Long Horizontal Crack in Windshield

[aa040371]

My 2007 4Runner developed a long (~28") horizontal crack in my windshield due to some recent frigid temperatures + a micro-ding + my defroster set on high to de-ice.

Conventional wisdom is that cracks like this cannot be repaired but need to be replaced. But there is a guy who is well known in the area and has a good reputation for windshield repair that says he can repair this. Has technology or techniques advanced to a point where this is feasible?

I can post a pic if that helps, but mostly this is about if I should give this very inexpensive alternative a chance before actually replacing (if then still needed).

 

[Too Stroked]

I've never heard of an actual crack being successfully repaired. Does the guy you mentioned guarantee his process and results? If so, it might be worth a try.

 

[aa040371]

I've never heard of an actual crack being successfully repaired. Does the guy you mentioned guarantee his process and results? If so, it might be worth a try.

Thanks for the thoughts...I doubt he does offer a guarantee, as he charges ~50 bucks. I realize this may sound fishy but as mentioned he has a good reputation and he was referred by a friend I trust. He says he can repair it, and I'm not sure what's in it for him to misrepresent himself. I also am not sure what a meaningful guarantee would look like, even from companies like Safelite (repair), where I can't even get a person on the phone to discuss anymore...sigh :--(

I don't really mind letting him take a crack (he he) at it for that cost...although I am also not sure how to tell if the crack has really been "fixed", either (my worry is safety, not cosmetics)

 

[spartacus]

Have thé guy do it and post feed back and pics.

 

[fourwd1]

For $50 it may be worth a try, but I wouldn't except too much. And be prepared to get a new windshield just in case.

 

[aa040371]

Have thé guy do it and post feed back and pics.

Will do.

For $50 it may be worth a try, but I wouldn't except too much. And be prepared to get a new windshield just in case.

That's kinda what I was thinking...if worst case is I get it replaced anyway, all I've lost is a few days/weeks and $50. I'd prefer not to have the whole thing shatter on me while driving, though...

 

[ElectroBoy]

Will do.



That's kinda what I was thinking...if worst case is I get it replaced anyway, all I've lost is a few days/weeks and $50. I'd prefer not to have the whole thing shatter on me while driving, though...

Don’t do it. It won’t be safe in the event of a hard rock hit. Put that $50 toward a new clear windshield.

BTW, insurance companies and glass shops will usually ask you how long the crack is to consider a repair. If it can be covered by a dollar bill it can be safely repaired.

 

[aa040371]

I appreciate the input...it, and the others, was why I posted. But I did go ahead and have the guy repair it. He was an obviously honest and knowledgable person that I voir-dired before I let him do anything. He's been doing this stuff forever, and correctly dealt with my questions. I'll post some pics as requested earlier if my Dropbox link works.

 

[aa040371]

There are some before, during, and after pics. Sunlight made it a bit of a challenge, but here they are:

Dropbox - Windshield Long Crack Repair

 

[ElectroBoy]

There are some before, during, and after pics. Sunlight made it a bit of a challenge, but here they are:

Dropbox - Windshield Long Crack Repair

Very interesting, the results look good in your photos. Can you describe his process?

 

[aa040371]

I think a pretty standard approach...

-- he had me turn on the defroster to begin heating up windshield;
-- then used a Dremel w/very small diameter bit to drill in appropriate places, e.g. at ends of crack or a "v" or through middle of any other chips (I had one or two other rock dings he noticed) to forestall cracks from running further;
-- then applied the liquid glass/resin along a manageable portion of crack, placed some cellophane tape over to hold it in place (you can see in "during" pics);
-- then one or two suction cup contraptions to pushme-pullyou the stuff into/through the crack (although I suspect basic capillary action would have sufficed);
-- then moved on to next stretch or repair spot.

The stuff sets/cures quite quickly (5-10 minutes) with UV light (aka sunlight), and I have a belief -- I know...lol -- that modern resins, similar to modern wood glues (e.g. PVAs like Titebond) actually leave the crack (or joint, if talking about gluing two boards together) stronger than the original material.

It's semi-rationalization, but I only put about 5K miles on my car a year and drive very rarely at highway speeds. I feel pretty safe with this repair when factoring in my driving habits and general circumstances.

 

[lewdog998]

I notice in your pictures there is a new Lime Rush Pro parked front of you.

 

[Too Stroked]

There are some before, during, and after pics. Sunlight made it a bit of a challenge, but here they are:

Dropbox - Windshield Long Crack Repair

Very, very interesting. I would never have guessed that anyone could actually repair a crack in glass. I'll be very interested to see how the repair holds up!

 

[baby#yota]

I had the same issue with a crack showing up after some hail. I ended up getting a safelite windscreen so we’ll see how long that lasts….


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[Flyer]

Cracks bug me so I just replace. They can be repaired to a degree (less visually problematic) but will also be weaker, if that matters. However, that low down, it is worth just repairing it for $50-$75. The after looks great.

 

[Jacobsmith]

I wouldn't risk it and replace it with a new one because it's about your safety.

 

[Moist]

I've got one just like that, mine's gone and meandered on up the passenger side, starts where the windshield meets the A pillar. Does a lot of wandering around.
Cool to see that It could be repaired If you really wanted to.