Windshield scratched

[ASASki]

The windshield on my '65 is pretty badly scratched just above the wiper on the driver's side. It looks like someone was using something sharp to take ice off. The windshield is OEM. My son thinks it can be 'polished' out but we were wondering if replacing it will detract from how it shows. Would judges remove points for a replacement? Just curious if anyone has an opinion. Much thanks.

 

[tbird5866]

I'm told the scratches can be polished out IF you cant feel them by running your fingernail over the scratch.

 

[redbird1]

I'm told the scratches can be polished out IF you cant feel them by running your fingernail over the scratch.

What would you use to polish out the scratch?
Bob.

 

[FORDT64]

Scratches in glass can sometimes be buffed out with a special buffing wheel and compound, provided the scratch is not deep. As a rule of thumb, if you can feel your fingernail catch while running it across the scratch, it is probably too deep to polish.

Another concern with buffing or polishing scratched windshields is the distortion of the glass caused by the removal of material which eliminates the scratch. In other words, if the scratch is not small, and very light on the glass surface, you will probably not gain any benefit from polishing it out, because as you remove more material to eliminate the damage, you will be creating a change in the surface contour which will cause a wavy apperance when you look through it. Only light scratches and scuffs can be buffed out without causing too much distortion in the glass.

You may be better off to try to find a used glass that is in better condition, if you are trying to preserve the vehicle's originality. Another option is to find a glass company that will sell you a new windshield, however, the markings on the glass will not resemble vintage glass markings.

Brian (Auto Glass Technician--12+ yrs. exp.)

 

[redbird1]

Actually, the scratch is a very small,very thin one on the driver's side window.
Really isn't that noticable, except to me.
I can't feel it when I go across it with my fingernail.
I would like to polish it out.
Would a polishing compound work,or would rubbing compound be better?
The one thing I am concerned about is will rubbing it out do anything to the factory tint on the window?
Bob.

 

[FORDT64]

Actually, the scratch is a very small,very thin one on the driver's side window.
Really isn't that noticable, except to me.
I can't feel it when I go across it with my fingernail.
I would like to polish it out.
Would a polishing compound work,or would rubbing compound be better?
The one thing I am concerned about is will rubbing it out do anything to the factory tint on the window?
Bob.

The compound used for polishing glass is a powder called Cerium Oxide. I am not aware of any place to get it other than glass suppliers or shops. However you may be able to find something in the form of a consumer friendly product on-line. Bear in mind that any scratch generally has to be buffed using a high speed polishing tool, for it to be removed in a reasonable amount of time. I can't say that I have ever heard of anyone polishing out a scratch, in a windshield, by hand. Also, do not attempt to polish glass with auto body rubbing or polishing compounds--you will probably end up scratching the windshield more, by using these. Stick to the products made for glass specifically.

Polishing the glass should have no bearing on the factory tint, since it is actually tinted in the middle, laminate layer of the windshield. You will be polishing on the outside glass surface.

You might benefit from having a glass shop look at it. Perhaps they could polish it for you, for a reasonable amount of money, and give you the best results.

Brian

 

[redbird1]

Thanks Brian, That is some good advice.
Bob.