ANSI Releases Z26.1 Draft for Comments; Industry Reacts

The American National Standard (ANSI) has released for public comment a draft revision of ANSI/SAE Z 26.1-2007. As written, the draft Standard requires that modifications such as a change in vehicle glass size, drilling, chemical treatment or repair be marked.

In addition, the draft Standard requires any chemical treatment (which most interpret as including primer) made to the glass to be marked on the glass. As written, mirror replacements also would require marking. In the wake of this announcement, many in the industry have expressed their thoughts on this subject.

Russ Corsi, retired manager of technical services from PPG Industries' Automotive Replacement Glass business unit, has attended some of the committee's meetings, but notes that he sees the revision as impractical.

"That's only going to work if they don't allow consumers to repair their own glass," he warns.

Mike Russo of Thruway Auto Glass in Syracuse, N.Y., sees the possibility of an extra step of etching the glass post-repair as a threat to his business.

"It's just an added burden to our everyday jobs," he says. "I'm adamantly opposed to it."

Julie Kamesch of Nu-Shield Windshield Repair in Atwater, Calif., agrees, and doesn't think customers would like the practice either.

"I would not want any kind of etching on my windshield as this would distract me from driving," she says.

Need more info and analysis about the issues?
CLICK HERE to subscribe to AGRR magazine.