Trying it again

[tacoma2]

I used to do this 30 years ago.
I saved 650.00 and bought a Glas-Weld kit out of the back od a Scientific American Magazine when I was 19 years old.
I didn't have a car at the time but would take the bus into San Clemente, CA and walk the streets and hitting the used car lots.
Didn't have much of a plan but still made some money.
30 years later, I'm thinking about getting back into it.
After reading Coitster's comments it's got me going again but I do have some questions.
I'm still thinking about purchasing a Gles-Weld system and attending their training even though it seems a little spendy.
Any comments on their equipment and training would be appreciated.
I've seen a few people in the outlying areas around here that have a tent.
Does anyone have an average on what I could expect with this setup in a good location?
I've read something about "Networks" I would guess to be with the insurance agencies.
Do I have to call and set up something with them.
Any information would be helpful as I'm sure I've been out of touch with the business.
Thanks to everyone who has posted as it has been helpful in getting me going again.
Greg R. Owen


Removed email address. Please see this post: viewtopic.php?t=1001

[Delta Kits]

Welcome to the forum Tacoma!

I'm just a bit biased, you may not want my opinion on other manufacturers...

Can anyone help with Tacoma's questions??

[Coitster]

Hey Greg,
Glad my posts could help you out. You mentioned that you are getting back in, I know this may sound like I am beating a dead horse especialy here on the Delta Kits forum but I personaly recommend the Delta Kits system. It isn't as expensive as the Glass Weld system and in my opinion it does a fantastic job. I know of many people who have switched from the Glass Weld system to the Delta. Again its just a personal preference, they do have a good system I just think Delta's is better. BTW I don't get any commisions for saying that.
David
Coitster

[GlasWeldTech]

Good to have you back in again. We use the Glas Weld system and love them. We have 2 of the older pro vacs and 2 of the new pro vac 2000's. We also have the pro cure lamp. We haven't used Delta's or anything else so can't comment on their systems. Glas Weld is pricey but does a good job for us and we service about 30 car lots and fleet accounts weekly.The Glas Weld service has gone way beyond the call of duty for us. Whatever you chose I am sure with practice it will do you a good job.

[paintlessplus]

Welcome Tacoma, I use the delta kits system but I recently had a chance to get my hands on a glass weld bridge- my opinion between the two. The delta has a pump up suction cup (works excellent and has a red safety line on the pump button to verify a good seal- no need to worry about loosing suction and falling on to customer hood,resulting in a scratch) The glas weld bridge I used had 3 cups with the injector in the middle. I thought it was a little tricky to position with any accuracy over the chip. The delta has an adjustable slot for last minute accurate positioning. Also delta bridge can hit edges easier with injector out on the point, instead of the middle. Delta has plenty of pressure and vacuum and does an outstanding job with more simplicity. Last but not least the delta has rear legs that you can adjust for a tilt on verticle surfaces and curves found on truck windshields. I think the one I tryed out was called a pro- vac ? Hope this helps, and I hope I didn't step on anybodys toes- some folks like Fords- some like Chevys- personally I'm a Dodge man. Bob

[GlasWeldTech]

Good points paintlessplus. We put the 3 suction cupped tripod over the break and then insert a TRUE machinist's center punch to align the tripod with the center of the break. The tripod cups should have some type of lube (we use glass cleaner) before mashing them to the glass and when we use the center punch the tripod will slide to get centered. The old style corner adapter is tricky to master well and we have used it for 3 years and we just bought the NEWER style corner adapter (one piece) and it is so much better. To adjust angles just unscrew which ever suction cup you need to to provide angle for the tripods. We usually just unscrew the bottom one when working on 18 wheeler's and will uncrew the outside cup when working on the curved sides of windshields. You are also right about CHEVY vs. Ford vs. GMC vs. Dodge!!! GMC here.

[gold star wsr]

Welcome back to windshield repair! You may find that some things have changed... (most) insurance companies now waive deductibles in favor of repair... networks seem to rule...there's more competition...and glass is a lot different now than it was 30 years ago. Some things should stay the same though... like professional ethics and good customer service (but I think I am preaching to the choir about those two things). I wish you success.

[chips1144]

Tacoma, I sure hope you give Delta a serious look, After lots of research I bought a Glass weld system, I have been far from totally satisfied, I wont discuss my problems here, I know many people swear by the Glass Weld system and I have no problem with that, Im glad other people are happy...
I looked at many systems before I bought GW, and I was convinced Id bought the best system when I bought, I think the solid look of the pro- vac impressed me... I didnt consider Delta as I had never heard of the name.

Two years ago I saw the Delta system demonstrated at a business show in Florida, I was Amazed and Impressed how simple it was, Its so much simpler than my GW device...

Read the testimonial section of Delta's website and the FAQ section too, you will see there is no need for a specific vaccum in order to fix a windshield...

My 2 bridge system was well over $2000, I see Delta offer a 2 bridge system for $995 with a money back guarantee, How can you beat that??? If you dont like it they will take it back... What do you have to lose???

Good Luck to you no matter which system you buy.

[Julie]

My husband and I have used Glass Weld since 1994. We like it. (Scott didn't attend their training.) I have never used Delta, but my husband has used it in two of the replacement shops he has worked in.

The next system we buy will either be Glass Weld or US Windhshield Repair. Someone else mentioned US WSR on this forum which led me to their site, but I don't think anyone had a comment on it. Their equipment looks like a cross between Novus and Glass Weld. I haven't talked to anyone about their equipment yet, but it might be something you would want to check out.

Good Luck.