What would you do? Star Break

[T-DUDE]

What would you guys do with this star break? (this is on my practice windshield) It has about 15 legs and is actually less than 3 inches in diameter. Also the longer more profound cracks are surfaced where the other little cracks aren't. What's your take on this? Repair? Recommend new windshield?

Also, it is in the DPVA but would you repair it if it wasn't

[DryStar]

This could be filled but would require some effort. Lots of probing and flexing to get each tip filled. If it was a low paying job, I would pass. If the price was right, I'd go for it! Definitely not a 10-20 minute repair...more like a 45 minute one.

JMO

[T-DUDE]

Thanks for the reply! I really appreciate your input! And I'd have to agree with you. Drilling and popping 15 legs does not sound fun at all.

[Clarity Glass]

I would pass. Too many fine hairline cracks. I've never been satisfied when attempting this type of break.

[screenman]

1. Drivers DPVA I presume you mean in his view. Replace.
2. Dirty old damage as most can tell. Replace.
3. I would be suprised looking from here if there is not some damage on the inner laminate. Replace.

Not always easy to tell damage to the inner glass, however those type of breaks that do have some often look like this. One way to get a bit more of an idea is to place a probe directly above a leg and view from different angles, the leg will move away from the probe as you do so by the thickness of the glass if they are inner glass damage. If they are only subsurface they will move slightly but only by the distance they are under the surface.

[SeeClearly]

Pass on it. You will not only waste your time, but your customers as well when it continues to spead. If you offer a life-time warranty, then you will need to refund the money for the original repair. Smart business is the only business!

[Glasseye]

If that damage was in the DPVA ( Drivers Prime Vision Area?) I would certainly not repair it. Even if you managed to produce a repair that was barely visible, the amount of distortion the driver would experience looking through the glass, while driving, would be too much. If a customer came to me with this amount of damage not in the DPVA, then I would consider doing it, but I would establish first that the customer was fully aware of the possible outcomes of an attempted repair and agree cost before starting. Finally, the chances of you achieving a full repair in one go would be slim, so I would get the vehicle inside a garage to reduce the risk of premature curing while working the repair. I have repaired damage of this size successfully, mainly owing to the type of repair equipment I use, which produces a vacuum footprint on the glass 3" in diameter and completely protects against premature UV curing.

[screenman]

Glasseye, so I can guess what tools you are using, would you like to come over and try some better tools. One that lets you flex the legs, also when you are pulling vacuum over that large an area it has the same effect of getting behind the glass and pushing on the damage with the palm of your hand, one of the reason AG break so many.

I have had many current and ex AG glass guys in for training, all without exception have been impressed with what our tools can repair and the techniques we use. Are you using the new small capsule resin system?

[screenman]

I am intrigued as to what the resin like liquid that is running down the glass is doing there, was a repair attempted?

[Glasseye]

Thanks for the invite Screenman, but I am OK with the kit I use which is the "Classic" system. As far as I am aware the "Ras 123" system, can only be used by Belron companies in the UK.