Heated Windshield

[Delta Kits]

Perfect, thanks Sunshine & SydFloyd!

[maxryde]

Thanks Sunshine & SydFloyd!! I'll have the info needed to proceed now. My friends shield repair should be a snap now that I can show him the info I gleaned here!! Thanks again ALL, Scott

[screenman]

The Carlite letter was written in 1991 we recieved it in late 1991 I think,at that time they were still fitting these screens hence our original remarks about revenue

The chances are seeing as you have a list I have not repaired one of these vehicles but at the time these were about I had contact with many USA repairmen and none of those had any problems with them.

I still stand by what I say about resin not getting between the glass and the PVB layer and I agree most cracks do go down to the PVB but this does not mean one should fill it with resin. The idea is to apply just enough pressure to get the resin to flow not to force it out of the crack.

The resin I have tested over here today does not conduct electricity when cured so I cannot see hoe it will cause a short or spark.

If the screen works by passing a current over the whole area how will a small whole make and difference to the way it works. If you get a sheet copper and put a current through it the current will flow from one side to the other, drill a hole and the same will happen.

I think maybe the people who suggested we should not repair these screens were not repairmen but manufacturers or replacement firms.

Has anyone any real proof that repairing a screen can cause any damage to a cars electronics I would love to see it.

Lets keep this game simple just get out and repair them stop making it sound so hard.

[StarQuest]

I have to agree with you Screenman,

I have never seen a situation when repairing a heated shield has ever caused a electrical problem. Like you stated....how could it when cured resins are non-conductive. I do however suggest prior to repairing these shields you first see if the heated shield even works. Might want to cover your butt on this one because heated shields are very expensive!!! Just never know when that one dishonest customer is trying to set you up.

The only problem I see with heated shields is in replacement. When replacing a heated shield with a non-heated shield you'll need to disconect power circuit feeds. If you don't..... it could result in damage to the charging system.

[Lee]

You two a probably right about the electronic aspect here. The problem with carlite heated w/s's is that they seem to delaminate over time. We have several we have changed that have crumbled into large shards after removing. HTH

[StarQuest]

Lee,

From past experience with cutting these early model heated carlite shields out your absolutely right! Only done 4 in my replacement days but everyone sharded. Heated laminant always separated. Ford really got lucky with these shields. One major non-seat belted accident could've resulted in millions of dollars in law suits.

[sydfloyd44]

Has anyone seen a stone chip in a Sungate windshield? If you have, you will know the effect a chip can have on the pvb. The effect of the chip on the treated pvb, depending on the size and type of damage, will almost always be shown by the grayish effect OUTSIDE of the damaged area.

Personally, I find it interesting that ANY persons "thoughts" of what might or might not happen are more dominant than the manufacturer or the engineers who originally designed the vehicle and its electrical system. As for me and our company, we choose not to find out that, "oh, I guess they were right", and end up settling out of court because we "thought" it was OK, even though the manufacturer said not to.

One last note, I am not here to change anyones minds that don't want changed, just to inform the new guys, that as a professional, it is your responsiblility to be aware of this information. If you choose to disregard the Technical Service Bulletin from Ford, that is your choice. You just have to be prepared to "pay the piper" if you choose to ignore them and IF something would happen to the customer and/or their vehicle.

Thanks!!!

[StarQuest]

sydfloyd44,

I'm not in disagreement with you about following manufactures tech bulletins but I'd like to share some information with you that came straight from a Carlite engineers mouth. Introducing repair resins alone had no effect to the electrical system on these "91" heated windshields..... but drilling into the laminate did. That's when you'll create a hot spot or resistance. That tech bulletin was posted to cover there butts from the drill happy repair guy.

As far as the sungate solar reflective shields go. No you can't improve cosmetics and many times it will look worse after filled. What you can do is prevent further breakage through repair. When you service one of these you'll have to fully explain that to customer in advance. Had a customer just last week with a Buick Rendevous. He had two choices. Replace it or repair it with very noticeable cosmetics This particular shield nets out at $600 my cost and he had a $250 deductible which I wouldn't waive or discount. Guess what? He took the free repair. Smart guy!