I got a rock chip in my windshield!!!
 

Yup, I was driving to NewYork yesterday. This SUV cut in front of me real quick (NY Drivers :rolleyes:). In the process, he successfully sent a big rock straight to my windshield (passenger side). Great birthday present if you ask me :shakes head: . Take a look:

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/DSC04719.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/DSC04722.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/DSC04721.jpg

It's size of a penny (or the nissan logo on your fob). It's def repairable but according to some replies (in OG Conf. Room in Premium section last night), I am better off changing the whole windshield. I'm VERY sensitive about the look and if it will be noticeable there's no point of repairing it.

TO REPAIR: $125 (FREE offered by ins company)
To REPLACE: $582 (GLASS) + $150 (LABOR)

Unfortunately, I have to pay out of pocket for both. For repair, I don't really want to use my ins (though it's FREE) because I'm allowed 1 of these(comp repair?) every 3 years. If my next one is even bigger (or I have a bigger issue that I need to claim), I'm SOL. So, for $125, I rather just pay out of pocket. If I were to change the whole windshield, my deductible is $500. So I rather just pay extra 200 and not go through all those paper work from Ins company.

What you guys think? I'm leaning toward whole replacement but repairing it seems like a cheap alternative. Anyone here had their windshield repair? Any before or after picture so that I can compare?

Thanks in advance.

I feel ya dawg. http://www.the370z.com/exterior-inte...ught-rock.html

I had insurance cover replacement for mine, as it was the size of my thumb nail.

From what I've heard, repair is an elegant solution, because they can vacuum some of the air out and make it still present but much less noticeable.

Choice is yours, though. Plan on catching any rocks in the next 3 years? If so, wouldn't you still have to pay this amount to fix/replace it then?

Ouch that sucks, but at least be happy it didn't hit your hood instead!

I'm glad that in Florida there is always a $0 deductible when getting windshields repaired or replaced. If the crack/chip is of a certain size or in the drivers direct eye line, then they replace the glass.

We did the repair on my wife's BMW it came out looking like ***... Replace Replace Replace

Welcome to the family ak. I would say replace. I didn't replace mine because it's a small chip and I know down the road I'll probably get another one. Our windshields are so expensive. Why is that?

I so dread this when it happens! It really sucks, I say just have it repaired and see how it looks, and if it looks like crap just get a new one. Its gonna happen again. Then when you have like 3-4 of em just get a new windshield! :)

i have the same 1 in the same area lol


i guess we are in the same situation too!

Wow, AK!!!! That sux!
I had my windshield replaced about 3 months ago since it had a crack about 8 inches long out of nowhere!!!! Than 2 days later it was 13"..yea I measured haha. My insurance company said it would be cheaper to not claim it and pay out of pocket. I ended up getting a new windshield for $420 and they came to me, at work:tup: Safe Light Auto Glass

Didn't I mention it would be around $500? :rolleyes:

Well, I think my INS co. will allow 1 repair WITHOUT any money every 3 year. So, I didn't want to use that ticket for something this small. Who knows, 6 months from now, SUN may get angry at me and throw a brick at my windshield!!! I can use it then, right? :icon17: But seriously I'm saving it for something severe.

:ugh2: that's scary. Do you have any pics?:pics:

I don't know man. The ones from Safelite is def cheaper but I wouldn't feel comfortable putting aftermarket windshield in. They probably use the same quality windshield for Chevy Cavalier and 370z! Nissan OEM is $582

I think I'm following your advice. I have an appt set up for Thursday morning. I'm gonna repair it. I'll def post pics here. If I don't like the way it looks, I'll just replace it. Maybe wait a month or so because I may have to go to NY again :rolleyes:

How big is your chip?

I know! As soon as it happen, you're the first name came to head! How do you like the safelite windshield? I am nervous about putting NON OEM windshield in the Z. They probably use the same windshield for cheap domestic cars and 370Z! The one from the Nissan dealer is $582.

I think from Nissan dealer, it's coming out to be $720-$750! :(

I think I would have it repaired first... just mho though.

its about the size of a dime...

:iagree: If I'm not mistaken they'll write it up and keep it on record like they do with accidents... :shakes head:

:tup:

I've had my Z 15 months now, and have had 3 rock chips repaired over that time. I've been told if it's repaired immediately, chances are good it won't spread. So far so good.
Much less expensive as well.

After repair, can you tell from inside the car or outside? Mine is on passenger side. If my passenger can see it from inside, I don't think I'll be happy. Do you have pics? please post them by tonight as my appt is tomm (thurs) morn! :eekdance:

Pics wouldn't show anything, as I have trouble finding where the repaired areas are myself.
I will say though that all glass repair shops are not the same. I happen to have lucked into a shop that does amazing work. Ask to see their work before you commit.
My guys use an injector and pump that pressures the resin into the damage with a power piston, then clamps to stabilize the affected area.
They tell me that if you get to it fairly soon before the damaged area spreads that 90% can usually be repaired.

I got nailed by a huge rock on the highway, bigger than a dime. I got it repaired and it is still visible to everyone. but it looks like a hole with one line coming out about a centimeter.

Are you sure your Insurance won't cover the repair and then replace? I thought most wanted to encourage the cheaper repair claim, so they always cover repair.

I have one a little smaller than that. It doesn't look like it is spreading, but I'm going to have it repaired anyway. I have a friend at the gym who is a windshield guy, so he's going to give me a deal. Said it would be about $50.

Good luck with yours.

I just got it fixed. I must say, they did a REALLY good job. I went to my nearest SAFELITE glass store. You can't see it just by looking at the car. If I tell you where the chip was and you get really close, then all you see is a small round line. Take a look:

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/DSC04724.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/DSC04730.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/DSC04728.jpg

If I get more rock chips in future, I'll def change the whole windshield. But for now, I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out :tup:

Thanks everyone for your input.

I had the same results on my previous car. Looks OK and you really have to look close to see the imperfections. Safelite did it thru my insurance (Allstate) and I didn't pay a cent. I think thats the case for a replacement also. I opted to have it repaired because removing the glass could have damaged the car and it never fits the same as the original. I'm not sure if other shops would be any better.

REPLACE!!! I had a chip just about in my line of site repaired and even though it was a decent repair, I could see it and started fixating on it. After about a month I just had the insurance company replace the windshield. My insurance co. did both the repairs and replacement with no questions asked. I have never heard of a co. that would limit the number of repairs:confused:. In Arizona we are ALWAYS getting chips and cracks. I would talk to my ins. co. or consider kickin' em' to the curb.

AZ Roadster

as it turns colder (Fall/winter), just pay attention, extreme change in temperature could lead to a huge crack overnight.

The windshield they put in is just as good as the one that came with the car. I can't even tell a difference between the two. PLUS..It was alot cheaper seeings how the Nissan windhield is over $100 more than what Safelite did with the install and Nissan doesn't include the install in the pricing and that'll end up costing about $300 more total.

:wtf2:
Sorry, I must disagree.
What makes Nissan so much better? Because their windshield is so much more? Also...every shop/dealership replaces them the same way, there's only so many ways to put in a windshield haha

Because it's a human putting it in place instead of a robot. He is correct, they never are quite the same fit as OE and you do risk damage when replacing it. I worked at 2 dealers where we had to replace windshields. I always dreaded doing them, trying to get them in the same place and not jack anything up is stressful.

that's a big-un

Well, I guess I got lucky :) Mine turned out perfectly

:iagree:ditto

I had Safelite repair mine, was under $100 and it looked great. Im also in North NJ by NYC and Im glad I did the repair because Ive already had another rock hit the f'n windshield again and now have a much bigger crack.

So if I replaced it the first time i would be out over 1k, this time Im forced to replace it though. :icon14:

Had mine replaced earlier this year. I actually helped the guy place the new glass. Looks good as new.

??? Replace for the windshield through Safelite should only be around $400-500 depending on how far they have to travel...but if you take your car there; in Wilmington, DE...it'll be around $400 :tup:

Repair...unless its a line crack...I had glass replaced before on an older car...and yup a week later a freakin' rock....small chip but heck it was a new windshield...

If you replace go insurance and OEM parts...I did safelite and yes its cheap but the glass quality sucks...

Hey guys, what or where is the best place to get front windshiled replace? Dealer? window shop? and is there anything we can add or type/brand of windshield one can get to prevent rock chips/cracks in the future? thanks.

Fern to the Z

Ask around your area, but a dealer or auto glass repair place like Safelite could get it done for you. Although, be warned that not all shops, including Safelite branches are equal. Check out their work on customer cars before deciding.

I'm not sure what you mean by window shop, like for houses?

A dealership service dept. usually doesn't install windshields in-house. Most reputable auto glass repair place will have OEM windshields available, so be sure that is the case. Replacing a windshield can be a big headache if done incorrectly, so be sure if its really necessary. They can "fix" small cracks. Still visible, but it will buy you some time. There's really no sure fire way of preventing chips & cracks. You can minimize by not following close to the car in front of you on the highway, but its no guarantee. I cringe every time I hear that familiar "tink!"

thanks C-mike, I'll look into local safelite branches and request OEM.

Hey look at the bright side.... at least the rock wasnt the size of the Death Star like the one that hit mine a month ago... lol :ughdance:

I'm sorry but god damn! :bowrofl::roflpuke2:

lol. You look so angry in that pic.. (I would be too).