Can pits in windshield be repaired?

[ptladybug]

Hi all, my windshield looks like I've been in a few sand storms. Lots of little pits all over, so many, that when that early morning sun comes right in your eyes, I can't even see through the windshield. Is there a compound that can be used to rub this out or another way to fix it, or I'm I just going to have to break down and get a whole new windshield??? Thought I ask the ones who know the best, ya you!

[screenman]

I would say a new windshield is required, I am just about to replace mine for the same reason.

[I102bs]

Screenman is correct. If you try to polish the glass it would take hundreds of hours and then hand methods would lead to distortions due to imprecise thickness. Small differences in thickness bend the light waves going through the glass in different directions. An eye glass lens comes to mind. (Trifocals)
Fillers all take time to prepare, apply and finish and they still leave imperfections. If you have more than a few pits it is impractical. Good Luck!

[NCWindshield]

My Acura that I bought to do mobile repairs is the same way. Luckily, having been a service writer and a technician at a few dealerships, I get glass installed dirt cheap. Nothing looks worse than a windshield repair tech showing up with a trashed windshield!

[SeeClearly]

Speaking of pits....I have been trying several pit fillers all of which I am not very happy with the outcome of the fill. Once it is polished, it still looks gray and dull like someone took a small piece of gum and smoothed it out over the pit. I am apply ample lighting for curing and also apply the pit fill polish, letting it slightly dry, then polishing it out both by hand and sometimes lightly with a polish wheel. Can someone offer some suggestions? Thanks. One other side note, for technicians doing fleet trucking accounts, how are you able to reach the center of the windshield if the damage is there? Special ladders like Gorillas or what....any helpful hints?

Best Regards,

SeeClearly

[Brent Deines]

I can only speak for Delta Kits pit resin, but your pits should not look dull gray, that is for sure. I'm not sure what would cause that as I have never experienced it, but here are a few things to consider:

1) Why are you letting the polish dry? There is no nee to do so when polishing acrylic.

2) Are you scraping the pit at a 90 degree angle?

3) What are you using to polish with when doing it by hand? There are a number of different theories on this, but in my opinion a paper towel works just as well as a cork and better than a finger or glove. I don't like polishing wheels as it is far to easy to go to deep and I don't think the results are any better.

4) Be sure you do not spray any type of cleaner on the break prior to it being fully cured and scraped down.

5) You mentioned you use ample UV light, but what kind of lamp are you using and how long are you leaving it on the resin? If the resin is not fully cured it could pick up some of the color from the polish, especially if you are letting the polish dry.

[nixquax]

No, pits cannot be repaired only filled. I have one customer who I like but is so picky about pits. He does not realize it almost takes the same time and effort to fill them as it does to repair. The angle of light on the windshield can reveal so many pits it is just better to replace.