where to go for accurate training?

[mattglass]

I currently do windshield repair and I am wanting to start doing replacemants. I know some installers in my area that will train me but, I would like to be trained by the best. even just know all the proper procedures and standards. we all know there is installers who cut corners and i would like to know what corners are being cut. any reply would be greatly appreciated.

[Lee]

The hacks don't pull cowls that should be removed. They do a face off on moldings(slice the molding off of the windshield and re glue it on). And take every short cut they can. The only way to get experience in auto glass is to get a job in a glass shop. There are too many different installations for a training school to cover in a short time. They can provide the basics but to be a well trained installer you need the experience of a shop. You shouldn't have a hard time getting a job as potential installers are few and far between.
If you were in So Cal you could get a job in a heart beat. I have been looking for an employe for 2 years.


A. Lee Festich
Alan Auto Glass
599 S Bonnywood Place
Burbank, Ca. USA 91502
phn 818-845-7300 fax 818-845-7355
http://alanautoglass.com/
AAAGLASSS@AOL.COM

[mattglass]

I come across plenty of replacemants per week. is there any vehicles that are easier than others that i could replace safely after a class?

[Lee]

Some easy some difficult. You don't see all of the installs in a short traning period. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!

[Glasseye]

If it's any help, I used to work for a Belron company. On average it took 6 months of on the job training and supervision before a technician was considered capable of handling the most common models. Most polyurethane bonding systems come with instructions on primer application and curing times, dealers will advise on parts required for replacement. If there is no good quality training available locally, use what experience is offered and available but say to yourself, if that were my car would I be happy doing that?

[mattglass]

I Have A 02 Honda Civic And An 05 Toy Tundra How Difficult Would You Say These Models Are. Not Saying I Would Try To Replace Them Without An Experienced Tech Present.

[Glasseye]

Don't know about the Toyota Tundra ( not in the uk) but the Civic is fairly straight forward job as long as you have an experienced technician helping you. In the UK the Golden Rule we use before starting replacement is - Before they have glass fitted the driver looks through the glass, once a new glass has been fitted they look at the glass !!. So make sure you point out to the customer, before you even touch the car, any scratches, dents, etc.. If I was monitoring your performance I would expect to see good protection of the car ( seat covers,etc.) and yourself ( safety gloves and glasses ). The technician should show you the correct methods of
glass/trim removal - glass/body preparation - glass/trim replacement. The key point on completion of job is that curing/drive away times are strictly adhered to. In most vehicles the passengers airbag relies on the windcreen providing support during deployment, if failure can be attributed to car being driven to early after replacement, you are at risk of prosecution.