Dodge Ram 1994-Present: How to Repair a Cracked Windshield

A cracked windshield is a hazard and you don't know when it'll spread or break. Find out how to repair it yourself.

By Brett Foote - July 23, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram 1500 (1994-Present).

Getting a crack or chip on your windshield is not only annoying and unsightly, but it can eventually be dangerous if the crack is bad enough. Nobody wants a face full of glass when they are driving down the road, and nobody wants to have to look at a giant crack while cruising around town either. The key is to fix it as quickly as possible, because even the smallest chip can turn into a crack pretty quickly. Fixing a chip isn't terribly difficult, and there are a number of kits available that make the job easy. Keep reading and we'll guide you through the process.

Materials Needed

Microfiber towel or rag
Rubbing alcohol
Windshield repair kit
Safety pin or sharp pointed object

Step 1 – Clean surface around crack or chip

Use a clean microfiber towel or rag and some rubbing alcohol to clean the surface around the chip or crack. Be sure to put the alcohol on the towel or rag and don't spray it on the windshield itself.

Figure 1. Clean the glass around the crack or chip with rubbing alcohol and a rag.

Step 2 – Prepare surface

Windshield repair kits are readily available for around $10 and come with everything you need to repair chips. If you have a hard time seeing the chip or crack in the daylight, tape a piece of cardboard or paper to the inside of the windshield around the damaged spot. Use a safety pin or sharp pointed object to make sure there are no loose glass pieces inside the damaged spot.

Figure 2. Clean out the chip with a push pin or similar sharp object.

Step 3 – Repair chip/crack

Place the seal from the repair kit around the damaged area with the tab facing up and with the crack in the middle. Peel off the tape and place the pedestal on top of the seal. Place the resin tube into the syringe and fill it 3/4th of the way. Place the syringe in the pedestal. Hold down the syringe with one hand while pulling the handle on the syringe upward until it locks. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Use your hand to knock around the area to ensure there are no air bubbles. Pull the syringe out to release the air and then set it back in. Push down on the syringe to force the resin in and let it sit for 20 minutes. Remove the syringe, pedestal, and tape. Place a small drop of resin on top of the crack. Place the flat square on top of the crack and use a razor to squeeze out any air bubbles. Let it sit in direct sunlight for 15 minutes, or for an hour if cloudy. Peel the square off, then use a razor to scrape the excess resin off.