Getting a practice Windshield

[brad333333]

How did you guys go about getting your practice windshields?

Preferably free.

[candyman]

I went to a replacemnt shop and they gave me one. I also had access to a auto salvage yard. DK sells practice glass also.

[benswindshieldrepair]

Go to your local replacement shop and snag one before they toss it in the dumpster. That way it won't be totally thrashed from dropping it. These guys are always happy to hand one off to you. It costs them to dispose of them so...

[Gregg]

I just went to a local junkyard and asked to purchase a windshield.

[johnnyone]

Along time ago I remember that I was told to get a practice windshield to learn to do repairs. First I went to a junk yard to pratice then the owner soon had me doing repairs on his recycled glass that he was selling. He offer to pay me 15 dallars per wind shield I repaired. That turned out to be a win win for both of us. Soon I was doing the employees cars too.

[alamochip]

Hello All!

It works! I just got my free practice windshield!

Question:
How do I make chips in it?

[benswindshieldrepair]

Delta Kits has a few options for you on their website, slide punches etc...check it out. Better yet, call DK at their 888 number and they'll get you set up. The tools are inexpensive.

[ksanges3]

I went to a local junkyard to get mine also. Its cheap and a good place to drop off your businesses cards if the owner is okay with it.

[pa glass]

To get chips in it you will need to hold it firmly while running at about forty miles per hour along a highway.
Truth is, it's very difficult to replicate the impact of a high speed rock.

My advise is this. Simply read a good bit about the process, trust your self and dive in on a couple from friends. There is a learning curve and you will get better at it over time, but it isn't that hard to get a fair result with out any experience at all.

There are just a couple ways to screw up.

Make certain the glass is cool. Glass heated by the sun is often fragile and may break more the moment you apply pressure and don't press on it from the inside to force it open.
Use a probe to remove loose glass from the pit. Take all the time you need. The resin will never harden on it's own. If it doesn't look greatly improved just cycle your pressure and vac again. Maybe a couple seconds with a lighter, but don't be fooled at first if it goes away. The glass will tend to compress and look healed and then open again. Just keep cycling until you see results. It just isn't the same on a removed windshield. It will flex and it is hard to get it on a good angle, it just isn't the same. Some guys do drill. I don't recommend you attempt this before you have pretty much mastered a regular repair. Get your skills before you try short cuts. I find drilling problematic. It can sometimes result in particles forced in and it can "polish" the inside and close off fine lines. It is not for newbies.