Windscreen scratches

[Pottsy]

Just taken the plunge with a 993 coupe with 100k. Driving into a low sun is downright dangerous with the number of pits on the windscreen. I've looked at another thread on here which talks about the dangers of 'windscreen replacement companies' and subsequent creaking from badly fitted screens.

Has anyone searched for/used any sort of grinding or pushing paste to try and resolve a pitted screen?

Any input grateful. Ta

 

[Waz]

Chuck a brick at it and claim on your Insurance
I had a quote for £1250
If it creaks or whistles make them do it again :thumb:

 

[Zingari]

Pottsy - Welcome :thumb: Quite a few have had replacement screens and IIRC Highway has one for sale :dont know:

There is a technique to fitting but not insurmountable and I am sure those that have had it done will be along to tell you who/where.

 

[Gollom122]

Get a recommendation from your local OPC.

 

[CJZ119]

I had mine replaced by OPC Hatfield, I think they used an external specialist... Good job and can't tell the difference.

 

[Martian]

I've not needed a new screen yet, but as/if I do, there's only one place I'd go to: http://www.glasstecauto.co.uk/

 

[chimp911]

I had a scratch on a windscreen and enquired about having it polished out. I was advised that while it is possible to remove pit marks and scratches you would consequently then be able to see the distortion in the glass surface instead which is probably no better. I think it is probably best to keep as is or replace altogether...

 

[wizard993]

......Porsche part no 80.1236.8765

 

[chimp911]

:grin:

 

[Nattyboy]

Again, very much down to the fitter. I looked at a C2S recently and the guy had paid porsche nearly a grand for a screen fit because he had heard negative stories. I'd be buggered if I'm paying that when I can get it replaced for a £60 excess with my Insurance company. The glass will be the same, it's just an OPC would more than likely use an independent as opposed to national/Autoglass etc. As your man above says, if they don't do it right, make them do it again !

 

[PaulPorsche]

if they don't do it right, make them do it again !

But at what cost? If it's not being done right, surely suggests they don't know what they're doing?

 

[Ducky]

It's the horror stories I hear of fitters damaging the surrounding bodywork, which would worry me! Yes they would fix any mistakes they did, but the hassle involved would be a nightmare.

 

[Nattyboy]

Fitting a screen is very technical these days (everything from bond drive away times to the array of sensors). All the national outfit AGR fitters go through extensive training before they are allowed to fit - they have to because of the strength the screen accounts for on your cars structural rigidity. Because of the potential safety/liability issues your Insurance company will also have thought long and hard about selecting a good outfit to use. I think you have to put this into perspective and if its not right then that's nearly as likely to happen at an OPC than it is through your Insurance company. I guess it's a bit like the IMS/RMS/Bore scoring stories on the 997. You're only going to read about the negative stuff if you search the subject.

 

[PaulPorsche]

Fitting a screen is very technical these days (everything from bond drive away times to the array of sensors). All the national outfit AGR fitters go through extensive training before they are allowed to fit - they have to because of the strength the screen accounts for on your cars structural rigidity. Because of the potential safety/liability issues your Insurance company will also have thought long and hard about selecting a good outfit to use. I think you have to put this into perspective and if its not right then that's nearly as likely to happen at an OPC than it is through your Insurance company.

The process of bonding a windscreen (with Polyurethane) has largely remained the same over the years. When PUR was first introduced, nobody really knew much about it other than to use a variety of primers and activators before pumping a load of black goo around the frame.

Formulation has improved since, giving us better decking properties, faster drive-away times (SDAT) cut-off string, primerless, better and higher strength and they no longer require an accelerant (moisture curing).

This emphasis on structural rigidity is vitally important. But as long as the installer is aware of the processes and understands his job, the focus should always be on quality and getting the job right first time. Everything else takes care of itself if the job is done correctly.

Anyone can learn the basic principles of removing and fitting windscreens. The technology is in the car - nobody goes on a 'wiper sensor training course' because there isn't one; there also isn't a 'How to Configure Electronic Devices' course either. The Mechanical/Electrical/Trim (MET) aspects of the job come with a combination of technical aptitude and experience. With a bit of common sense added to that and you have yourself a competent technician.

The problem is, common sense isn't so common any more.

 

[cyruspower]

OPC Byfleet use Old School Windscreens near to them. They did a great job on mine, no creaking and Byfleet swear by them.