Windscreen horror stories?

[Captainian]

Double stone chipped within 1 minute - on a clean (or so it seemed) road and not following closely... Bizarre, and probably unbelievable, but true!

Anyway.

What has been anyone's experiences with getting a replacement screen for an A110?

One is borderline MOT but the other is not worth worrying about.

Autoglass coming on Thursday...

Wish me luck.

[Mr Squarekins]

I had my screen done at Autoglass recently and it was top notch service. Even ended up with OEM screen. All the fitting kit came from the OEM parts desk.

My advice however would be to take it there to them, rather than do it on your drive.

[Mr Squarekins]

Just to qualify. Autoglass did one of my previous cars on the drive.

Idiot cut through the entire loom and just wanted to fit the screen, bugger off, then leave me to take the car in, for them to dismantle the interior.

I stood over him whilst he fixed the loom (an hour) before he fitted the screen.

[Captainian]

Thanks for the heads up...

It's booked in at their place on Thursday for a non-OEM screen. Beggars can't be choosers - OEM screens on back order and I need it done before I go away...

[PHusername]

Whichever windscreen they use (OEM or aftermarket), make sure they use the supplied foam spacers to stop the cracking on the bottom RHS corner that can occur when driving enthusiastically on bumpy roads. This could be an "early car" problem only, as I've not heard much about this in recent times. My car is getting its windscreen done for the 2nd time with this problem.

[Captainian]

Noted - thanks.

[Glassman]

Captainian said:

Double stone chipped within 1 minute - on a clean (or so it seemed) road and not following closely... Bizarre, and probably unbelievable, but true!

Anyway.

What has been anyone's experiences with getting a replacement screen for an A110?

One is borderline MOT but the other is not worth worrying about.

Autoglass coming on Thursday...

Wish me luck.

To replace?

Whose assessment was it that one/both can't be repaired?

[Captainian]

One of the chips is on the black border which is apparently a show-stopper. No idea why.

[Glassman]

Captainian said:

One of the chips is on the black border which is apparently a show-stopper. No idea why.

It's not, and perfectly repairable. They won't offer a repair because of the criteria they set out; that's one of them: computer says no. Many windscreens are condemned because the damage doesn't meet their repair criteria, or that the technician would rather not lose bonus for executing a suboptimal repair. Two saved from the chop:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-vn-p_u2pQ/?img_index...

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs6vyXtI3g7/?img_index...

[Safak]

Glassman said:

It's not, and perfectly repairable. They won't offer a repair because of the criteria they set out; that's one of them: computer says no. Many windscreens are condemned because the damage doesn't meet their repair criteria, or that the technician would rather not lose bonus for executing a suboptimal repair. Two saved from the chop:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-vn-p_u2pQ/?img_index...

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs6vyXtI3g7/?img_index...

Good explanation and nice examples. Thank you.

[Captainian]

Well every day is a school day - I'm glad I posted this.

I won't be rushed into a new screen again. I have paid the excess now.

Glasstec Paul - For future info are you North London - would you come as far as RG27?

[Error_404_Username_not_found]

This is why I like PH.
The extraordinary breadth of knowledge and expertise that PHers have and freely share.

[Glassman]

The issue with this sort of windscreen damage (and being told it cannot be repaired) is down to two major factors, the kit being used and the [experience of the] person attempting the repair.

In the case of damage being too close to the edge of the windscreen, or that it is in the frit (the black border) a repair will be restrictive for a semi automated system like the one Autoglass use:



The diameter of the head is about 70-80mm so to centre it over a break close to the edge will not be possible. The system is also powered by an automated vacuum pump which applies an outward force over the break which is the same as pushing the damaged area from the inside. It's probably going to crack if too much pressure is applied. Broadly speaking it's the same principle as a dry-stone arch bridge.

Any damage in the frit (the black border) is also not entertained because the repairer cannot place a mirror behind the break to monitor its progress.

In their defence, the system is designed to be easy to use and is used globally. It's a good system and looks impressive but any semi automated kit will have its limitations.

[Captainian]

Autoglass cancelled. Thanks for all the help.

[Captainian]

Thanks for the terrific service @glassman

All sorted. Quickly. Cheaply. Respectfully. Professionally. Courteously.

Highly recommended.

Cheers Paul.