2012 GS scratched windshield
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Clay NY
2012 GS scratched windshield
My brand new 12 GS was delivered a few weeks ago and found to have lots of scratches on the windshield following the wiper arcs. Some you can feel with a fingernail. Blades were found to be loaded with grit from sitting at the dealer for a year (even after washing). After a lot of talking the dealer is standing up for a new windshield (the correct one from AP Technoglass) at no cost to me. OK. Do I want this brand new car taken apart?
As anyone heard of this buffing procedure for fine scratches on a windshield? I hear if its over done it can cause distortion. With the already low angle of the glass this is a real concern.
Any info will be greatly appreciated.
As anyone heard of this buffing procedure for fine scratches on a windshield? I hear if its over done it can cause distortion. With the already low angle of the glass this is a real concern.
Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
I would get it done. The dealership most likely will not actually do it anyway...they will have a glass specialist do it, which is best. Buffing large portions of the windshield is generally a tough job at best, if even possible. If you have the HUD, the windshield is specific to that...it will say "HUD" with all the other writing on the glass...it is more expensive than non-HUD.
Last edited by cclive; May 17, 2013 at 03:44 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,694
Likes: 106
You're between a rock and a hard place man. But if it's that scratched, I'd reluctantly get it replaced too. Just make sure they change the clips of the piece that goes against the windshield, or you'll get the infamous 'fluttering' noise. And make sure nothing is damaged, and that all other parts that are removed, are either changed, or you can be sure they'd fit like new (hardly ever the case). Hopefully the job will be done right, and you won't have any issues or damage to the car. If only you drive it, you have better chances of that, at least on the interior, from scuffed kick door panel, door panel, leather scratches/stains/etc. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Clay NY
Thanks guys, the latest is--the most reputable, experienced and highly recommended glass business around here is going to try to buff one small area and if that doesn't work--of course I have been assured with a new windshield the car will still look and perform like new. Right..........the check's in the mail.
later......
later......
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 24,963
Likes: 2,676
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
A week or so after it's all done, do a garden hose test for leaks and inspect all of the interior and carpets very carefully. Then take it through a touchless car wash and inspect again.
Guess how I know...
Guess how I know...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 40,998
Likes: 9,764
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Does your dealership have a body shop tech who has lots of experience working on Corvettes? If so then have them replace the glass at the dealer's body shop where they can have access to the body shop tech. Went through this on my C5 and the glass places didn't know how to seal the windshield so there were no leaks. On the second replacement windshield the job was done through the dealership body shop and the Corvette specialist was able to get the correct sealants to solve the leak issue. The glass guys (a well known expert company) didn't know they had to use specific sealants.
Bill
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 24,963
Likes: 2,676
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
I understand your dilemma, and sympathize.
You might ask yourself this question: If I don't get it repaired; a month or a year from now, will it have faded into the background of all the little dings that a car gets from being driven, or will it be bugging me even more?
If you can catch your fingernail in the scratches, I suspect that replacment is the proper solution.
Either way, best of luck to you!
You might ask yourself this question: If I don't get it repaired; a month or a year from now, will it have faded into the background of all the little dings that a car gets from being driven, or will it be bugging me even more?
If you can catch your fingernail in the scratches, I suspect that replacment is the proper solution.
Either way, best of luck to you!
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SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 92
From: San Diego CA
Replace it. Dealers use glass shops for replacements and are generally very careful who they use since they don't want any returns. Competent glass shops will do a good job. I'm on my third C6 windshield and have had good results each time.
Last edited by SUB VETTE; May 18, 2013 at 01:53 PM. Reason: spelling error
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 1
From: Eastern PA:ECS Paxton Novi 1500(676rwhp,585tq on stock engine),LG headers, 410's, Corsa Sports, ECS Alky Kit
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I had to have my windshield replaced, no problems at all. Just used a local glass shop. They DID have a problem getting the HUD windhshield, as the wrong one came in the first time (non hud). Others have added hud to non hud windhsield cars and you can still see the hud well. That being said, definitely make sure they put the hud windshield in. If it doesnt specifically state its made for the hud you will lose some visibility on the hud.
(wow I used "hud" a lot in those sentences, lol)
(wow I used "hud" a lot in those sentences, lol)
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Clay NY
Thanks again for the responses guys. Everybody makes a valid point. Mon. I'm meeting with the dealer's vette tech. again because they sent me to one of the best glass guys around here who happens to own a vette and knows or will know what he needs. Wed. the glass will be buffed in a small test area. With what I don't know yet. Today I got to go 3 sporting laps around watkins glen with my club and did not even notice the scratches, but I was busy and it was also cloudy. The buffing probably won't work and a year from now.... It probably would still be bugging me.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 199
From: Bay Area Ca.
If you get the glass replaced be sure to crack the window, not sure how to on the Vette, for the first 24 hours. Heat build up could pop the glass after installation. Leave the tape on too for a few days.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
I had to have my windshield replaced, no problems at all. Just used a local glass shop. They DID have a problem getting the HUD windhshield, as the wrong one came in the first time (non hud). Others have added hud to non hud windhsield cars and you can still see the hud well. That being said, definitely make sure they put the hud windshield in. If it doesnt specifically state its made for the hud you will lose some visibility on the hud.
(wow I used "hud" a lot in those sentences, lol)
(wow I used "hud" a lot in those sentences, lol)
