Just age, or was it too much Leatherique causing flaw at edge of windshield?

So, I'm hoping you guys can help me feel better about this one.

I'm an obsessive owner. I've had my 1995 F355 for 1 1/4 years now and have put on about 2,800 miles in that time (total miles on the car are about 2,900 now).

I spend a ridiculous amount of time fussing over it trying to keep it as perfect at possible. (I generally really enjoy this part)

To that end, I'm just completing my second annual treatment with Leatherique. Because my dashboard is an exceptionally good one, I went out of my way to make sure I got Leatherique all the way up to the front edge of the dashboard. After letting it soak for several days I noticed a flaw appearing at the front edge of my windshield.

My question for you all is:
Did I cause this, with too much Leatherique, or is this just something that all windshields are prone to over time?
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In case it's not clear in the photo, the flaw is in the form of a small string of bubbles right at the edge of the windshield, against the metal window frame.

 

Paul, I think they delaminate over time, leatherique or not. Mine did it way worse than that with no Leatherique. Is it possible you didn't notice it before the treatment?

BTW, I still want to see your car, mine is back on the road and I'm driving it a bunch. 1500
miles in a month! Would be way more but work is crazy right now. Hope the shop is doing well.

 

Normal age-related delamination. Just a cosmetic flaw.

 

My windshield on my 348 has begun delaminating as well. I don't think it has anything to do with leatherique.

Kai

 

Thanks guys. I feel a lot better now. After much digging through my photos, I found a shot that supports the idea that it's purely age.

Here's a photo from when it came off of the delivery truck March of 2010 with 124 miles on it, showing that it was already brewing. (The windshield has the same defect on the passenger side, which I thought I remembered seeing there for a while, but wasn't sure).

They're tiny little things. Now that I'm pretty sure I didn't cause them, they'll be much easier to ignore.
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Talk about garage queens, 15 years and only 124 total miles. Was it with 1 owner before that or is it possible that more than 1 owner never drove it. In any case it sounds like an astounding find. Congrats!

 

I wouldn't sweat it - natural after this many years.

 

If you want a new one (windshield) to rid yourself of this malady, it'll cost you $4,500 installed...ask me how I know.

Darn stone chips. I am looking forward to a brand new windshield on my 42,000 miler!

 

Don't write the leatherique treatment off as good.

I've had some bad experiences with it.

I use Zymol leather conditioner on my 348 to great avail. Wouldn't dare use leatherique on my seats. It once stripped the colouring out of the leather seats on a Jaguar I owned. And it's too greasy, et al. Just my opinion.

 

V1- Zymol for me too. Never caused a problem and the leather smells like it is brand new from the factory. Some really good pros like Leatherique, but one or two horror stories is all it takes for me. For instance, never use leatherique on old Mercedes leather. You do not want to know what happens.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

The upper half of the 348 dashboard is vinyl, not leather. No need for leatherique in that area anyway.

 

Mine is a 355. Leather leather everywhere.

 

It was one owner before me. He apparently had many cars, and just never drove this one.

 

Wow Rick! I've been pricing them out, just out of curiosity. That's a lot more than I thought! Sorry to hear about your stone chip. I hope insurance covered it for you.

 

Yep, insurance is covering it. The cost is more than the glass + labor. You need new moldings as well as extra time to loosen some body panels a 1/4 inch to get the glass out. Make sure you get someone who has done one of these cars a few times.

 

What a coincidence - my windshield cracked too and the replacement is $6500 on a Maranello (glass + molding + labor). Claimed through insurance as well...

 

The same thing has happened to my 1900 mile 348 that is housed in a climate controlled garage. Is there a fix short of replacing the windshield; which is not an option I would consider?

 

I've been researching it. From what I've read, it moves very slowly, but there isn't a fix to stop it. I was looking into having the edge glued, and even if I could find someone who knew how to do it. It would involve removing the window frame, which apparently can't be re-used, and costs about $1k.

 

I screwed up. I do not use Zymol, but Zaino on my leather. Guess all those Z-names sound the same. Especially after a couple of beers.

Zaino makes a cleaner and leather in a bottle. Great stuff and makes the leather smell brand new.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Zymol is still a great product and highly recommended, including their car polishes and waxes.

 

Interesting. I've used Sonus on my Porsche (recently changed their product and I really really don't like it anymore), but haven't tried Zymol. I love the Zaino paint care line. Next time I do the Porsche leather, I'll try one of the two Z companies leather stuff.

 

Zymol is a great product but it ain't cheap.

Then again, classic cars need classic products and pampering.

You pay for what you get.