Windshield repair judging question

[Richard L.]

Got a rock chip in my windshield the other day (returning from an NCRS event of course). It was about dime size and I had it professionally repaired. You can see the outline of the chip inside the glass, but it is now perfectly smooth. I assume this would be a minor ding on condition. The other alternative is to replace the entire windshield and hope to find a correct replacement (otherwise possibly lose originality points there). Any suggestions?

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

Rich,

Not being that familiar with the model year you mention...I might suggest leaving it with the repair and take a minor deduction for condition. You have to take into consideration the cost per point. Is it worth it to go out and find an original windshield correctly dated etc. and installed and then perhaps be scrutinized by an experienced judge where he will be able to tell that it's been replaced and still get a deduction for originality vs the deduction for condition with the repair as it stands now, without going thru all the expense....

I've always looked at it this way...it's a lot easier to swallow a $100 cost for say 10 points than it is to spend $1000 for the same 10 points...

[Richard L.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

Thanks Vinnie! That was my thinking, but you fleshed it out a lot better for me. Take care

[Tom H.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

I'm with Vinnie !

[Richard L.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

Thanks Tom (as always).

[William C.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

In addition, finding a correctly dated windshield new is virtually impossible, when I went thru this with my '89 (complete destruction in a hailstorm), I was told that nobody can/will reproduce them and a used one is likely to have at least as many flaws from normal driving as your after repair. I'd say let it go.

[Richard L.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

Thanks William. This is for my 95. I don't suppose finding a new and correct windshield to be much easier than for your 89. Glad I wasn't out in yesterday's storm...

[Terry M.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

Within 6 months of purchasing my 2008 I tried to get a correctly dated windshield -- HUD type. No luck at Bowling Green or at the windshield factory. I doubt the date code would have been right if I had noticed the flaw before the car left the assembly line. We are all learning to live with the flaws.

[Richard L.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

Interesting Terry. Guess we either need to (a) not drive our Vettes much, (b) order a replacement windshield when we order the car, or (c) live with the result. Sounds like c is the best option.

[Terry M.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

We don't have to drive them at all. In 1990 a good friend (RIP) and I watched his ZR1 being built -- actually he was more of an active participant in the process; I was the watcher. On the way home from Bowling Green we both realized they had installed the wrong windshield in the car. At that point the car was still in Bowling Green. He and I debated what to do. I argued for leaving it alone because, I insisted, any replacement would not have the proper date code.

He took my advice, and everything I have learned since has supported my contention. It is what it is and we are stuck with it. Reggie had it right: "It is only original once!"

[Richard L.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

Great story Terry. Gotta be thinking NCRS from the build date on.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

Within 6 months of purchasing my 2008 I tried to get a correctly dated windshield -- HUD type. No luck at Bowling Green or at the windshield factory. I doubt the date code would have been right if I had noticed the flaw before the car left the assembly line. We are all learning to live with the flaws.

I'm betting the "flaw" is a wavy distortion, only visible if you look at one area of the windshield at a certain angle?

I have that flaw in my 2006 too, and it's not rare. Viva la Meh-hee-co where close is good enough?!

[Richard L.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

Yes, Chuck, it is a wavy sort of distortion that you can see at certain angles. But the glass is perfectly smooth on both sides and there is not a crack to be found. Probably a typical smaller size rock chip caught early on before the cracking and spreading begins. That would be a much bigger problem and deduction (I assume). thanks

[Terry M.]

Re: Windshield repair judging question

I'm betting the "flaw" is a wavy distortion, only visible if you look at one area of the windshield at a certain angle?

I have that flaw in my 2006 too, and it's not rare. Viva la Meh-hee-co where close is good enough?!

Nope. There is a small crack in the inside layer of the glass that can be seen only from the driver's seat.