Windshield crack

[Bobg43]

I have a 2008 Winn. Sightseer that has a 1 ft. crack on the driver side front windshield. The crack started at the middle post and is spreading upward.

I was wondering if it worth trying to repair, if so, what would you recommend. I am looking at a $500 deductable from my insurance company and I would like to save some money but I don't want to do something that I would regret.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

[CLIFFTALL]

I would think that 1' is beyond repair.

[Gilleshps]

I was in the windshield repair business for years, and a one foot crack is not a problem to repair at all. The problem is finding a "tech" in your area that's competent enough to repair it.

Where is the coach now?

[CLIFFTALL]

Originally Posted by Gilleshps

I was in the windshield repair business for years, and a one foot crack is not a problem to repair at all. The problem is finding a "tech" in your area that's competent enough to repair it.

Where is the coach now?

I stand corrected , however I wouldn't have it repaired.

[bfam2008]

A good tech can Probably fix it, problem is a motorhome flexes much more than your average car. The crack will probably continue to run shortly after the repair..... and after you hit a good sized bump

You'll have to replace it eventually. I've had to replace two on passenger side and one on the drivers side in the eight years I've owned my coach.

[Gilleshps]

The proper way to repair it aside from paying a $500 deductible only to take another rock chip in the new glass, is to "drill" a stop hole ahead of the crack. Then they will carefully force the crack to continue to that hole, that's when the bridge (injection tool) will be used to fill the void and stop the crack in its tracks. A really good tech will make that crack really hard to find, and just as strong as the original glass.

Flex away, doesn't matter!

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by Gilleshps

I was in the windshield repair business for years, and a one foot crack is not a problem to repair at all. The problem is finding a "tech" in your area that's competent enough to repair it.

Where is the coach now?

EXACTLY!!
Ours had gone to right at 13" in a sort of "S" curve and, I called a tech to see what could be done. We have a $1,000 deductible so, replacing each side would be out of my pocket anyways so, if any fix at all was possible, then I'd go for it.
Well, the tech came out, said no problem and went to work on it. The repair was a great job. You can, if you look in certain lights, still see most of it but, it's about 50% disappeared to the un-trained eye. It cost me a whopping $100 for that tech to make a 75 mile run, to and back, to fix our $850 passenger side windshield. That was 3.5 years ago and, it has not moved since.
Scott

[Bobg43]

In Dacula, GA, a town northeast of Atlanta.

[BrokeDown]

I drove our new (to us) MH from Tuscon to Philly area and got two chips along the way. I got my first chip in Texas, I used Safelite in New Orleans to fix it. I got my second chip in Alabama, I drove it home and had Safelite fix it in my driveway. They do not drill the cracks any more, they use suction to force the bonding agent into the crack. The chips cost about $120 each to fix. You might give your local Safelite a call.

[Gilleshps]

Depends on the skill of the tech, most don't drill because they were not trained properly. The only way to properly repair 99% of rock chips is to drill them, otherwise the "resin" which is injected into the void under pressure, has no way to access the void. The suction portion of the repair is built into the bridge/injector and is used to remove air/black spots, drawing it out past the resin, then back under pressure, more suction, then pressure again and in some cases a dozen times.

If the guy doesn't drill, don't let him touch it. All that will do is block the passage for a proper repair down the road.

I'm sure Safelite has some decent techs, but they are in the business to "sell glass". I would recommend finding a repair only guy IMO.

The best guy in the business is " Nobetr Windshield Wizard" he's in Johnson, MN but spends the winters in the Phoenix Area. His name is Ron, PM me if you want his number. It's a little far from GA, but if you're planning a trip anywhere near him it would be well worth the stop.

[what next]

Had a crack repaired , about 8" long and several smaller chips. Been through hot weather cold weather several trips now still doing good. Gene in Yuma several people recommended him. Been doing it for a long time.

[Bobg43]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I think that I will just replace the window.

[vettenuts]

One note, Winnebago has an issue with the windshield frame rusting. Make sure the frame is OK so any repair will last.

[Kiawah]

I had no idea you could repair a cracked windshield like that. Love these forums! Good to know, in case I ever get one. Thanks.