best long crack repair technique?

scratchy · Post by **scratchy** » January 22nd, 2004, 6:56 am

Someone out there has to be a master at fixing single cracks 12 inches and up and I was wondering what is the sure way to get them to fill completely. I will gladly buy additional tooling if needed. Vaseline on the windshield is not an option, too messy. Drilling and injecting works great on the smaller ones but who here is the crack master and is willing to share. These cracks pay well but must be done right.

johnnyone · Post by **johnnyone** » January 22nd, 2004, 7:13 am

First inspect the crack, is it reparable? how old is it? would the customer be happy with the job?What is the overall condition of the windshield? Do the need a repair or a replacement? Then if you decide the do to repair, clean the area around the crack use several crack stablizers about every 4 to 6 inches and fill with a goodcrack resin, starting at the top and working your way down.this is one way I do it with some good results. Good luck!!

Coitster · Post by **Coitster** » January 22nd, 2004, 7:49 am

Back when I used to fix long cracks I would use Dishwashing detergent as my lubrication for my suction cups. Worked great and was easy to clean when I was done. I personaly liked Pomalive. I don't like using vasaline.
David
Coitster

GlassStarz · Post by **GlassStarz** » January 22nd, 2004, 7:49 am

Hey I make my livin doin this but the best way to fix a 12 inch crack is replacement sorry just my opinion

Coitster · Post by **Coitster** » January 22nd, 2004, 7:52 am

Long crack repair can be done very effectivly if it is repair almost right away from the time it cracks out. If you let it go for a while then you get a lot of dirt in the crack. Then it becomes very hard to repair, because it doesn't look nearly as good. I still do them sometimes however almost everyone waits too long. Oh well.

David
Coitster

gt_repair · Post by **gt_repair** » January 22nd, 2004, 8:47 am

Johnny
I have to differ with you. You said to start at the top and fill down.....
That will only let air back in or runn over you crack that you have not done yet..

The best and only way to do a crack is from the bottom to the top and also use a pit tape to hold the resin in.. I have been doing cracks from 4" - 18" and verry seldom have air in the crack.

Using the crack jacks 4" apart is good. They just have to know how much presure to use other wise they can over open the crack and cause a gap inside the crack when they remove the jacks that will leave a air trap.. Each jack needs a certon amount of presure.

practise and time will help in all this

glassdoctor · Post by **glassdoctor** » January 22nd, 2004, 12:51 pm

I have never been serious aobut doing cracks, but should brush up on it anyway. Do you find edge crack repairs holding up and still 100% filled a year or two later?

Do you guys cure the crack with the crack openers still in place, or do you remove them first? It's been a long time since I have used crack jacks. I had a tool box stolen 4 or 5 years ago and I never replaced them.

gt_repair · Post by **gt_repair** » January 22nd, 2004, 7:30 pm

I leave the jacks in till the repair is cured, then remove them. I do not have any trouble with edge cracks holding even 5 years later... If it is contaminated I will let them know and there may be a small chance it may try to open at the edge. not to bad though.. I have most of the other glass shops telling ther cust.'s to call me when it is a crack if the cust. insist to repair. not bad.

That show about bad replacment shops 3 years ago I think on 48 hours, 20/20 or 60 min's really helped when the cust's say they do not want it replaced. They do not want to break the seal.. Win, win for us.

They should run that spot again.

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best long crack repair technique?

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