[Guest]

I've developed a small crack in my windshield. It starts in the passenger side lower corner, and it's slowly growing. I really don't want to get a new windshield right now, so I was wondering, is there any way to stop this crack from spreading? I thought I saw something in a parts store one day for it, but can't remember exactly what it was for. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[ron porter]

A quick Google search brought up this product for $15 (I have never used it), and I'm sure that there's others like it:

http://tinyurl.com/2g4qy

The other thing is to check your insurance coverage. For example, I have $100 deductible for Comp with AAA here in Michigan, but they will do Novus windshield repairs for free. The repairs are best for bullseyes, but they can handle cracks up to an inch long, IIRC.

 

[UnDeR EsTiMaTeD]

At the end of the crack, drill a very small hole about 1/4 of the way into the windshield, and fill in the hole with the clear nail polish.

 

[toolbox]

Originally posted by UnDeR EsTiMaTeD@Apr 9 2004, 06:09 PM
At the end of the crack, drill a very small hole about 1/4 of the way into the windshield, and fill in the hole with the clear nail polish.

Very good advice!!! We do this procedure on aircraft sheet metal cracks, call it
"drill stop"(minus the nail polish). The crack has to be stopped or it could go until it reaches the end of the glass.

 

[UnDeR EsTiMaTeD]

The nail polish just helps it seal and make it a smooth surface again. It isn't required. But it works! Trick I learned from my dad.

 

[Damon]

Originally posted by Adam B.@Apr 9 2004, 10:54 AM
I've developed a small crack in my windshield. It starts in the passenger side lower corner, and it's slowly growing. I really don't want to get a new windshield right now, so I was wondering, is there any way to stop this crack from spreading? I thought I saw something in a parts store one day for it, but can't remember exactly what it was for. Anyone have any ideas?

Talked to my friends dad who owns a glass company. If the crack is still growing, its never going to stop. He said the safest option is replacement.

Hope this helps

-DC

 

[UnDeR EsTiMaTeD]

Originally posted by duratecchie@Apr 9 2004, 06:32 PM
If the crack is still growing, its never going to stop.

That's why you drill it! You've gotta' stop the crack!

 

[kermitec]

Originally posted by UnDeR EsTiMaTeD@Apr 9 2004, 07:20 PM
The nail polish just helps it seal and make it a smooth surface again. It isn't required. But it works! Trick I learned from my dad.

Yeah its a good trick. Clear epoxy insted of the nailpolish is even better.
Like Ron said check your insurance company first. You might be able to have the job done professionally for free. They used to come into the dealership and "save" cracks up to 6 inces or so long. When they were done the cracks were invisible.

 

[impatient95]

trying to drill the windshield? would that not cause MORE cracks?

I mean, how would you safely accomplish this feat?

 

[Racer X]

Originally posted by impatient95@Apr 10 2004, 10:28 PM
trying to drill the windshield? would that not cause MORE cracks?

I mean, how would you safely accomplish this feat?

1/32nd diamond coated drill bit in a dremel at ~20,000RPM, cooled with water flowing over the work surface should do it.

 

[UnDeR EsTiMaTeD]

I was even able to do it with a 1/32 bit at 7,000 - 10,000RPM with no water. The glass didn't even come near to cracking. Just be careful, you don't need to go too deep.

 

[Guest]

I bought a "fix a windshield" kit. It made the crack less visable, but it's too soon to say if it stopped it from spreading. I'll let you guys know if it does. If that doesn't work, I'm going to resort to the drill.

 

[impatient95]

hmmmm, I have onl;y had one car with a cracked windshield, my POS 88 reliant.

I never tried to fix it or anything, but this is good advise for fixing them.

should I get one now, I shall try this. I guess if the windshield is already cracked, might as well TRY to slavage it.