out. I tried it and it worked. No swirls. Every now and then I can still see a very small 1 inch or so mark still there, not a half circle like it use to be. I'll go after that small mark later.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,463
Likes: 1,138
From: Chino CA
I just had Safelite replace my 2007 windshield with HUD for under $300. Mine had a few pits in it that I got tired of looking at. I was surprised at how cheap a new windshield was so I replaced it. Looks perfect and works great with the HUD. Does not appear to be a Corvette tax on windshields.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 227
Likes: 54
From: Adams Massachusetts
Thanks for the replies. Looks like I might just replace the glass. I have zero deductible glass on my insurance so I suspect their will be almost no cost. I was just a little concerned about a poor quality replacement or an unskilled installer.
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Pro<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/500-1000.gif" border="0">
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 548
Likes: 20
From: Goose Creek, SC
1. Tell your insurance company that you want factory replacement glass and not a generic glass made from knows where?
2. Do some research on glass replacement shops and find the one with the best reputation and then when you go to make your appointment make sure to ask for their most experienced mechanic.
3. After the work has been done inspect your glass closely before you leave. I had one windshield replaced and the new glass had a flaw in it right in the drivers line of sight.
I learned about windshields due to I526 where I lived and drove on twice a day needing to be repaved. The original surface was not top quality and after a couple of years it started coming apart causing little rocks to get loose on the pavement and then being thrown into the path of cars by car and truck tires. Myself and many other drivers went through quite a few windshields before they finally repaved that interstate with a much better surface.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 5
From: NJ: the garbage state
i think corvette glass is inherently soft or something because i had a large, semi-deep scratch from the wiper as well. i suspect a rock got caught between the blade and the glass and was swiped across.
anyway, a glass guy polished it out and it was covered by insurance. if you remove and replace the glass you are asking for more handling than a typical vette owner may like.
anyway, a glass guy polished it out and it was covered by insurance. if you remove and replace the glass you are asking for more handling than a typical vette owner may like.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,463
Likes: 1,138
From: Chino CA
Search this forum for Safelite Glass. That is why I used them. They have done a lot of Corvettes from this forum and they get very high reviews. I asked for a seasoned guy because this was more than just a car to me and they said they usually send their most experienced installer for expensive cars. They did it in my own garage in about an hour. Very clean installation and the guy knew how to protect the car. Fits well, HUD works well, no damage to my car at all. Again, search this forum. Lots of very good reviews.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,463
Likes: 1,138
From: Chino CA
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 230
From: Livingston County, Michigan
I had some light scratches on my windshield (09 Z06). I found a detail shop only a mile from my home that had the equipment (and skill) to remove them. There are specialty scratch removal equipment out there, although they are usually for industrial use.
I was hesitant to have my windshield replaced. This place charged me $150 to do the scratch removal.
If you're interested in this, I would check out high end detainers or restoration shops. I found that nearly all the glass places around me didn't do scratch removal.
Al Chan
I was hesitant to have my windshield replaced. This place charged me $150 to do the scratch removal.
If you're interested in this, I would check out high end detainers or restoration shops. I found that nearly all the glass places around me didn't do scratch removal.
Al Chan
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,138
Likes: 171
From: Missouri
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
I have experienced this in 4 of the last 5 cars I've owned, the exception being the Corvette. It's gotten so bad on my Acura that the raindrops follow the path of the gouges left by the wipers. I never daily drove my C6 so can't speak to the situation, but I imagine it would be the same after heavy use. It's fairly disconcerting since I replace my wipers regularly.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 11,973
Likes: 463
From: Tonawanda New York
I tried the search function on this one, but came up with nothing. I just picked up a 2007 convertible with 24,000 miles on it. The car is in very nice condition, but the windshield is covered in scratches that seem to have been caused by the windshield wipers. These fine scratches exactly follow the wiper coverage and the direction of travel. Imagine that your windshield wiper blades were made from Scotchbrite and you turned them on high for half an hour on a dry sunny day. You don't notice the scratches when looking at the car, but if you're driving towards the sun or oncoming traffic at night, the scratches are significant. I've never seen this on any other car I've owned. Is this a typical Corvette issue? Any recommendations on how to correct it other than replacement? I wish I had noticed it during the test drive, but I was having too much fun.
Do you have full glass coverage on your insurance? go to Safelite and see what they recommend.....
Windshield Scratch Repair
If your vehicle's windshield is scratched - even if the damage seems small - it may need to be replaced. While Safelite® doesn't offer windshield scratch repair, you can contact us for expert advice on what to do if your windshield has a scratch.
No matter what damage your windshield has sustained - whether it is a scratch, a chip or a crack - it is recommended that you have the glass repaired or replaced.
To see how we can help with a scratched windshield, schedule your service today
Simple maintenance prevents windshield scratches
You can help to prevent your windshield becoming scratched by regularly changing your wipers. Visit Safelite® for windshield wiper replacement and when you buy new wipers, an expert Safelite® technician will install them at no additional charge.
However, proper maintenance cannot account for all the reasons windshields get scratched, so when you need advice, just give us a call at 877-664-8931.
http://www.safelite.com/auto-glass-r...cratch-repair/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,750
Likes: 172
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
Yo OP,
I started this thread a few months back.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...placement.html
If you read through it, I suspect it will answer most of your questions.
I started this thread a few months back.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...placement.html
If you read through it, I suspect it will answer most of your questions.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 984
Likes: 32
From: Atlanta GA
no wiper line scratches, but I must have over 50 tiny rock chips in my windshield( and I don't even have 20K miles)....only one is noticeable until the car is super clean and sitting in some bright sun....cant see them from inside either...so I will live with it.... I don't like it, but if your going to drive a car that sits this low.....its just gonna happen....