Has anyone heard of American Windshield Repair Systems

[mafsu]

I agree with Glassdoctor that we can't judge how good their instruction manual, video, or resins are. I do think it odd that they don't offer hands on training. I also find it odd that they make no mention of technical assistance with purchase of their kit. While the price is not bad the contents minus the video and manual are worth between $200 and $250.
Not trying to put down a small company and I have no ties to any of the companies I mentioned before. I think you would be better off planning to spend a little more money and getting some hands on training. Without it you may be wasting your money no matter how much you spend.

[glassdoctor]

mixalot here's a Canadian company that sells a similar product, that I know is a quality piece. It might be worth your time to talk to them also.

http://www.quick-fix.ab.ca/

Trust me, their equipment can do top notch repairs like many others. The key is always learning how to use it.

We always hear the advice to spend more and get a kit from a good company like Delta, GW, etc... and it's good advice. It's the "you get what you pay for" argument. That's often the case, but it's not absolute. Sometimes you are simply paying for a brand name, or even crap you really don't need.

So I offered a little different take than others. I can understand how you might not want to invest thousands when there is something available for a small fraction of the cost.

I won't criticize you either way... good luck.

btw, You can break down the contents of the kit as far as cash value. I have seen this type of repair tool for $150-225
drill $20-30
light $20-30 (you also need a better light, IMO)
drill bits and o rings $10
resin $20-30 (good for practice if nothing else)
scribe, glass cealner, misc. $10

About $300 worth of supplies, so it's not like they are trying to take you to the cleaners.

I have seen other "companies" with kits costing $2000-3000 that had about $500 worth of stuff. Sometimes that's worth every penny, and sometimes it's a ripoff. Depends on what kind of support and knowledge comes with it.

That reminds me of my glass polishing stuff. A $1500-2000 kit has a $100 drill, a container of paste, and a couple backup pads and disks, so about $300 worth of "stuff". So most of the cost is for the "system" rather than the contents = huge profit margin. That's the way it it sometimes.

Ok... enough rambling from me

[scratchy]

For anyone just getting started out there, there is a few non negotiables you have to have or you could be botching up repairs and not really know why. Excellent drill bits... or you will write your name in cursive all over the windshield of someones nice car as it skids sideways!
Excellent resin. Do you want your first repairs turning yellow and cloudy and maybe not even filling properly?
At least one good injector to get the stuff in without a hassle.
Price? $25 for resin, $45 for drill bits and at least $185 for a decent injector. Total- $255 not including shipping or end seals.
Bad resin, bad drill bits and a poor injector will send anybody back to burger king.

[mixalot]

Thanks alot for all the good suggestions. I'm surprised at how many responses I received in the last 24hrs. Definatly an excellent forum.

Glass...Thanks for the Canadian link. I have their Catalog. The one thing that concearns me about their kit is the fact that the light is 12v and the kit doesnt contain a powersource. Is it sometimes a problem using the customers cig lighter? Also isnt it kind of a hassle having a cord in the way and all?

Does anyone have any suggestions as to which tools are the easiest for a begginner to work with or learn on?

[glassdoctor]

The 12V light is what you want. Just use a jumpstart battery as a portable power supply.

For resin and drill bits, there is no rule stating that you must continue to use the same resin and bits that came in the kit. When the 1/2 oz of resin and 5 bits are gone (while practicing on the included practice glass) then buy some Delta resin and bits.

The injector should be fine. The AWR injector does use a different type of seal than mine. What I use looks like Canadian tool.

[Jeremiahswindshieldrepair]

Delta sells a portable power pack that fits on your belt and will run 12volt items... much easier than accessing a cig lighter or carrying a jump start kit. I personally use a AA battery light and it works great for me with no hassles of cords getting in my way or my battery pack being dead. I always carry new batteries so I am ready at all times.

[StarQuest]

Brian,

Could you please explain who sigma insurance network is and what affillation you have with them. I only ask this because it's listed at the bottom of your post and sparked some curiousty.

Thanks