Direction?

[Dave M]

Here's an "off the wall" sort of question. Do any of you have a certain direction you like to face when performing a repair outside? Do you like the sun shining directly in your face or maybe on the left or right so as not to be looking directly into the sun. If you use the bubble, maybe it doesn't matter! If using another form of UV protection, does it concern you?
I know a lot of you don't move vehicles, so this may be a moot point.

[screenman]

I dealy I like every vehicle inside, however pointing away from the sun is my preffered method, if only to keep the glass cooler.

For those new guys, do not forget that in the shade does not mean no UV, it bounces around every where.

[Brent Deines]

I agree, but depending on where the sun is in relation to the vehicle the windshield may block the vast majority of the UV rays. For instance, if we have a vehicle in our shop with the windshield facing the door the UV level is often quite high even if the sun is not directly on the glass, however if we turn the vehicle around so that most of the reflected UV is coming through the inside of the glass the UV reading is very minimal.

[screenman]

I think the point I was trying badly to make is, I see guys overe here working under a gazebo with no UV dome or shield thinking that because they are in the shade there is no UV. Certainly front of the car in first when working inside.

Brent have you noticed on some old buildings with very old glass that some UV is present inside?

[Dave M]

So, Screenman, you'd prefer the sun to be either on the left or right so windshield is not facing directly into it. Brent, indoors you'd face the vehicle into the shop. What about outdoors, any preference?

[screenman]

I think in reality in real life we do not get a choice, I am wondering why you ask the question. Is it something you have had a problem with?

[Dave M]

Nope, no problems. In reality or real life, why wouldn't there be a choice? Just move the vehicle into the position you'd prefer. Don't make more of the question than necessary. I was just asking as I said an "off the wall" question. But, seeing how you asked....I wear prescription transition sunglasses (you know what those are, right) and I find that doing a repair under certain conditions can produce some glare or dead spots. Therefore, at certain times of day I need to face the vehicle in a prefered direction.

[screenman]

I tried transitions lenses before and did not get on with them, if anyone is moving the customers cars or even working on them with the keys in the ignition please make sure you are properly insired to do so.

So Davem what is your preffered direction.

[Brent Deines]

I can't say I have given it much thought when working out doors, except that if the glass is cool I will try to park the car so the windshield is in the sun. I always use UV protection so I haven't had any problems with premature curing. I frequently move cars and always have as we have a shop to work out of, but with much of my fleet work there is not an opportunity to move the vehicles. I have never worn glasses until the past couple of years, and even now only reading glasses. That is all changing rapidly though so I'm sure I will be dealing with that issue soon.

My insurance does cover the vehicles I work on even when I am driving them. Very important.

[Dave M]

I have found that the worst direction is when the sun is directly behind me. In that location it seems to be difficult to protect the repair from UV and seeing the break (placement of UV blocking ). My prefered direction is with the sun on my right when doing a repair on the drivers side and on my left side when repairing on the passenger side. In this manner the sun is slightly behind the w/s, easier to block UV and less glare in my eyes.