Question: HUD windshields with reflective coatings - repairable?

[AV8R]

The questions are:
Can a HUD configured C6 vette's windshield scratch into the reflective coating on the interior side be repaired?
(not a mar or chemical smear, but a scratch you can feel with a finger nail. A couple of inches long as if done with a watch bezel when cleaning)

Follow on questions:
If so, how much does that cost and who does that kind of thing?

If not, how much does a C6 HUD windshield go for?

thanks

 

[Huskerman]

The questions are:
Can a HUD configured C6 vette's windshield scratch into the reflective coating on the interior side be repaired?
(not a mar or chemical smear, but a scratch you can feel with a finger nail. A couple of inches long as if done with a watch bezel when cleaning)

Follow on questions:
If so, how much does that cost and who does that kind of thing?

If not, how much does a C6 HUD windshield go for?

thanks

I believe the laminate they use is between the windshield glass layers and not on the surface of the inside of the glass....The Hud windshield will cost more but I read that you won't notice much difference in a non Hud cheaper windshield.....just not quite as sharp and image.......but I have not seen it with my own eyes......this all being true I don't know what the scratch is you are seeing.

 

[AV8R]

There are plastic laminate anti-lacerative layers between the windshield layers, aka safety glass. Also read that a thin optical layer get between the glass layers for some cars to improve the optics and reflectivity. But because of what I witnessed while test driving a 2010 C6, I'm convinced that there is also an externally deposited film layer on glass on the windshield facing the vehicles interior. I think its an anti-fog layer.

Patents like this are proof of such,
http://www.google.co.in/patents/US4609688

What makes me think the C6 with HUD has this is because of this sad but true story:
there I was, test driving a beautiful black C6 at CarMax. It was nearly perfect except it was a stick and my wife and I want an AT. There was one small issue also, the HUD was hard to see on the windscreen no matter what setting and outside brightness. Either the HUD was defective or the smeared greasy cleaner on the HUD lens or windshield.

This new sales guy (ex contractor) said not to worry he would get it taken care of in 10 minutes while I waited in the parking lot next to my trusty old C4. As promised he comes back and gives me a smile and thumbs up. So I get in and sure enough the HUD is bright and clear.... Except for that 2 in long scratch and dot dot dot small scratches as it trails off. Right dab in center of where I look through the HUD symbology. I take a clean microfiber from my car and attempt to wipe away the mar and to my dismay it's truly a scratch. I can feel it with my finger nail. Then I look at the sales guy's arm and I see the cause, a big watch with a knarled bezel on the perimeter of the face place. The guy scoured this inner coating in an attempt to close the deal. I request that they fix it before I would buy the car. His management says no. I've followed this car for two weeks since and it goes offline when someone reserves it and a day later it's back. Over and over again. Stupid situation and unwise management IMHO. It's ok, I'm really after an AT, so this probably saved me with the wife's expectations.

So there you have it, there is something on the outside interior windscreen.

Tangentially,
This link discusses the issue of the HUD windshield being the same as the non HUD part, even though they have different GM part numbers and prices. It also states that Z's are thinner and lighter.
Windshield replacement..Z06 HUD OMFG$$$ - Corvette Forum


and if you want to know where HUD technology is heading, check this out
http://youtu.be/wR5EAEGM4-U

 

[AV8R]

More on the HUD layer in the windshield




------------------


The DuPont(TM) Wedge(TM) for Head-up Display Illuminates Safety, Navigation and Handling Features; Available on GM Vehicles




TROY, Mich., June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- A head-up display (HUD) technology
from Asahi Glass, Nippon Seiki and DuPont Automotive is available as an option
on several GM vehicles including the Pontiac Grand Prix, Cadillac STS and
Chevrolet Corvette. It comes standard on the Cadillac XLR and the new 2006
Chevrolet Corvette Z06, launching in the fourth quarter of 2005.


The distortion-free, head-up display (HUD) communicates driver-selected
information, such as navigation, performance features as well as vehicle speed
to the driver. This year, the HUD incorporates a new Track Mode setting that
presents real-time information on lateral acceleration -- better known as G-
Force. In Street Mode, driver-selectable settings include vehicle and engine
speed, direction, turn signals, gear position, audio settings and even turn-
by-turn directions on vehicles equipped with a navigation system.


At the center of the HUD technology is a precisely engineered "interlayer"
of DuPont(TM) Butacite(R) PVB that acts as the screen onto which the HUD
information is projected. This interlayer is called the DuPont(TM) Wedge(TM)
because of its angular cross-section.


Laminated between two layers of glass, the Wedge(TM) is transparent to
allow distortion-free forward vision, but also is able to reflect the HUD
projection for viewing by the driver. The virtual image appears to float in
the driver's line of sight near the front of the car, minimizing refocus time.
Virtual image location and brightness can be adjusted to the driver's
preference. Together, these features help to reduce driver distraction,
enhancing safety.


The Wedge(TM) angle is critical, and was developed through close
cooperation with the GM engineering team, windshield supplier Asahi Glass Co.
and Nippon Seiki, which supplies the HUD projector and served as package
integrator.


"This is a great example of suppliers working together to add value to the
OEM," said Jeff Dickson, general manager, sales, for Nippon Seiki
International Ltd. "As we were adding great new features, such as a wide
array of user-selectable displays, it was important that the image be as crisp
and clear as possible. The laminate is a critical factor in achieving that
goal." The Wedge(TM) is manufactured from DuPont(TM) Butacite(R) PVB polymers
to exacting tolerances.






SOURCE DuPont Automotive

 

[67vet]

I guess I need to be more careful when cleaning the windshield.

 

[don7790]

Well, the reason why they wouldn't replace it is because the cost to replace is around 1200.00 plus installation.