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Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » Any way to fix a chipped windshield?

May 28, 2011 7:10 p.m. Taiden Reader
Hey all,

Picked up an e30 today. The Cabriolet is getting the axe, but that's another story.

I don't know how I missed this when I was looking at the car, but there is a chip in the windshield on the driver's side. It is incredibly annoying. What's really annoying is the rest of the windshield is mint.

This is not an inspection issue since I do not need to get the car inspected, but it is EXTREMELY distracting.

So this question is twofold...
1. is there any way to make this chip disappear from my vision?
2. if not.. any tips on pulling windshields from a junkyard? I shattered the last window I tried to pull...
Thanks all
May 28, 2011 7:38 p.m. Woody SuperDork

I've used the Permatex kits with pretty good success. The chip doesn't disappear completely, but it becomes much, much better. If the chip is any bigger than a quarter, you're out of luck.
May 28, 2011 7:44 p.m. Taiden Reader

It's about the size of a corn kernal. It's just right in my line of sight, which is very annoying.

I think I might give the permatex kit a go.
May 28, 2011 7:57 p.m. stuart in mn SuperDork

Most glass companies these days repair chips. Chances are they can do a better job than you can with a DIY kit, and the price isn't bad. Also, check with your insurance - in some states windshield repairs are zero deductible.
May 28, 2011 8:34 p.m. Dr. Hess SuperDork

Yeah, best repair is the professional one, but I've done the DIY kits too. The professional jobs run $50. The DIY's are a lot cheaper, sometimes OK sometimes not. Add some heat to the inside while the glue is working its way in. The last new windshield on the Rolla was like $150-ish after I finally gave up with the DIY jobs.
May 28, 2011 8:35 p.m. 1988RedT2 Dork

There are a few different types of windshield damage, i.e. "bullseyes" and "stars". Not sure exactly what your "chip" looks like. I've had pretty good luck with the "bullseye" type with the kit, but I've also paid to have them done. Guess which job was better? Yup, the one I paid a professional to do. Not that my job was terrible, but the pro's repair was invisible.
May 28, 2011 8:54 p.m. bluesideup Reader

I can't believe a starred chip could be fixed, just prevented from cracking more right?
May 28, 2011 11:15 p.m. Taiden Reader

It's somewhere between a half moon and a bullseye.
May 29, 2011 1:56 p.m. JThw8 SuperDork

Go with the pro. The other thing to keep in mind is if you arent happy with the DIY repair its too late for the pro to come in because you've already injected the DIY stuff into the crack. The pro repairs are reasonably affordable and come with a warranty.

One time the pro cracked my windshield while injecting the filler. Guess what, they paid for a full replacement at that point. If you DIY and crack it its on your dime.
May 29, 2011 2:48 p.m. Taiden Reader

JThw8 wrote:

Go with the pro. The other thing to keep in mind is if you arent happy with the DIY repair its too late for the pro to come in because you've already injected the DIY stuff into the crack. The pro repairs are reasonably affordable and come with a warranty.

One time the pro cracked my windshield while injecting the filler. Guess what, they paid for a full replacement at that point. If you DIY and crack it its on your dime.

That's a good point. Also I inspected it further today and it's not really a chip so much as the beginnings of a spiderweb crack.

I'll contact a repair guy come Tuesday, but if that fails, how hard is it to put in a windshield (and have it be safe and secure)?

There's a local boneyard where I can get a windshield for pennies.
May 29, 2011 3:01 p.m. stuart in mn SuperDork

Don't know for sure about the e30, but I had the windshield replaced on my e28 last summer and the shop said it was a real bear - they really had to work to get it seated into the gasket. The two cars use the same basic mounting method.
May 29, 2011 3:38 p.m. Taiden Reader

Alright. Well it looks like I should just spring for getting the glass replaced then. Darn. It will be nice to have fresh glass though.

Any tips on getting glass replaced? LOL! Other than just shopping around. Is this stuff insurance deductible or somefin?
May 29, 2011 4:17 p.m. stuart in mn SuperDork

Check with your insurance company. In some places, glass replacement is a zero deductible claim - that's how it is in Minnesota, so the process is pretty painless. I would go with new glass, used glass will probably have plenty of 'freckles' from road grit. Again, I'm not sure about the e30 but the general opinion on the e28 is aftermarket glass doesn't fit very well and it's best to use OEM factory glass.

However, I'd still talk to a glass repair place first, just in case they can fix it. From what I've read they can sometimes take care of spiderwebs, if they haven't gone very far.
May 29, 2011 4:25 p.m. kpm Reader

www.safelite.com
Aug. 9, 2011 4:41 a.m. adrewdavies30

Always play safe specially if this type of work is not the usual stuffs you do. With the pro, you have peace of mind and all works guaranteed. For all your auto glass repair - Three Rivers Auto Glass of Pittsburgh specializes in auto glass repair and replacement for cracked or chipped car glass and affordable window tinting.
Aug. 9, 2011 4:43 a.m. fasted58 Dork

canoe
Aug. 9, 2011 8:49 a.m. dyintorace SuperDork

I used safelite on a star-like chip I had on my e46 wagon. Granted it was on the far passenger side (luckily) but the repair was fantastic and the spot never grew through several summers and winters.
Aug. 9, 2011 2:58 p.m. internetautomart SuperDork

safelite quoted as much to fix my chip as I'd pay for a new windshield (maybe more). right now the chip will stay
Aug. 9, 2011 9:22 p.m. Tom Suddard SonDork

E30 windshields are easy, with the right tools.

Pull out the plastic insert with a small screwdriver, insert your windshield rubber tools (they're like bigger bicycle tire irons) between the glass and the rubber gasket, and pop the glass right out. Don't put too much pressure on any one spot, or it will break.
Aug. 9, 2011 9:25 p.m. patgizz SuperDork

internetautomart wrote:

safelite quoted as much to fix my chip as I'd pay for a new windshield (maybe more). right now the chip will stay

yep, for a new windshield + install safelite quoted me $385 and local glass shop quoted me $220. go local
Aug. 9, 2011 9:30 p.m. novaderrik Dork

sometimes, large rocks have been known to accidentally fly into the windshield when you were mowingh te grass, which would require a call to whatever place in your area comes to your house with a new widnshield and bills your homeowner's insurance..
Aug. 9, 2011 9:36 p.m. fasted58 Dork

Last windshield chip repair a few years ago I paid $50 to a local independent, I can't even see it now.. or even remember where the hell it was.
Aug. 9, 2011 10:38 p.m. donalson SuperDork

heck in FL if you have full coverage they'll replace the glass free

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