The mobile windshield repair crew arrived around 10:30. I had thought that they would prefer mornings due to the temperature but they said you get used to the heat. They removed the drivers side glass first and noticed a small chip about 6” from the bottom. They filled the chip before moving on to the passenger side. We left the rear A/C on and left the cat back there. The dogs are sitting in the Prius with the A/C running.
I went ahead and anchored the awning down so that there was some shade. There is a light breeze causing the awning to flap. I used the light rope to anchor it in Lake Texoma and it seemed to hold it in place. Actually, sitting out here in the shade with a light breeze blowing isn’t too bad. As long as you stay hydrated. At noon, it’s 99°F.
Once both halves of the windshield were removed, all of the old bedding compound and adhesive had to be removed before the new gasket is installed. Rubber bedding compound, somewhat like caulk goes into the groove on the gasket before installation onto the body. The same compound goes into the gasket groove before the glass is installed. A hard plastic lock strip is then installed into another groove in the gasket to hold everything in place.
He said that the front end fiberglass was thin and flexible possibly from water. Sounds ominous. At 3pm, its 99°F and they are putting in the locking strip. Not an easy task especially working out in the sun. The corners are both looking a lot better than they were before. Both the glass and fiberglass look fully seated into the gasket. Before you could see unpainted areas showing next to the gasket. The job took them 5½ hours and they were on the phone for quite a while getting additional info from others in their network.
The tech said that we shouldn’t move for at least two days. We are here until Tuesday. It’s 6pm and still 99°F!
Wow. What a job. Hope this one keeps.
ReplyDeleteWe hope so too!
DeleteMobile windshield repair... never heard of such business, in our neck of the woods you have to get your vehicle to a shop... poor guys working in such a heat.
ReplyDeleteMobile glass repair is common. At least in the warmer states. I remember it from the early 70’s.
DeleteWarm day to be out working in the sun.....all the cleaning and scraping prep work, must be quite a chore.
ReplyDeleteThey said that they are used to it. All of their business is mobile and they don’t have a shop. Just a warehouse of glass. They also repair fogged double pane windows.
DeleteSounds very thorough and careful. Good deal you planned plenty of time for the compound to set up.
ReplyDeleteI hope the repair sticks. And I knew that we needed to let the bedding compound set when we made the reservation. We are using the 50% rate from Passport America for out full stay. Not a bad deal since we are using a lot of electricity.
DeleteAt 99 degrees, I'll bet you are! š Stay cool, kids!
DeleteDoes your general auto insurance cover screens if they have to be replaced Richard? My wife's Honda has anti-collision radar bonded to the screen and when hers had to be replaced, it was a real performance as the radar had to be removed, re-attached to the new screen and then recalibrated. Only big dealerships have the gear to do that.
ReplyDeleteNope, not covered by insurance since it is not caused by a road hazard or accident. If the windshield was cracked or broken then, yes, it would’ve been covered. The 2005 model has no high tech anything (which I consider a good thing), It may have anti-lock brakes but I’m not sure.
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