windshield question

[scout man]

My windshield is pretty scratched up, from years of bad wiper blades, and mud...etc. Is there any way to buff this out? THere isnt necessarily a crack to fill (there is a crack, but not fixable) but the whole thing is pretty obnoxious at night with headlights and tail lights and stuff. Looking to do this cheap, as the window really needs replaced anyways, but I dont want to spend the money for a new one.

[Jackie]

This answer found from a quick google search:

"You basically remove the scratches by buffing or polishing them out. polishing tools are available at any large automotive store. Make sure you use paper and masking tape to protect the trim and paint area around the windshield and to make clean-up lots easier.

If you cant find it or dont want to risk something like that, you can send your car to a car wash or for servicing. The mechanics there will have the tools required.

Bad news: If your scratches are deep you will not be able to polish them out and a new windshield is your only solution. "Deep" means if your fingernail "catches" when you run it sideways over the scratch--it is probably gonna be too deep to polish out. As a last resort you could consult with a automotive glass speciality shop in your area for their opinion..it should be free, but don't be suprised if they want to sell you a windshield".

My Neighbor is a glass guy. I will ask him if he has better advise when I next see him.

[scout man]

cool, thanks. I would think mine are shallow enough to buff out.

Here, I will use this on myself...
windshield buffing

[Rob]

Steve,

I have two orbital buffers (a 3-inch and a larger one), along with foam buffing pads and glass polish. If you'd like to borrow, let me know.

[Pathrat]

What kind of glass polish? Whatever is at Checkers or do you recommend something specific? I have the same problem and have just put up with the sandblasted look.

[Rob]

It's the good stuff from Griot's Garage. I haven't used it on the FJC because it has the chemical windshield protection, but I plan to hit the windshield and windows on the 40 sometime this summer. You're welcome to try it, too.

[1freaky1]

Also might get in touch with ROO and see what he uses

[Brody]

Also might get in touch with ROO and see what he uses

X2. Reese should know if anyone does...

[scout man]

Thanks Rob! I will be up that way a lot in the next few weeks, I may stop by and pick it up from you.

Yea, thats part of why I posted here, thought Roo might have some input

[Jimmy]

About 15 or so years ago, my buddy and I used a glass polishing kit from Eastwood on a '57 Chevy windshield. We polished it before installing. Once installed, you couldn't visually tell there was a windshield there - it was weird. The glass seemed invisible. The only indication there was a windshield was the lack of wind in your hair when driving! :)

[Pathrat]

Thanks Rob and Jimmy :)

[Roo]

If the scratches are deep enough to catch a fingernail in then you probably won't have much luck. I know a guy in NC who bought some professional equipment and spent several hours on a scratch about 10 inches long on a door glass with success. The thing is if you find someone with the equipment to do it the charge would probably be pretty expensive. That equipment is mainly used to repair large expensive glass doors and windows that are worth the time and money to fix over replace.

I am anxious to hear about the results you get though. Please keep us updated.

[scout man]

you mean I cant buff out the crack that goes all the way through my window - top to bottom?? :D I will grab the stuff from Rob at somepoint and give it a shot. If it can clean up my window it should clean up anything! I will be "out of town" for a week tho for work... but I am really just in Fort Collins, so I will prolly try to grab the stuff from rob on the way back or something.

[Roo]

Haha, I just meant don't expect to be able to get rid of pitting or scratches that are more than a mark left by a windshield wiper.