How to fix front window damage from stones ??

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Jun 15, 2002 | 08:45 PM

jpseo

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 18

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From: MN

How to fix front window damage from stones ??

Hey .. Gang !!

Got a 98 GS300 ...

Have a few visible rock chips on the front windshield...

What options do I have to fix them, short of replacing it ???

Which I assume is expensive ???

TIA..

JP Seo

Jun 16, 2002 | 03:09 PM

SharpLS-96

Lexus Champion

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 2,991

Likes: 3

From: California

I personally would leave it alone if they are minor and don't obstruct your view while cruising down the road at 100mph.
I know just seeing them is a pain in the rear.

Those resin fill ins don't work from what I have heard. If the bullseye chip doesn't spread and cause a massive crack then leave it be. The only way I would go is by replacing the windshield but thats a couple of hundred bucks. No matter what I do I find avoiding road chips is almost impossible if you live in a metropolitain area unless the car stays in a garage 24/7 365 days a yr. With my luck if I replaced it after a week or so I probably would have a new one centered right in my view cause I do have to travel on a major highway to get the bills paid.

Well thats my 2 cents.

Jun 17, 2002 | 09:37 AM

jpseo

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 18

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From: MN

Thanks ...

Looks like the windshield problem is endemic ..:-( ..

JP Seo

Jun 18, 2002 | 09:51 AM

whitels

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 1,580

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From: California

If you want to prevent the scar from growing spider legs, put a clear tape over it.

Jun 18, 2002 | 11:13 AM

strongsail

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 890

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From: WA

I just had my windshield repaired by the local Safelite shop - they have a national contract with Hartford, my insurer - the bill was about $65, which the ins. co. paid, no $$ outta my pocket - and the little "star" chip is now invisible unless you look really closely (luckily it's way over on the psgr side) - the previous owner had two repairs done and they are satisfactory too.

I think the trick to doing a good epoxy fix is having the right equipment, which enables a good vacuum to be drawn on the chip which will suck the epoxy into the glass and make an invisible repair. I would not attempt to do it myself.

I have not verified this, but I read a posting that said a new OEM windshield for an SC400 is like $900, yowch - -

Jun 18, 2002 | 11:23 AM

SharpLS-96

Lexus Champion

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 2,991

Likes: 3

From: California

Cool, but you had one fixed @ $65. He has a few chips so at 65 a pop that can add up to a few hundred dollars just to fix them. So I would go with a replacement then. Just my choice.