Windshield Repair Forum

I was called out by an Insurance Agency today to try to fix a windshield. This is what I found upon arrival. Even though the chip (crack, smash, what ever this is) was only 2.5" in diameter, I informed the customer that this couldn't be repaired and that he needed to get the windshield replaced. The damage was just below the driver's view about 3" above the dash area.

As you can see, the layers are already starting to separate and when I tried to find an excess hole the outer layer glass started to crumble like sand. The entire inner part of the damage was falling apart and there was already pieces of glass missing.

Any input on this would be appreciated... did I do right by telling the customer that this was not repairable, or was this actually repairable?

I have done several damages like this. And even a few that were bigger. The indeed look like monsters you want to avoid but it shouldn't be a problem to repair something like this. It needs more time and resin, be prepared, it may require more than just one ''filling' (depending your type of injector -load capacity). And if I were you I would drill the outer rings for easy access. These may not be connected at all. Flex the thing to find out. Also: dry out properly. Needless to say that the end result won't be as good as any other ''normal'' repair. Be prepared to inform your customer before you even go get your kit out and/or ''touch'' the glass. Depending the weather conditions and your experience, you normaly should be able to fix this animal in under 90 minutes. Don't worry if it takes a little longer/

Talk to your customer and attack the beast, don't bother with the money if it's not looking good, you still learned a lot and lost nothing really.
Be good and have fun.

I am with Frank on this in that it is repairable, it is the type of repair I do often on trucks and coaches but I would be unlikely to do one on a car due to the cosmetic finished appearance.

Thanks for the replies. This damage was on a Honda Element and like I said, it was about 2.5 to 3" above the dash and I know that many insurance companies would say no when it is in that location, especially when it is this damaged. If I get another one like this I will definitely give it a shot. The reason I said no to this one is due to the structure of the outer glass was already falling apart like sand sifting away from the beach.

I already told the customer (and the insurance company) that it shouldn't (or couldn't) be repaired.

I personally would pass on it .
It will never look good.
There is no way that I could tell the customer to expect an 80% improvement in how it looks after the repair.

I'm going to disagree with our two friends overseas. I would pass on the repair. There seems like there's too much crushed glass in the center break which will leave a very obvious and ugly distorted area. I can't understand why you would want to spend 1.5 to 2 hours on a repair that the customer may not be satisfied with. Move on to another job!
Even after it was repaired, it most likely would not pass inspection in my State. Just my humble opinion.

scrubs147, you did the right thing. Too much crushed glass..looked like if you probed it the whole impact area would come out. Maybe for a good fleet customer who just wants to save money. Retail or insurance job...no way! Like Dave said too much distortion..even with a good fill. If you don't replace be helpful and have business card for a trusted replacement shop. Customer is disappointed the repair can't be done but appreciates your help to solve their problem. They'll most likely thank you for your honesty and ask for your card when they get another chip.

Thanks again. I guess that is the term I was looking for, "crushed glass". There actually was nothing to probe, in other words, I would have needed a plunger the size of a quarter in order to fill this thing with. I'm still not all that convinced that this damage could have been successfully sealed. I hate doing something with unsuccessful results.

The ''overseas'' guys probably should have added that they focus on fleets. And I personally ''never'' do any non-fleet work, indeed this year it has been less than ten windshields, I just don't care for that type of work and customers, I love being busy with my fleets.

Here we go: on a passenger car I would not, never, perform a repair like this.

Scrubs,
Your last post sealed the deal. Waaay too much damage to follow ROLAGS guidelines, and even if it would result in repairing, I see 8-10 repairs for $50 plus drive time, gas, resin, supplies.and a customer who will ask for a new w/s and you will have to pay back your money!
No way. England must have different standards-no problem with that, except they gave us BELRON!