Windshield inspections

[DryStar]

OK be nice LOL. How many of you techs check to see that you are working with original factory fitted windshields before you perform a repair. Today I was working on a windshield to a Honda Civic, nothing unusual, simple bulls-eye. I set up the bridge and injetor, loaded the resin, and started the first pressure cycle. Viola, it cracked out to about 8". I backed off and started the process to stop the crack, drill and pop, and it cracked out another 6". I thought holy smokes that shouldn't of happened. Yes, I did cool the windshield and was even under an awning in the shade. I walked around the car to check if it was a replacement windshield and it was. The darn thing was set so bad that you could barley read the VIN number. Writing down the VIN # on my invoice is usually the first thing I do, but since this was a vehicle on a used car lot I identify the cars I work on by stock # not VIN # . I am just glad the owner has a deal with a replacement co. for windshield replacements for around 115 bucks a windshield. We agreed to share the cost 50/50. Oh well, lesson learned.

Dr. Chipster, sometimes a simple looking bulls-eye may be much more. I've ran into them on very hots days and after closely looking at them with magnification will discover a hair line crack protruding outside the bulls-eye. Like screenman has mentioned many times before, a crack may disappear for up to in hour after cooling glass. I believe that's what you encountered. A bulls-eye with a non-visible crack. I don't believe aftermarket glass had much to do with this failure. Hey, we learn as we go. Just glad to hear you got a break on the replacement cost. $115 for replacement, how do these guys make a living on that?

[Dr.Chipster]

Dr. Chipster, sometimes a simple looking bulls-eye may be much more. I've ran into them on very hots days and after closely looking at them with magnification will discover a hair line crack protruding outside the bulls-eye. Like screenman has mentioned many times before, a crack may disappear for up to in hour after cooling glass. I believe that's what you encountered. A bulls-eye with a non-visible crack. I don't believe aftermarket glass had much to do with this failure. Hey, we learn as we go. Just glad to hear you got a break on the replacement cost. $115 for replacement, how do these guys make a living on that?

DryStar
Member

Drystar, you are probably right. It was at the end of the day and I was just hurrying through the process to get done and go home. I guess when you have done that type of repair day in day out for over 14 yrs, you don't expect for anything to go south, or east and west in this case. I had a similar case last year but after thinking about what I did wrong I determined the glass was just to hot. Oh well, approximately 5 cracked out windshields in my career as a windshield repairman in the last 14 years I'm not complaining. Wasn't the first and I'm sure won't be the last. I am 45 now and probably need to add reading glasses and a magnifying glass to my tool chest. Still love this business, sure beats punching a clock and getting paid peanuts. Thanks to all who commented

[Clearveiw]

Oh and yes I have experience having done somewhere around 15000 repairs. To me a windshield's a windshield and a repair's a repair.

Not trying to stir the pot here but that comes out to ruffly 30 repairs a day 7 days a week just saying

[screenman]

He has been in the trade 15 years or so, works out 5 a day not that many for a good tech, or should I say sales person. Mind you I have no idea if he only works 2 hours per day or a 3 day week, this business lends itself nicely to both. In honesty I would imagine he is under estimating the number, better than going the other way.

[clearquest]

Clearview, did u take math is school? lol

[clearquest]

Oh gosh guys I failed to mention I only work one day a week but I work a 24 hour shift and I have lights set up for all my midnight to 6am customers! It's how I avoid the searing daytime heat! The other days of the week I work as a brain surgeon!

Jeez maybe if some of you guys would go fix windshields instead of sitting around trying to do math you would be more successful!

[paulrsf]

[clearquest]

For the wise one known as screenman. I work 6 days a week and indeed I average around 5 or 6 a day. I work 12 months a year through brutal winters and scorching summers. My average repair yields me about $60 when I average it out between insurance and non insurance work. I do very little fleet and dealer work, as it's just not my thing. I don't "discount" my repairs to anyone and don't need to. I usually work about 5 hours a day. U may not think it's much for a "good tech" or a "good saleman" but it works quite well for me in the area I'm in. We all can't be as outstanding as you are Screenman nor can we be as wise but I make a nice living and that's what matters to me.

[clearquest]

And screenman, as you already know, there are a lot of variables that go into business averages. I have two or three months out of the year that business gets slower due to severe inclimate weather. It also takes years to get well established and to develop a soild customer base. I don't need "experts" like you trying to analize my numbers to determine if I'm doing good or not. You seem to operate on this forum with a rather big head and that tends to turn others off.

[Dave M]

YIKES!! Easy Clearquest....I did not read anything that Screenman said that deserves such sarcastic remarks.