What would cause this type of crack?

[robert n]

Well, since "Gramps" is not responding. did not indicate the size of the damage....Let me ask a question:

Based on what you see in the picture

Gramps did not indicate the size of the damage...So let us pretend the damage area is the the size of a tennis ball (4" in diameter)

No impact point

Would any of you guys attempt this repair? If so, how would you do it? For me...I would not attempt this repair.

[puka pau]

I've repaired dozens of these. Drill and fill each and every crack. I don't remember exactly, but I think that the most I ever drilled for one of these was about 28 give or take a couple. It's admittedly tedious, but not technical. Just curious - why wouldn't you attempt this? Aren't we supposed to give customers what they want at a price they can afford? Or are we just supposed to repair the easy money damages?

Cheers;

Puka Pau

[t4k]

I've repaired dozens of these. Drill and fill each and every crack. I don't remember exactly, but I think that the most I ever drilled for one of these was about 28 give or take a couple. It's admittedly tedious, but not technical. Just curious - why wouldn't you attempt this? Aren't we supposed to give customers what they want at a price they can afford? Or are we just supposed to repair the easy money damages?

Cheers;

Puka Pau

Just for giggles let's say you charge $55.00 + $10.00 for your repairs. The math would look like this: $55 + ( 27 x $10) = $325.00. At this price, I would let the customer decide whether they would want a repaired w/s with (28) drilled holes in it or a new w/s. I personally would opt for the new w/s.

[robert n]

I've repaired dozens of these. Drill and fill each and every crack. I don't remember exactly, but I think that the most I ever drilled for one of these was about 28 give or take a couple. It's admittedly tedious, but not technical. Just curious - why wouldn't you attempt this? Aren't we supposed to give customers what they want at a price they can afford? Or are we just supposed to repair the easy money damages?

Cheers;

Puka Pau

Just for giggles let's say you charge $55.00 + $10.00 for your repairs. The math would look like this: $55 + ( 27 x $10) = $325.00. At this price, I would let the customer decide whether they would want a repaired w/s with (28) drilled holes in it or a new w/s. I personally would opt for the new w/s.

Puka Pau,
I would not repair it because of what T4K said. In addition, I do not want to invest the time, resin, drill burs and have the customer unhappy with the repairs. Even setting the customers expectation on the final outcome of the repair...It is an investment/risk I am not going to take. If a customer was unhappy with one of my repairs...l would not charge them for the repair.

BTW: What is a fair price to ask for such a repair?

Respectfully,
Robert

[puka pau]

T4K and Robert N;

I only repair this type of damage for established accounts or as a demonstration for an prospective account - specifically to prove that damage like this can be repaired and present an acceptable cosmetic appearance. I consider this type of damage (along with a few others) a "loss leader". In case you are not familiar with the term, a loss-leader is an item that a company sells at or below cost to attract and/or retain customers. A recent example would be those $200 42" flat screen TVs that Best Buy and others were giving away on Black Friday. The strategy is to get the customer in the door to buy the loss-leader item and continue to buy other products at full retail. I can't recall ever charging more than about $75 or so and I normally would use at least five or maybe six bridges simultaneously - normally the damage depicted in the photo would take me maybe 45 minutes +/- assuming average weather conditions. Repairing a few dozen of these over a period of twenty-some years averages out to 2-3 per year at most and repairing stuff like this keeps the competiton from being competition - so I guess I don't have to worry about either of you breathing down my neck. One of my favored business tenets is "Give a little, get a lot". When I repair something like this for an established customer I consider it a gesture of appreciation for his continued business and support. And $75 for 45 minutes or even an hour and 45 minutes isn't going to kill me. If you expect to make money every time you lift a finger... well, good luck with that.

Cheers;

Puka Pau

[screenman]

I have repaired plenty that look like the inner group, but I would not attempt this one as I said earlier I consider it broken on the inside as well.

A problem I have come across with repairing large damage for some customers, is that they then may get into the habit of leaving the smaller stuff until it gets this big. I no longer do work for those type.

[t4k]

When I do a demonstration for a new customer, I prefer to do a normal chip. This gives the new customer a sample of what a realistic chip and repair will look like. These swirling types of chips are rare and most will be replaced by the dealership or the customer, so I will not waste my time or supplies.

As far as customer appreciation, I show this everyday by doing quality work at a quality price.

[DryStar]

I've repaired dozens of these. Drill and fill each and every crack. I don't remember exactly, but I think that the most I ever drilled for one of these was about 28 give or take a couple. It's admittedly tedious, but not technical. Just curious - why wouldn't you attempt this? Aren't we supposed to give customers what they want at a price they can afford? Or are we just supposed to repair the easy money damages?

Cheers;

Puka Pau

What kind of stuff are you drinking in your part of the country? I've repaired smaller versions of this type of damage in the past but never one of this magnitude. Total waste of my time and the customers. Even if you do attempt it...finished results would look horrible!! But hey...if it floats your boat, who am I to argue? Just wouldn't like my signature on that one.

[clearquest]

I wouldn't even consider repairing that and I think anyone who does is nuts! Not worth the time, effort, resin, etc. etc. etc. If you have that much time on your hands maybe you need a 2nd job!

[Mr Bill]

I did one like that for my neighbor.
He was happy with the result and I gained some experience.
Six months later he got another chip which cracked out immediately, so he replaced the WS.
I would generally prefer not to do this kind of repair since it is too time consuming, but I might, if I had nothing better to do and I was hurting for money.