Can I save my windshield?
 

I made a foolish mistake and did not cover my windshield while welding on top of the cab. Now I have many specks burnt into my windshield. The spots are very hard to see but you can feel them. I know if nothing else it will probably ruin the wipers and might even start cracks running in cold weather. Does anyone have any ideas of smoothing the glass off or applying some type of something to help with the glass. Any help is much appreciated. Randy :crazy:

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

call the glassguy time for a new windshield

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

:agree: U can get a new one installed at your house for under $200 :gi:

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

It all depends on your perspective and cash flow, it will take alot of effort and time to fix this issue, however it will only cost under $200 for a new one, and if you have not painted the truck yet, then wait until after the truck is painted to replace the windshield

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

you basically burned pits into the glass...theres no fixing it...it most likely wont crack because of them...

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

Why does the windshield need replacement if the spots are hard to see? Is there a safety element I am not aware of. Or is this for aesthetic reasons (show truck). Couldn't you take a blade and soap solution and carefully remove any specs. I see older windshields that have been battered by sand, dirt and small rocks that last another 10 years or more.

Oh, by the way lemon pledge spray bottle works well on scratches on plastics: plexiglass, lexan, etc. I've never tried it on glass but it made my bike windshield look almost new again after I thought I may have to junk it. I just squirt on, work it in, and wipe off. Repeat a few times using a soft cotton cloth only. Paper will scratch plastics. Not sure about glass.

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

I wouldn't recommend trying that either... waxy or oily things on windshields don't play well with wiper blades. Don't ask how I know ;)


Oh, and pardon my thread hijack, but can white/hazy windshields be fixed with something? Mine is pretty bad starting around the seal, going inward.

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

wet the windshield, take a metal putty knife and gently scrape over the effected area, apply as little down force as to not scratch the glass.This should get the roughness off so it wont eat your wiper blades.

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

I did the same thing on my GMC -- after a few months of driving it the way it was, the windsheild seemed to get buffed or something and the severity of it seemed to reduce. As it stands now, the windshield just perpetually looked like it is coated in road salt. Not to mention the huge cracks. But mentioned by others in this thread, it won't get a new one till after paint.

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

Jim PA: The haziness comes from the lining in the middle of the glass as it ages, as far as I know ... it can't be fixed. Mine was really bad, so I wasn't too worried when I broke my windshield while removing it :P

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

Thanks for all the advise. It should get finished with painting by next week. I really wanted to use that $200 towards a 6" lift kit to run my new 35" swampers on it. :whine: I might try to smooth the spots ( I know I'm just kidding myself) and try to make it through the summer. It's not a dd so it might work. I keep looking for a used lift kit...then maybe I could afford both.:lol: Thanks again guys for the help.

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

I figured as much! -- Thanks

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

Use a razor blade and windex. Put a single edge razor blade in a scraper handle and wet the windshield with the windex. Keep the angle of the blade at at a minimium and clean the entire surface. This will get most of the metal out.

You could try a clay bar, but I doubt it will do the job. The razor and windex will get it smooth enough that it shouldn't eat your wiper blades to bad.

Re: Can I save my windshield?
 

I used to tint windows and when the side windows had welding slag on them they were toast. The tint hightlighted it and it looked like sh*t. Not to mention it was rough. Just wait til you paint her.

Re: Can I save my windshield?