Windshield Distortion Testing

[George Dalby <grd19@xxxxxxx>]

A useful technique to detect distortion is to look across, rather than
directly through the windshield's normal line of sight.  Standing alongside
your car next to the A pillar and look through the windshield from
side-to-side.  Distortioon that can otherwise be hard to see when looking
through only several mm of glass thickness (looking directly forward)
become very noticeable when looking across through several feet of the same
glass.

george dalby

>In a message dated 10/30/98 5:07:28 PM Pacific Standard Time, owner-bmw-
>digest@domain.elided writes:
>
><< Date: Wed, 28 Oct 1998 15:40:23 -0500
> From: "LePage, Alex" <LEPAGEAP@domain.elided>
> Subject: Replacement Windshield Troubles...
> I took a rock at about 90 mph some time back--cracked my M3's windshield
> from end to end.
> I had the cracked windshield replaced by the dealer, but the first piece of
> glass they installed had all kinds of very noticeable distortions. So I
> insisted on another...
> In the second windshield the distortions are far less noticeable, but
> they're there and they're annoying.
> Now I'm insisting the dealer install a third windshield. One of the dealer's
> reps attempted to  imply that virtually all windshields will have some
> distortions.  I find this claim hard to believe considering my original
> windshield had no perceptible distortions. Plus, even my Mazda's windshield
> looks absolutely perfect.
> Anyone have any experience with distorted windshields? Am I being
> unreasonable about the distortions or is the dealer rep full it? >>
>
>~~~~ No, you are not being unreasonable. Glass comes in OEM varieties. You can
>get original glass (look at the brand embedded on the windshields at BMW
>dealers). This is what I do. Then there is the PPG and other "direct"
>replacments for OEM. I PASS on these. Then there is the South African made
>Safelite and other "insurance company specials" brands. You get my drift.
>
>~~~~ I have the glass dealer =(or BMW dealer) order up the factoy windshield,
>and when it comes in, I put it under flourescent light in the showroom and
>"tilt" it back and forth, checking for float distortions. If they are there
>(in the line of sight area) - i PASS, and have them reorder another one.
>ALWAYS inspect your new windshield BEFORE installation. Another tip, always
>let make sure the cars sits, undriven, for at least 5 hours after the
>windshield is glued/bonded in. This is the #1 reason for leaking windshield
>replacements. Shop should be warm inside to facilitate curing, or, immediately
>upon installation, car is backed out into sun to cure.\\
>
>Randy
>cookies@domain.elided
>BMWCC member
>lSan Diego Section

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