Windshield Repair - Chips and Star Cracks

 

Chipped Windshield - Star Crack with Crater - enlarged view

Minor Windshield Repairs 

If my experience is typical, we all experience minor damage to our Roadtrek windshield in the form of chips or star cracks.  I've had two such noticeable experiences and a lot of minor dings. I repaired both of the noticeable chips using over the counter epoxy-resin repair kits. I've used kits by two different manufacturers. Both used the same repair technique and both did the job.

The windshield damage I've experienced was small, one was about 3/16 inch "bullseye" crater, the other a star pattern about 1/2-3/4 inch across.  The manufacturer of the kit I used to repair the "star" indicates that it is suitable for chips or damage of up to 1-1/4 inch in diameter.  Had the damage had been more serious, I would have had a professional do it.  However, my experience indicates that dealing with minor windshield issues is something an amateur can do.

How successful were the repairs? The bullseye became invisible after the repair.  With the star, there remained a barely perceptible hairline after the repair.

The bullseye chip was annoying because it was directly in front of my line of sight.  I repaired it with a readily available repair kit.  The second was more serious damage in the form of what is called a star. I was skeptical but decided to try a repair kit.

In my experience, it is best to do the repair in the shade, which the manufacturer recommends.  Follow the manufacturer's directions.  The kit I used recommended:

1. Don't repair in full sun; perform in shade.
2. Don't use for repairs larger than 1-1/4 inch diameter.
3. Cure in full sun - the epoxy resin requires ultraviolet light to cure.
4. For additional instructions read the printed sheet that comes with the kit.

I cleaned the window and picked any loose pieces out of the damage area using a sharp pin.   After cleaning the area I applied the resin per the instructions for the specified time.  After removing the injector,  pedestal and seal I applied the curing film and moved the Roadtrek into full sun to allow the resin to cure.

To reach the damaged area, a ladder or step-stool may be necessary.  That makes on-the-road repairs more awkward. I did both repairs while in a campground or RV resort.

For demonstration purposes, I took the following photos in full sun.  However, the actual repair should be done in shade. 

VersaChem Repair Kit

Contents of the Kit

Adhesive Seal applied to windshield over the star-chip

Pedestal attached to Adhesive Seal

Squeezing a portion of the Resin into the Pedestal (per instruction)

Injector on Pedestal

To complete the repair, follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow the epoxy resin to cure.

After Repair- You can't see it, because it is darn near invisible!

Original Material: Roadtrek210.blogspot.com