WINDSHIELD CHIP REPAIR

There is something, however, that you can do to prolong or even prevent the need for replacement of a chipped windshield. There are many companies, such as Loctite® , which offer windshield chip repair products, such as the BullseyeWindshield Repair Kit (Part No. 16067). These kits are not meant to correct cracks or holes in your windshield, only chips caused by gravel or stones.

NOTE: Check with your state and local authorities on the laws for state safety inspection. Some states or municipalities may not allow chip repair as a viable option for correcting stone damage to your windshield.

To fix a stone chip in your windshield with the Loctite® BullseyeWindshield Repair Kit, perform the following:

NOTE: Loctite Corporation recommends that their repair kits should be applied outside in the sunlight, which, evidently, helps cure the repair solution much faster. In one of our experiments with these kits, performed in a shop using fluorescent lights and without any sunlight, the solution had not cured even after 18 hours. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the solution be allowed to cure in sunlight.

1. Clean the damaged area of your windshield with glass cleaner, then dry the area completely.

   WARNING
   The fluid contained in chip repair kits may damage paint; be sure to cover any exposed areas with clean shop rags.

2. Cover any painted surfaces with a clean shop rag, because the chip repair fluid may damage or remove paint.
3. Remove the adhesive disc from the kit, then remove the center hole plug from the disc.
4. Peel the backing off of one side of the disc, then, with the disc tab pointing upward, line up the hole in the disc with the center of the chip on the windshield. Press the disc onto the windshield.

   Fig. 1: Small chips on your windshield can be fixed with an aftermarket repair kit, such as the one from Loctite(

   Fig. 2: To repair a chip, clean the windshield with glass cleaner and dry it completely

   Fig. 3: Remove the center from the adhesive disc and peel off the backing from one side of the disc . . .

   Fig. 4: . . . then press it on the windshield so that the chip is centered in the hole

   Fig. 5: Be sure that the tab points upward on the windshield

5. Remove the plastic pedestal from the kit. Peel the paper off of the other side of the disc, then align the pedestal with the disc, making sure that the tabs are also aligned. Press the pedestal firmly onto the disc.

   Fig. 6: Peel the backing off the exposed side of the adhesive disc . . .

   Fig. 7: . . . then position the plastic pedestal on the adhesive disc, ensuring that the tabs are aligned

   Fig. 8: Press the pedestal firmly on the adhesive disc to create an adequate seal . . .

   Fig. 9: . . . then install the applicator syringe nipple in the pedestal's hole

6. Remove the fluid applicator (syringe) from the kit and remove the cap from its tip.
7. Thread the syringe into the pedestal tube.

   NOTE: During the next step, pull the plunger back until you feel it hit the stop on the inside of the syringe.

8. While holding the syringe with one hand, gently pull back the syringe's plunger with the other hand, hold it there for 5–10 seconds, then abruptly release the plunger. Repeat this step 10 times.
9. Allow the entire assembly to sit, undisturbed, for 30 minutes.
10. From inside the vehicle, inspect the damaged area for any residual air bubbles. A flashlight may be necessary. If any air bubbles remain, repeat Steps 8 and 9.
11. Allow the repair kit to sit undisturbed until the solution has fully hardened or set. The light level where you are performing the repair largely dictates the length of time the repair solution needs to completely set. If the repair is performed in a bright, sunny area, it should set up in approximately 1 hour. If the repair is performed inside or on a cloudy day, allow 4–5 hours for it to fully set.

    NOTE: If the repair must be performed indoors and it does not set in a few hours, an ultraviolet lamp may help expedite the curing process. However, according to the manufacturer, this should not be necessary.

12. Remove the syringe from the pedestal.
13. Using a pair of pliers or a utility knife, if necessary, remove the pedestal and adhesive disc from the windshield.
14. Clean up any excess compound with glass cleaner.

    NOTE: For other brands of windshield repair kits, follow the manufacturer's instructions enclosed with the kit.

    Fig. 10: Hold the syringe with one hand while pulling the plunger back with the other hand

    Fig. 11: After applying the solution, allow the entire assembly to sit until it has set completely

    Fig. 12: After the solution has set, remove the syringe from the pedestal . . .

    Fig. 13: . . . then peel the pedestal off of the adhesive disc . . .

    Fig. 14: . . . and peel the adhesive disc off of the windshield

    Fig. 15: The chip will still be slightly visible, but it should be filled with the hardened solution