Window Optical Problem?

[Agent M79]

I have noticed that there are some subtle ripples in a couple of places on the windshield.

I have a single very minor ripple on the driver side at about the 10 o'clock position a little more than halfway up and another in roughly the same place on the passenger side.

Anyone else have this? I plan on pointing it out to the dealer but it is very subtle. Might have to sit in a GM and see if it is there.

Also, is it just my imagination, or does the rearview mirror make everything you see in it stocky? Everything looks a little shorter and wider than it should be. A vast improvement for most of the vehichles I see there, but still not normal.

Granted, these may be seat-to-steering-wheel interface problems but I'd like to know for sure.

[TAF]

Originally posted by Agent M79
Also, is it just my imagination, or does the rearview mirror make thing you see in it stocky? Everything looks a little shorter and wider than it should be.

That's ^^^ what I keep tellin myself. :lol:

Seriously...just add these to your "list".

[O's Fan Rich]

a "hump" or ripple on both my windshields ( the original and the replacement) in the area of the rear view. It seems to be just a flat area.
I have no vision distortion from it though.
As far as making things look stocky or short and wide..... no, haven't noticed.

[Ross]

I have also noticed that cars in my rear view mirror look shorter and wider than normal. Thought it was just me!

[martyo]

Originally posted by TAF
That's ^^^ what I keep tellin myself.

Yeah, you just keep doing that.

[bugsys03]

only the pontiacs are shorter and wider!! wide track-remember??

[Marauderman]

Shoorter and wider is distrance from you--their falling behind- could it be your already playing catch me if you can???

[nexstar7]

the cars in my rear view look tiny from me blowing by them

[Agent M79]

The only reason I have to look in my rearview mirror in the first place is to see who I am sharing the road with! Cause they sure aren't in front of me!

I've come up with some ways to test the locations of the ripples in the windshield and the rearview mirror thing. If it works well enough I'll post what I did. Until then, I shan't embarass myself.

[Mobster]

Hey A79- don't feel embarassed- hell- might be something to it... just like I noticed this "working oil gauge" thing- gotta ask what's up with that??!!!

Haven't noticed that same effect with my windowshields...

[marchyde]

I am on my third windshield, the shop is blaming the heat. This ripled look in the center is not noticed right away. After a few days in the sun it pops out at ya. Let me know if anyone has a fix.

[Ross]

Hey, Agent--- don't be afraid of embarrassing yourself, I need some company!

[Alan]

My windshield has a pretty good "ripple" on the passenger side about halfway up.

[Agent M79]

Originally posted by Agent M79

I've come up with some ways to test the locations of the ripples in the windshield and the rearview mirror thing. If it works well enough I'll post what I did. Until then, I shan't embarass myself.

Ok. They worked.

Basically I created in a graphics program a sheet with a number of close vertical lines and stuck it to the garage door. Would have asked wifey to hold it for me but she thinks I am crazy enough.

Looking for disturbances in the lines, I found the subtle ripples. Very hard to locate when what you are viewing is close. Works better on a distant tree line.

The ripples are there, but again, very subtle. I am pretty sure from what I am hearing, a new windshield would just move them around. Dunno.

The rearview mirror definately "squashes" stuff. With the same program I created a perfect large circle and a perfect checker board pattern and they get squished and widened. I think this is by design but I don't know why yet.

[MapleLeafMerc]

I'm not sure if this is what you are referring to, but I have thought there was a 'flat spot' on the drivers side. I replaced the factory wipers because of water not being cleared properly, and the new wipers leave the same water mark (mostly above 100 km/hr).

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by Alan
My windshield has a pretty good "ripple" on the passenger side about halfway up.

Same here.

Will I get them to do something about it? Nope... I don't want anyone messing around with changing windshields. I'll just learn to live with that ripple.

[mungce]

I am having trouble with my drivers side mirror.........It's just not big enough to see the cars on my side when in town ! I know I could get one of those sticky round add on mirrors.....but they look so tacky !! Any ideas, orther than a stick on mirror ?

[jgc61sr2002]

Originally posted by maraudercan
I'm not sure if this is what you are referring to, but I have thought there was a 'flat spot' on the drivers side. I replaced the factory wipers because of water not being cleared properly, and the new wipers leave the same water mark (mostly above 100 km/hr). TripleTA - I agree, don't change the windshield unless absolutly necessary.

[Merc-O-matic]

Ripples in the windshield are normal
for these cars. I also have a few
in my '97 Grand Marquis. What I
do miss is the tint on the upper part
of the windshield....missing on the
300B's. If I ever have to replace the
windshield, I will definitely
will get a 300A windshield with tint!
Gotta Love It!