GlassStarz,
Just so you know I am the one training Tyler to fix windshields. Personaly I do not unlock the vehicle and when my repairs are done they look fantastic and are almost totaly invisable unless it was a very large chip. Some chips are still visible slightly from the inside especialy when they are near the customers line of site. The repair in question I witnessed being repaired by Tyler and he did a great job.
Special note for Tyler, he has started doing some very good repairs and has come a long way. I think that he will be a great tech very soon.
BTW to anyone who said that I disapeared...... here I am.
David
Coitster
I have noticed that the brand of resin can also make a difference in the final apperance of the repair. I have tried different brands and have noticed that some seem to hide the repair better. Some resins look good initally but after a few weeks have a tendency to shrink which causes the repair to be more visible than it was after it was repaired.
The Coitster kindly took time to train me in Dallas-( Thanks again, buddy ) and after that I attended Delta training in Austin.
I learned that I need maximum access to perform well. If I must add heat it's from the inside. Half the flexing is done from inside, plus I need every angle possible to view the full extent of damage.
When I finish up with cleanup I always Wiindex the inside surface as well.
I had one lady insist after I explained what outcome to expect that her only concern was to prevent further cracking. It was an insurance job, but there was moisture I couldn't get out and not my best work from outside.
The damage was below the acute area, but when she got in the driver's seat the sun hit just right and the prism effect looked bad. I never even billed on it because she complained so much.
Ken
If there was more than a trace of water in it and it was quite visible afterwards as you explained, then you shouldn't charge for it even if she didn't complain.
That repair is not "right" and it's not the kind of job you want to stake your name on. And it will look even worse in a few weeks... the "extremeties" of the break where the water was trapped will dry and look "even more" unfilled, so to speak.
These "wet" repairs also are less effective at "preventing further cracking" because they still have, in effect, unfilled legs etc.
So even that sales angle "it may not look great, but...." is questionable.
What works for some may not work for others. If Coister is doing great repairs without using a mirror, we can't argue with that result. In my 12 years repairing I've always used a mirror and have always requested that the vehicle be unlocked or let me have the keys to unlock it.
Why, you ask? Using a mirror gives me a view of the break that I could not get without using one. Also, my mirror has a slight magnification. I want the vehicle open for numerous reasons...put on the mirror, open windows on hot days, turn on the heater on cold days and with permission get the insurance card and/or registration out of the glove box.
What I don't understand is the security issue. I've never had a customer refuse to give me the keys or tell me where the keys will be if they are not around when I do the repair.
Coister, how are you? Have not heard from you in a while.
Here's my theory on the security issue. Other than my regular accounts...dealers, rentals and fleets I do not "coister" for my work. All my other appointments have been made from customers who have contacted me or from referrals. They called me for a w/s repair and if asked by me to leave vehicle unlocked or that I need the keys, they feel safe doing so.
Look at it this way. If you are having repairs done on the outside of your home and the carpenter that you hired needs to get into the house for whatever reason, would you feel safer letting him in or John Doe the contractor who comes knocking at your door saying you need exterior repairs.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with "coistering" (not a phrase originated by me, goes way back in the posts) because it works for a lot of people. What works for some may not work for others!
Type in "Coistering" in the search part of the forum and go to the post about overcoming objections. David Coit (spelling) did have a very nice post explaining his method but I could not find it!
Basically "coistering" is cold calling and closing the sale.
Of course with years of experience you can start cutting a corner or two and make great repairs that said I stand by my previos statement you must be able to see the repair from inside and a new tech who hasnt been shown this hasnt been taught everything he needs to know. Years of experience by the trainer doesnt transfer to years for a new tech. I also dont open the car often anymore but you can bet I at least look at it through the side window before I call it done
