Warm glass a coming note for the new techs

[clearquest]

Hood protectors perform a valuable purpose whether on a dirty car or a clean car. I carefully lay my hood protector on the car making sure not to slide it across the hood and when done I carefully fold it and lift it straight up off the surface again being careful not to slide it across. On most vehicles I do keep a small tool tray and my power source on the hood during the repair and I need the hood protector to guard against damage or an unlikely drop of resin onto the vehicle. I have worked on many filthy vehicles and have never damaged one with a hood protector. I like having my tools close at hand and won't take the risk of working without a hood protector.

[Windshieldtech]

Where does the heat x changer come into all of this...I used mine for the first time and it made my chip grow one inch longer....did I do something wrong? I set it on top of the chip and then right before my very eyes it grew.....is there a technique in using it?

[Kgobin]

Yes there is a proper technique to follow when using the HX1000, and based upon our conversation earlier it seems like the temperature could have been the issue.

For optimal performance the HX1000 should be cooled to a minimum of 10 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the glass it will be used on and no more than 10 degrees lower than the target temperature of the glass.

I have emailed you a copy of the directions and remember we offer unlimited technical support so if you ever have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call into Delta Kits.

[maxoctane]

I never spray water or any other liquid on hot glass. Rapid temperature changes are too risky in my opinion. In fact I never spray anything on the glass until after the repair is complete. If you do just be sure you cover the chip first as others have indicated. JMHO of course, but I sure seem to have a lot fewer crack outs than a lot of technicians on this forum. In fact I can't remember the last time I or anyone in my shop has had one. If you are careful crack outs should be very, very, rare.

Does this mean you don't clean the repair area even if the windshield is dirty?
New guy here just wondering......

[Brent Deines]

I normally only clean the area where my vacuum cup will be attached and spray the cleaning rag rather than the glass so I don't get any fluid in the damage. If the damage is outside the wiper sweep and/or the windshield is very dirty I cover the damage with a chip saver and clean the entire windshield, in which case I will spray the glass cleaner directly on the glass after I have taken other measures to cool the glass and check to see that the glass cleaner is near the temperature of the glass. It's not the liquid that is the problem, unless you get it inside the damage of course, it's the rapid temperature change. Windshieldtech found out the hard way how drastic temperature changes can cause problems with the Heat Exchanger, and the same principal applies to cold liquids, ice packs, etc.

In cold weather the reverse applies. You don't want to put hot liquids on cold glass or heat cold glass too rapidly with any type of heating device. Gradual temperature changes are always safer.

[GlassStarz]

Science would tell you a metal like the heat exchanger will bring the temp down to its temp when you are working out in 100+ deg weather the glass is much hotter so the 100 deg point is better but not where you want to be for a repair I have a Heat exchanger that I used with interior repair and have tried it in the heat and found I still needed to cool it some more.

[Brent Deines]

Depending on the ambient temperature we keep them in coolers with re-freezable ice, then warm up as necessary so that we are not cooling too quickly. Once the glass is cooled to the same temperature as the Heat Exchanger it is placed back in the cooler for a moment or two. It does not take too long to drop the temperature another 10 degrees or so. It takes a little longer using multiple steps to cool the area, but it is in my opinion much safer.

A little common sense goes a long way and we realize some of you will cool the glass faster than we recommend. As long as you are not breaking glass and are comfortable with your procedure we have no beef with that. Our recommendations are always on the cautious side as we absolutely hate getting calls from technicians who break glass needlessly.

[GlassStarz]

Im still not sold on the heat exchanger for the super hot day. Now we need to carry a small cooler to put it in? Car sitting in the sun outside temp 100+ the glass will warm back to at least the ambiant temp while the thing sits in the cooler several steps later if you have the break covered with a big towel and umbrella you may get it to the desired 70 deg but it seams like a lot of work to get there. Reg temp stuff they certainly would be great but super hot? Im still going to use a paper towel sprayed with a alcohol dilute and wipe but thats just me. Fortunatly I wont have to do many of those this summer in my new place

[Brent Deines]

I don't mind doing a repair on 100 degree glass, but that is personal preference I suppose. I'm not trying to sell you on the Heat Exchanger, just answering questions about the recommended use.