Cracked Windscreen Repair

[Paul In Ireland]

Probably about a year ago I was asking about replacing my windscreen - nothing happened yet as I have a gut feeling that I will do it only if I have to. Have had a lot of windscreen guys here afraid to touch old cars as they don't really know how to do them if you can't just stick them in like the new types.

Had one refitted 4 times and it still leaks... 


So, there used to be a kit where you could drill a small hole in front of a crack to stop it spreading. The crack is not too big and it is top offside position so does not interfere with the driving. I bought a kit from an american supplier a few months back but what I got in the post was a star chip resin kit - not the same thing. Sent it back and said I ordered their drill kit and it turns out they don't do them anymore.

Does anyone know if these drill repair kits can be got in Oz? Or an overseas supplier? Anyone got one they could lend to me for a few weeks? 


Thanks.
 

[NosFEratu]

Hey Paul - Windscreens O'Brien always advertising that they repair those type of "chips" - surely with a name like that they've got a branch over there? Maybe check your golden pages over there to be sure, to be sure, to be sure though! 

[Martin]

Kathy,

The Windscreens O'Brien job is for "star" chips on laminated glass.  I don't think it would work on our "safety glass".  (Now there's a misnomer if ever there was one!!)  It was called "safety glass" because it left a clear spot in front of the driver while the rest of the window crazed - after which the whole thing shattered and sprayed sharp glass over everybody!!

Martin

[Paul In Ireland]

No Kathi, I don't have a star chip. I have a crack about 20cm long on the top passenger side, on the outside laminate. I know if the crack was through both pieces I was f*cked in trouble. I remember doing this with my father on a car years ago - you just need the right drill bit and a guide so the thing doesn't slip.

P
 

[RET]

When my missus had the windscreen in her Mitsu Sigma repaired (talking quite a few years ago here), she was given a sheet of half-a-dozen "Contact" circles, each about the size of 10c piece. One of these over a star or bullet stone-chip can help to stop it getting worse; we wound up using one or two later on, and they seemed to work.

I'd be inclined to think a 20cm crack is a bit beyond that, but putting some Durex (as you call it over there ) can't hurt. It might help the crack from worsening, and can't do any harm.

RET

[NosFEratu]

  ok me dumb blonde today! didn't "see" the bit where Paul said it was a crack!     

[FCRB26]

Just hold a windscreen bloke to ransom that if it leaks he will fix it mine was brand new $250 fitted has never leaked he whinged and moaned but did a good job.

[Martin]

Kathi,

ok me dumb blonde today!

I guess that goes for me too - overlooking the fact that probably most FEs and FCs on the road today will have laminated windscreens.   

Martin