Windshield protection

[ArcadeTracks]

I've seen a couple of films/guards (like screen protectors) marketed as lessening chipping and breakage on Wrangler windshields. They are not inexpensive, but I would imagine still significantly less costly and less time-consuming than repairing damage or replacing the entire windshield.
So ... experiences? Brand recommendations or discouragements? And, of course, general thoughts and opinions on the topic!

Sponsored

 

[jromanmd]

Do you have links as examples of what you are referring to?

 

[ArcadeTracks]

Do you have links as examples of what you are referring to?

Sure! Here are [quite] a few I found. Some were posted in these forums in response to other questions. (I did do a search before creating a new post, but it's possible I missed a dedicated thread.)

https://peelawayglass.com/
https://www.getexoshield.com/faq
https://www.quadratec.com/p/tactik/windshield-guard-wrangler-jl-gladiator-jt
https://racingopticsjeep.com/
https://liquid-finish.com/opti-glass-pro/
https://www.extremeterrain.com/windshield-protection-film-jk-j26005.html
https://madico.com/dealers/automotive/windshield-protection/clearplex
https://www.shopdfi.com/product_p/diy-win-def.htm

 

[MyDaughters20JL]

my vote is and slways has been racing optics: I'm on my last layer of 3 & just waiting for things to warm up a bit for putting my new one on. I know for a fact that Iv'e taken several rocks that would have absolutely obliterated my windshield..but only put small dings or nicks in the film (my latest rock, this past weekend, actually hit with such force that it literally pulled the film of fthe windshield for a brief moment..thought for sure my window was toast, but NO!, it's still in one piece. r/o has a forum discount, so the price is pretty good & I'll NEVER run without it on my windshield

not a very good picture, but this was latest attack by a rock:

 

[dragoneggs]

I like the concept and I have talked to a place that professionally installs them. For me paying $229 plus DIY is not that appealing. I have a $100 deductible on windshield replacement and no deductible on fixing dings. Too bad the insurance deductible won't help cover the installation of Racing Optics instead.

 

[m3reno]

I have Racing Optics and about two weeks ago a huge rock caught me just under the windshield wipers. No crack but it definitely left a tiny hole, not sure if it's in the plastic protectant or windshield.

 

[jlcalifornia]

This is the one that I used, I've been really happy with it: https://www.grab-gard.com/products/jeep-wrangler-windshield

I thought it would be hard to install, but it wasn't. My friend has the racing optics film on his, but it seems to scratch easier than mine, plus was more expensive. He's going to get the same one as me next time when he needs to replace it since mine seems to be working out better.

 

[mini4mw]

I got the grab-gard one but haven't installed it yet (currently $150 w/o install kit which are just squeegees)
https://www.grab-gard.com/products/jeep-wrangler-windshield?variant=39530579525714

The product came with video instructions found here (there are 2, first one below and not as useful)


Anyway, figured I would try it out and hoping it keeps the windshield safe. $150 a lot cheaper than a new windshield.

 

[mini4mw]

I put mine on today by myself. Not easy, but not super hard either. Hardest part is peeling the backing off and getting it on the window causing any creases or touching anything else that would leave marks. I ended up laying it down on the hood, peeling 1/2 way, spraying with soap solution, peeling the remaining/spraying, getting in the jeep (freedom panels off) and putting it on the windshield. Fitment was very good, few millimeters here and there between the edge of glass and film. Use lots of solution to get it sliding easy for fitment. Dust is the enemy. I have ~4-5 little dust spots that make small visible bumps, but its not too bad. I didn't push as hard on the squeegee as they show in the video as I had to hold the film in place. Perhaps that would have made a difference, pushed the dust out.

Getting the film on squeegeeing in place is pretty easy since the jeep window has no curves. I didn't have any edge issues or need the heat gun.

Hopefully this ends up cheaper than a new window.


UPDATE: Found a few little areas that needed some more squeegee. Fixed them up a little, but moral is squeegee a lot to get all the little bubbles. I'd do it in more light, but I suppose that is a catch 22. Perhaps do it in the garage away from as much dust as possible and after its on pretty good back out into the sun and squeegee some more where you can see really good. The squeegee that comes with the kit is pretty good. I'd get the kit the first time you do this.

 

[jlcalifornia]

I put mine on today by myself. Not easy, but not super hard either. Hardest part is peeling the backing off and getting it on the window causing any creases or touching anything else that would leave marks. I ended up laying it down on the hood, peeling 1/2 way, spraying with soap solution, peeling the remaining/spraying, getting in the jeep (freedom panels off) and putting it on the windshield. Fitment was very good, few millimeters here and there between the edge of glass and film. Use lots of solution to get it sliding easy for fitment. Dust is the enemy. I have ~4-5 little dust spots that make small visible bumps, but its not too bad. I didn't push as hard on the squeegee as they show in the video as I had to hold the film in place. Perhaps that would have made a difference, pushed the dust out.



Getting the film on squeegeeing in place is pretty easy since the jeep window has no curves. I didn't have any edge issues or need the heat gun.



Hopefully this ends up cheaper than a new window.

Glad it worked out well. I've been happy with mine. I had my wife help me peel the backing off of the film. Two people helped do that step carefully.

 

[mini4mw]

Just thinking about it, I wonder if anyone has ever put two of these on at once. I don't know if they are thicker than the RacingOptics, but two is usually better than one, right?

 

[Tiki]

Just thinking about it, I wonder if anyone has ever put two of these on at once. I don't know if they are thicker than the RacingOptics, but two is usually better than one, right?

There are 3 layers to them that as the first one gets dinged you can peel away the fist layer for a fresh clear layer. At least that is the concept they state…

Sponsored