Rogue Toad
Well-Known Member
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Introduction:
Since Wranglers are notorious for windshield chips and cracks due to their upright nature, I installed some windshield protection tear-away film made by Racing Optics. The kit costs $199 and provides 3 layers of tear-aways that are supposed to protect the windshield from rocks and the like. This is similar to the technology used by NASCAR, etc. though is meant more for breakage protection rather than a quick removal for optical clarity.
If you'd like to know more about the kit this is their website: https://www.racingoptics.com/ro-jeep/
The steps for installation are as follows (along with my tips / comments):
My further tips:
Now what you've all been waiting for, the pics (followed by my closing review and comments):
Outside of windshield after installation:
Corner of windshield showing where you tear away layers:
Optical clarity from inside the vehicle. If you look VERY closely you can see a couple of "hazy" spots. Those are the dust/dirt motes. Not really an issue and I don't notice them in everyday use.
Area at the bottom center of windshield that I just couldn't get to adhere. I cut with a razor blade to see if it would help, but no go. This seems to have progressed slightly in the month since the install, but isn't in my field of view so not an issue for me (yet).
Final Thoughts:
While I've yet to get struck with any large rocks that would otherwise cause a chip or crack, I do feel pretty confident that this will be a marked improvement over the stock glass. I've had it on a month and have been very happy with the clarity (it was slightly hazy the first couple of days but cleared up as it cured). I have no issues with wipers or scratches from road debris yet. Each layer is supposed to be "good" for 6 months, but I assume that has nothing to do with protection, and is only to restore clarity when the outermost layer gets scratched.
If I had to this over again, I'd be even more careful with prep. I would also like to figure out how to ensure I don't have any small de-laminated areas like that one in the center of my windshield. It costs more than my glass deductible, but I weigh that against the hassle of getting a windshield replaced - which inevitably happens when I'm half way across the country on a road trip.
I did have a problem with my shipment as well as a couple of questions, but each time I contacted Racing Optics I got a reply within an hour or so and they've bent over backward to help me out. Their customer service has been excellent.
EDIT: I just noticed upon review of their site that there isn't a link to buy the Jeep kit directly like there was for me... Not sure what is going on there.
Since Wranglers are notorious for windshield chips and cracks due to their upright nature, I installed some windshield protection tear-away film made by Racing Optics. The kit costs $199 and provides 3 layers of tear-aways that are supposed to protect the windshield from rocks and the like. This is similar to the technology used by NASCAR, etc. though is meant more for breakage protection rather than a quick removal for optical clarity.
If you'd like to know more about the kit this is their website: https://www.racingoptics.com/ro-jeep/
The steps for installation are as follows (along with my tips / comments):
1. Clean all dust & debris from the front end of the vehicle and windshield. Do this inside the garage and make sure all windows, doors, and sources of dust are eliminated as best as possible. Comment: Prep is everything! Make sure everything is spotless. I have a couple minor dirt motes between the film and the windshield which probably came off my arm from mowing the grass earlier. Triple check everything.
2. Remove the installation tools from the Racing Optics kit box and prepare for the installation. Comment: the kit includes the film, a squeegee, and a bottle of installation solution.
3. Install and date the Racing Optics sticker to the windshield. Comment: I didn't do this. I see no need for a sticker.
4. Apply installation solution to the hood of the Jeep and place the film on the hood. Make sure the film is liner side up. Comment: there will be a sticker on the film which shows which side is the liner. This will also help you remove the film.
5. Re-Apply the solution to the windshield making sure to leave no dry spots on the windshield. Use the provided squeegee to remove the water that was just applied, cleaning the windshield. Comment: Seems optional to me since the windshield should have been cleaned in the prep phase, but I did it anyway - this may also clean off any chemicals depending on what cleaner you used.
6. Re-apply the solution to the windshield making sure to leave no dry spots. Comment: Use plenty of solution. There is no real downside to too much, but any dry spots are going to be a problem.
7. Remove the liner from the film (liner will be marked with a sticker) and then spray the installation solution on the film's adhesive. Make sure there are no dry spots. Comment: again, use plenty. The kit comes with more than enough solution, so be generous.
8. With a friend, take the film from the hood of the jeep and lay on the windshield. There should be approximately a 1/4-1/2 inch gap all the way around. Comment: a friend is going to be a big help here not only to get everything lifted and aligned properly, but to also help hold the film in place during the next steps.
9. Take the squeegee and make a single pass down the center of the windshield from top to bottom. This will keep the film in place on the windshield. Comment: it will "help" keep it on the windshield, but again a friend is a help when you go to the next step. Use a firm pressure and focus on removing all solution and air bubbles.
10. Make several passes with the squeegee as seen in the video to remove all of the water in-between the film and the glass. Comment: again, a friend is helpful to hold one side while you make horizontal passes on the other side. Work from a horizontal center line outward to the top and bottom, working the solution out. The video on their site is very helpful and should be reviewed first so you understand what to do. When you get most of the solution out, wrap a paper towel around the end of the squeegee to absorb the final bits of solution coming out to dry the edges.
11. The film will now need between 3-7 days to fully cure depending on your temperature and humidity, and you should avoid car washes until then. You can drive it after an hour or two. Comment: I made sure to do the install when no rain was in the forecast for the next couple of days just to be safe.
My further tips:
1. Prep, prep, prep, then clean and prep again. You'll get the best result.
2. Use plenty of installation solution on every step.
3. Use plenty of pressure when squeegeeing and always work from the center outward. Don't leave any solution or bubbles behind.
4. If you get an edge that isn't sticking, try peeling it up slightly, spraying more solution, the working it back down again.
Now what you've all been waiting for, the pics (followed by my closing review and comments):
Outside of windshield after installation:
Corner of windshield showing where you tear away layers:
Optical clarity from inside the vehicle. If you look VERY closely you can see a couple of "hazy" spots. Those are the dust/dirt motes. Not really an issue and I don't notice them in everyday use.
Area at the bottom center of windshield that I just couldn't get to adhere. I cut with a razor blade to see if it would help, but no go. This seems to have progressed slightly in the month since the install, but isn't in my field of view so not an issue for me (yet).
Final Thoughts:
While I've yet to get struck with any large rocks that would otherwise cause a chip or crack, I do feel pretty confident that this will be a marked improvement over the stock glass. I've had it on a month and have been very happy with the clarity (it was slightly hazy the first couple of days but cleared up as it cured). I have no issues with wipers or scratches from road debris yet. Each layer is supposed to be "good" for 6 months, but I assume that has nothing to do with protection, and is only to restore clarity when the outermost layer gets scratched.
If I had to this over again, I'd be even more careful with prep. I would also like to figure out how to ensure I don't have any small de-laminated areas like that one in the center of my windshield. It costs more than my glass deductible, but I weigh that against the hassle of getting a windshield replaced - which inevitably happens when I'm half way across the country on a road trip.
I did have a problem with my shipment as well as a couple of questions, but each time I contacted Racing Optics I got a reply within an hour or so and they've bent over backward to help me out. Their customer service has been excellent.
EDIT: I just noticed upon review of their site that there isn't a link to buy the Jeep kit directly like there was for me... Not sure what is going on there.
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