How to remove windshield scratches caused by wiper?

sammyb · 08-06-2003, 08:31 PM

My '69 has a nasty scratch on the windshield from where the stupid previous owner ran the wipers without a blade installed.

How can I get this scratch out of the windshield? Any tips, tricks, products??

Thanks,
Sam

Corey_68 · 08-06-2003, 08:37 PM

I believe Eastwood sells a glass polishing kit. It's a very fine abrasive and I was told by a fellow hot rodder it works quite well.

:cheers:

gdh · 08-06-2003, 08:56 PM

Bon Ami or cerium oxide (what a lot of detailers use).

yellow 72 · 08-06-2003, 09:10 PM

If the scratch is deep enough to catch your fingernail forget it, it can't be removed :nonod:

Mike :cheers:

Corvette ED · 08-06-2003, 10:13 PM

My 75 convertible had a wiper mark across the right side and the left arm was bent at one time and was rubbing the lower part of the windshield. I had the windshield replaced last week. Now the car looks good and my vision is clear. It only cost me $230.00 installed. When the glass installers were removing the old one they showed me that time had taken its toll and the windshield wasn't even sticking to the tape at the top anymore.

My windshield frame was in good shape with no rust through and my new glass is in and sealed. No more windshield leaks.

GrandSportC3 · 08-06-2003, 10:22 PM

C3 windshields aren't that expensive... They are around $200 installed...

vettfixr · 08-07-2003, 11:59 AM

Fforget trying to remove it with the Eastwood kit. It doesn't work. I tried to buff a spot about 6 inches square one weekend. After a few hours it didn't even make a dent in the haze. I wouldn't even attempt it on a good sized scratch. Just get a new windshield and be done with it.

75 BBC Stingray · 08-07-2003, 12:12 PM

If you are really set on getting the scratch removed from the windshield instead of replacing it, I would recommend that you find a shop that has the 3M glass repair system. I've seen the abrasive take out some pretty tough scratches. Unfortunately, the tool to use the pads is quite expensive, putting it out of reach of most home repair budgets.

http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediaw...___52yk7yun92-

http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediaw...yyyfD63TXs4ZE-

http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediaw...uuuB&ee5soh70-

TexasShark · 08-07-2003, 04:10 PM

How deep the scratch is is definatley a determining factor. However, if it isn't bad save money on a bunch of products that may or may not work and go get yourself a bundle of newspaper and toothpaste. The toothpaste is a mild abrasive and the newsprint (b&w only) won't streak the windows. BTW-if you are a smoker, save your ashes (no butts). They're great for polishing (works as jewelry cleaner, too). OK, done with my Martha Stewart moment, need football :leaving:

Scooter70 · 08-07-2003, 04:17 PM

I tried the Eastwood stuff on my side windows. It didn't work all that well. I'll end up buying all new glass eventually.

LAvetteman · 08-07-2003, 04:19 PM

Quote:

If the scratch is deep enough to catch your fingernail forget it, it can't be removed :nonod:

Mike :cheers:

:iagree: If that scratch is anything like what I have seen once before where a blade fell off and the wiper arm"GOUGED" the glass, forget about it the glass has actually been dug into. As others have mentioned, if it catches your finger nail it can't be repaired.

I replaced the windshield on my 71 two years ago. $160.00 glass and labor.