Windshield restoration or just a new windshield?
 

So I'm starting to get fed up with all the microchips from year to year erosion and hoping to get my windshield "restored" to get rid of all the small specks scattered across it. I'm wondering if there is a kit that can restore this, a company that does this, or would it be easiest to just get the entire thing replaced?

Replace the glass, that's the only option to fix that. A small rock chip or two could be filled, but the cost to do anything to the whole thing would be far more than the cost of a new one.

What car? I checked on a new windscreen for my CRV and it was only $300 installed.

Berz out.

If your vehicle doesn't have rain sensor or lane departure warning, the windshield replacement isn't that expensive. I replaced mine for about $250.
However, with the same model car as mine with rain sensor and lane departure warning included, the replacement windshield cost was quoted at $800.

E46 3 series I believe is the vehicle.

Correcto

I've looked into this option myself several times in the past, as there is no windshield replacement available for my AE86.

The best solution I've been able to find is a compound called Cerium Oxide that you mix and polish into the windshield. It's something that hot rodders do as they run into the same problem with locating a windshield replacement.

^ back when I was a lot boy, I used to lather this shit over my windshield with super fine steel wool. We would put this on all sorts of cars with wiper complaints. Worked like a charm, everything was clear and my wipers chattered less and cleaned even better. Now - - whether clay barring the windshield has the same effect, I am unsure. Haven't had a chance to use cerium oxide since.

It's not that expensive to change a windshield usually in the $300 range. Someone mentioned rain sensor... You can always transfer it over to your new windshield. The main thing though is that you need a special gel pad that goes on the sensor.. Usually theyre $15-$20... I had the same thing with my X5. The rain sensor was missing the pad so I went to a glass replacement shop and asked if I could order the pad from them and yes I could. iirc it was around $17 for the pad. Hardest part is installing the pad properly. You have to do it slowly otherwise you'll create an air bubble.

you're still a lot boy. go fix my windshield

^ gonna report u for cyber bullying, hr gonna like dis

Daewoo/Chevrolet Nexia windshield is a 99% fit for the AE by the way. Just have to use a bit more epoxy in one spot and it fits. Cheap to.

^
what an interesting tid bit of information! where did you read/hear this? now to see if any local shops can get access to that windshield.

unless it's OEM, it'll never have the same strength and durability of the OEM unit (cracks easier, more prone to inconsistancies when new).

The good ones are usually at least 500-600+ for the glass alone and need to be ordered directly from the auto manufacturer/OEM supplier (i.e Carlite for Ford).

When I had my AE back in the day I was hunting for a replacement one and found a brand new OE one, but before I did I ended up putting one of these in. Loads of time measuring and hunting and then fitting it.

Didn't read through all the comments There is no way to "restore"a pitted windshield. Op do you have comprehensive coverage? Is your deductible high? If you have a rain sensor and or lane departure the cheapest method would be through an icbc claim as long as your deductable is low. I've seen cars come in to our shop with $500-$1000 deducible. Ive ordered wind shields for high end cars which are $900+ for the windshield alone.