Windshield Repair Forum

I AM LOOKING AT 2 OR 3 DIFFERENT WINDSHIELD KITS
TO BUY. WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF AN ELECTRIC VAC PUMP AND A PLUNGER TYPE?

Hi Standlee,

Welcome to this forum. You may receive a number of responses from different techs as to which system is the best. This choice is fairly subjective, like whether to drive a toyota, honda, ford or chevy. I currently own two Glass Technology systems: the 20-20 and the VP-5000. I was able to 'sample' other systems, and I liked the GT systems best. As for which is better , manual or electric system.... each has definate advantages and disadvantages. The manual systems cost far less, are easier to transport and take up less room. With the proper training, you can achieve as good a repair with a good manual system as with an electrical one (in my opinion). The difference is often in how much time one takes over the other, and even that is subject to training and experience.

If I had it to do over, however, I would not have purchased the VP-5000. Not because it isnt a good system (it is an excellent system, and has served me flawlessly since 1997), but because I could have purchased numerous 20-20 systems for the same money. You can do multiple repairs at once with the VP-5000, all you need is additional bridge/injection assemblies, however you still have to stay close to the power system because of the hose, so this keeps you basically at working one vehicle at a time. With several manual systems, you are free to move between 2 or 3 vehicles, since the vacuum/pressure cycles are achieved internally.

I dont tell you this to discourage you from owning the VP-5000 or a similar system, but so that you might make an informed decision. If all your work is going to be done in-shop, one vehicle at a time, something like the VP-5000 would be a wise choice to keep on a shop cart and wheel it out when a repair arrives.

I wish you success in this business, and hope to see you here again.

Grace

Standlee,

Welcome to the forums!

I'm sure you could tell by my user name which systems I would recommend, so i'll leave that part up to others.

I would suggest, to start with, request all information you can from the suppliers you are thinking about. Do this over the phone, instead of the net, that way you can talk to someone, and check out their customer service. These are typically the same people you may want to call for tech support, so that is very important. How knowledgeable are they? Are they courteous and polite? Do they take the time to answer all your questions or do they seem hurried? Do they try to hard sell you? It may not sound like much, but if they are not helpful now, they will NOT be helpful later.

Also, ask them about the other kits you are thinking about. If they are secure in their products, they will not slam their competition, but instead give you a honest assessment of the capabilities of their own versus their competitors.

I'm sure others can think of helpful advice, so i'll give up the floor. Be sure to come back and tell everyone who you decided to go with!

Take Care!



Jeff Higgins
Delta Kits, Inc.
jhiggins@deltakits.com
http://www.deltakits.com

Hello Standlee,

First I would like say I own a Delta Kit. I will explain why.

1.As Jeff mentioned, I contacted different suppliers and tested their customer service skills/character. I got met with varying responses but what impressed me the most was that Delta Kits never compromised their integrity by slamming their competitors and supplied me with unbiased factual information to make an educated decision.

2.Delta Kits said see for yourself and invited me to a mobile trim expo in Orlando Florida. Not knowing that by trade I work for a us major airline, I took them up on their offer and showed up. It gave me a chance to see all the big boys in the biz under one roof. It also allowed me to wittiness first hand their customer service capabilities/character along with the technical capabilities of the tooling. What I witnessed was a common denominator, as I spent time at the delta kits booth..numerous experienced WSR Technicians wishing that that had gone with a Delta Kit verses there existing kit from varying manufacturers and why. Never once did I hear a negative comment towards their competitors in anyway. Never once did delta kits try to hard sell me. Their product confidence allows it to speak for itself.

The above is just my personal experience/opinion. Take it for what its worth.

More specifically, manual or electronic, well I feel it's like waxing your vehicle. You get a better job when done by hand vs. electric buffer.

Remember: whatever tooling you go with... THE TOOLING IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE TECHNICIAN USING IT.


I hope this helps.

Brian
Safe Glass Technologies.com

HI GOLD STAR,
THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY. I PURCHASED A VERY CLEAN
USED GT SYSTEM FOR MY SHOP FOR ABOUT 600.00 SO
I GUESS I DID OK. BUT AFTER YOUR REPLY I THINK A MANUAL KIT WILL BE MY NEXT PURCHASE. THANKS FOR THE INFO.

Standlee,

For only $600 you made a really good deal! Even though you purchased the equipment second hand, the folks at GT will still be available to answer your questions and give you technical advice. They also will train you at their facility in Durango, CO. Last I heard, it was still free. Depending on the age of the equipment, you might want to have the battery checked. They're really only good for a couple of years, as a rule. If it does need a new one, they are available through GT; or if there is a "Batteries Plus" store near you, check them out. They have batteries for virtually every thing that needs one.

I wish you success in the windshield repair business, and hope to continue to see you in the forums.

I have an auto glass replacement shop and I've just added windshield repair to my business. I have been using a kit from The Windshield Doctor Repair Kit and it is just as easy to use as they say. I've had it for 6 months and it's working great. They're also great people to deal with. Just my 2 cents.