Windshield Repair

[MikeB]

Does anybody have an opinion on repairing windshields with small stone cracks (star type crack, less than 1/4 inch) rather than replacing entire windshield?

We took our "Baby" on her first trip and a rock hit the windshield. It is in the lower portion where you cannot really see it (above the heated "park" section of wipers) and I have read a lot aboot the resin repairs done for these small chips. I DO NOT want to replace the entire windshield unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. I Know a replacement will never be as good as OEM and with question about adequacy of new windshield seal, radio antenna connections, and my alarm (add on) modules being attached (adhered with adhesive) to the windshield, replacement would be a last choice.

Anyone had this done? Your experience with it? Does the resin turn yellow with time?

Thank you,

Mike:puzzled:

[Bryan Sloop]

Mike, the older resins did yellow over time, but I believe they have come quite a ways with improving the products used.

I agree 100% with you that replacing the windshield is not advisable. First of all, when you look at the center of the windshield at the bottom, you notice that "Thunderbird" logo in the windshield, in addition to the antenna and other connections like you stated. Aftermarket would be noticed right away, and OEM probably is quite expensive.

Since you say it is in a less conspicuous area on the windshield,
I would probably take it to a very reputable glass business in your area. I am sure the repair is a heck of alot more affordable than the replacement.

I would have someone else do it for fear I would mess it up. If they mess it up (if they are reputable, chances are they won't) then the it is their hands.

[winterm]

Mike,

REALLY sorry to hear that about the
windshield! I "cringe" every time an 18
wheeler passes me doing 90 mph!

I don't know in other parts of the country,
but here in Memphis there is a company
known as The Windshied Doctor that
specializes in cases like this. In fact,
insurance companies even suggest using
them rather than replacing the entire
windshield. I actually used them on one
occassion for a chip in my 98 Cobra. I must
admit it's virtually impossible to locate the
repair after 4 years.

Keep us informed of your progress. As already
stated, I would surely guess the windshield
for the TBird will be expensive if you
decide to replace it.

winterm

[saj]

We just had to make this exact same choice. We got nailed in the upper-left hand corner by a rock thrown up by a motor home going the opposite direction. Here in Oregon, they do what they call a chip seal that includes pouring stick-em on the top of the road and then putting down a layer of gravel.

We elected to have a resin fix done since it cost us no out-of-pocket to try it. There were two spots about 3/4 inch apart - one chip, one chip with cracks. The repair looks pretty good but it isn't invisible. There are two small opaque areas still left, but it doesn't look like the cracking will spread.

I was more concerned on the t-bird than on another car just because of the stress of latching and unlatching the top. So far, so good though.

[DavidA]

I had a stone hit mine at week 2, (about a year ago). At the time, a replacement was quoted at $2000 which was rediculous. the price now is less than $500. I had mine repaired by the insurance company. They do it for free in the hopes that the repair will fix it and you won't have to replace the whole thing. My repair has lasted so far, but it's not totally invisible. It looke like a bug splat to me. That being said, I noticed lately that it's starting to 'creep' and I'm thinking that after the first frost, it will crack all the way. I'll see if that happens and let you all now. My advice for now is try to fix it rather than replace it. It's amazing how scratched and pitted they get in 18,000 miles. I thinkyou'll appreciate a new one later than now, I know I will.

[0bird2]

I had a stone chip is the windshield of one of my other cars and
the insurance company had me take it to a glass shop and have it
repaired. (NOVUS) The fix was virtually invisible for a few days
and then a crack started out from the repair. I don't think the
repair was faulty, I have since had at least three windshields
replaced in the same car. The glass shop tech finally determined
that there was a lot of stress on the glass. We found where the
stress was coming from, fixed it and I have had no trouble since.
I would opt for the repair if the insurance company will go for it,
and it not very expensive if you decide to pay for it yourself.

[Hobobob]

Hi Mike, I know what it is to get the windshield nailed with a rock. I accused Ford of putting a rock magnet in mine. I had 3 rocks in the first 6 months. Two I had repaired and the third one cracked before I could get it to the glass doctor. To my great surprise, a replacement windshield from Ford was only $211.96. It does have the Thunderbird emblem at the bottom and can't be told from the original. Since the dealer doesn't install glass, I took it to my regular glass man and he installed it for $100.00. All in all it was about a third of what I thought it would be. I ordered the w/s gasket and w/s stops, but didn't need them, so returned them to the dealer. I too, cringe everytime I pass a gravel truck.

[NCBlueBird]

I got a crack on one of my first road trips. The chip was small, but directly in the line of vision. The windshield was replaced and has worked well, except I'm a little concerned about radio reception and will check it next time I'm traveling with another TBird for comparison.

The new windshield was verified by the dealer as "factory" but has "Carlite" and an old TBird logo. The OEM has the new TBird logo in silhouette, and it has PPG low near the center. The replacement has lines in the wings, and the mirror is attached slightly lower. I think Dot posted a picture of the original somewhere here.

NCBlueBird