95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

Fixes for a pitted windshield?

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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 09:27 AM
  #1  
midiwall's Avatar
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From: Seattleish, WA
Fixes for a pitted windshield?

My windshield is full of little micro-pits, it's all "normal" stuff in the scope of 8 years of driving behind trucks on highways.

I'm wondering if anyone has tried something like wet sanding the windshield with a fine abrasive to polish them out? (just to be clear, these aren't cracks or big pits from flying rocks, these are "sharp pencil tip" divots)
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 10:47 AM
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From: Virgina
Originally Posted by midiwall
My windshield is full of little micro-pits, it's all "normal" stuff in the scope of 8 years of driving behind trucks on highways.

I'm wondering if anyone has tried something like wet sanding the windshield with a fine abrasive to polish them out? (just to be clear, these aren't cracks or big pits from flying rocks, these are "sharp pencil tip" divots)
Wierd I just had my windshield replaced last week wow what a difference.. only cost me $40.00 after after insurance took care of it. I did have a crack that ran the length of the window and a few other star rock chips.
I say smack it hard make it crack get a new one doh I didn't say that did I...
I think it be better to just get a replacement windshield..
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 11:08 AM
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From: puget sound, washington
i know there is some type of rubbing compound that is for windows so just look around at your local parts store or call a windshield place and ask if they know of anything i will try to find the stuff im think of and if i can i will post again
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 11:17 AM
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Try toothpaste, seriously.
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 11:32 AM
  #5  
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From: NNJ
I wonder if that clear polymer stuff I see on infomercials for eye glass repair would work. Supposed to fill in the surface pits and scratches on the glasses.
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 11:38 AM
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From: ARIZONA
Originally Posted by WT
Wierd I just had my windshield replaced last week wow what a difference.. only cost me $40.00 after after insurance took care of it. I did have a crack that ran the length of the window and a few other star rock chips.
I say smack it hard make it crack get a new one doh I didn't say that did I...
I think it be better to just get a replacement windshield..


Check your insurance company / policy, it might be "Free" replacement.
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 11:45 AM
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midiwall's Avatar
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Ahhh... toothpaste may work - good one Christian!

I've used it pretty successfully on eye-glasses and CDs.


Crest, here I come!
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 11:56 AM
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From: Virgina
Originally Posted by COYOTA $x$
Check your insurance company / policy, it might be "Free" replacement.
yeah I got $100 deductable on windshield replacement $60.00 covered by the company doing the work so I feel I got a good deal.
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 12:02 PM
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From: Thornton, Colorado
Your windshield lasted 8 years In Colorado I think most people are lucky to get 2-3 years without at least one crack.
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 01:10 PM
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Might also try really fine grade steel wool (no kidding). I believe it is OOO or OOOO...anyway it's the finest one they make.

Better yet, combine it with toothpaste!
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 02:16 PM
  #11  
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From: ARIZONA
Originally Posted by roger
Might also try really fine grade steel wool (no kidding). I believe it is OOO or OOOO...anyway it's the finest one they make.

Better yet, combine it with toothpaste!
I found the most effective method is to apply the toothpaste in a clockwise swirl, using L'eggs Pantyhose (but only blue shade) as the wipe on applicator. Then use the Steel Wool in a counter-clockwise direction to polish. (unless youre in the Southern Hemisphere, then its the opposite directions)

Here a big tip that most of the time gets forgotten: Dont cut the pantyhose for the applicator, leave them whole, as the ends will fray (very tiny and nearly naked to the unaided eye) while applying toothspaste and will quickly clog the steel wool and render it effectiveless and youll just be pushing toothpaste around instead of Polishing. Leaving them whole is bulky and kind of gets in the way, and you dont want to set it down (it will pick up dirst and dust particles) so instead, you can just stretch them over your head bank robber style and theyll stay handy and clean.

Good luck
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 02:16 PM
  #12  
midiwall's Avatar
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From: Seattleish, WA
Originally Posted by cubuff4runner
Your windshield lasted 8 years In Colorado I think most people are lucky to get 2-3 years without at least one crack.
k3wl huh? I have one crack in the far upper left corner, and two small rock chips, but none are issues with driving.


Thanks for the 0000 steel wool thoughts Roger, I'll try that in a corner after the toothpaste.


And... I have an inquiry into my insurance company to see if this is covered.
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 02:47 PM
  #13  
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From: Santa Cruz, CA
Griots Garage has a couple of glass polish options. One for fine scratches and general clean up, and another for deeper scratches. Works great.

just my 2cents

good luck
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 07:00 PM
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From: Littleton, CO
Originally Posted by cubuff4runner
Your windshield lasted 8 years In Colorado I think most people are lucky to get 2-3 years without at least one crack.
haha I was thinking the same. I replace mine every 4 years or so...
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