So my miata has two little "bulls eyes" where a rock chipped the windshield. I would like to get these fixed. I was thinging about picking up one of the DIY windshield repair kits from the local autoparts stores...
I have never used one of these kits before, do they work good? Will they prevent further cracking? Would I be better off calling one of the many mobile windshield repair services?
Thanks
Woody
SuperDork
8/15/10 6:42 a.m.
I have a half inch long crack from a stone chip in the windshield of my WRX. I used one of the kits about five years ago. The crack didn't completely disappear, but it hasn't spread either, which really surprised me. I'd use the kit again in a heartbeat. I think they say that it has to be smaller than a quarter for the suction cup can cover it.
It's really easy. Do it yourself.
The best deal I found on the permatex repair kit was around $14 so I bought one and used it with good results. In no way perfect but it beat shelling out almost a grand for a new windshield.
The next week I drove past an auto glass place with a sign up that said rock chip repair $19. If I were to do it again I would have just paid the extra $5 to have someone with experience do it for me.
I've had good and less than good results with the DIY kits. I've had good results with the professional places, which run $50 around here. For a vehicle I care a lot about, I use the professional places. For a beater, I use the DIY kits and hope for the best. As a worst case, the DIY kits do stop it from spreading.
Most times your insurance co. will pay for the pro repair. No deductible required.
Thanks guys! I will contact my insurance company and see if I can find out if rock chip damage is covered. If not I will DIY it...
RossD
Dork
8/16/10 12:50 p.m.
I got a chip repaired for free through my insurance too
If you do DIY with the syringe thing be sure and suck all the air out of the crack. It might take some time, but work to get as much resin into the crack as you can. I did it myself after taking a rock on the freeway, hasn't spread in 5 years so it works. If I would have gotten more air out it would look better.
Don't delay! The big crack can show up suddenly, especially in hot weather.
Capt Slow wrote:
Thanks guys! I will contact my insurance company and see if I can find out if rock chip damage is covered. If not I will DIY it...
Just in case the insurance company refuses try Auto Glass Repair - from Three Rivers Auto Glass of Pittsburgh specializes in auto glass repair and replacement for cracked or chipped car glass and affordable window tinting.
canoe
damn, and a Pittsburgh canoe too