Window tint vs. defroster wires

mikeatfhc · 12-23-2006, 04:55 PM

I have got to remove that blurry, scratched-up mess of a tint in my Targa rear window the PO put in.

It would be nice to actually see the color of the car that is following me before it pulls me over.

I am a bit concerned about damaging the defroster wires so I don't want to just start tearing it out. Any advice?

911 in SC · 12-23-2006, 06:08 PM

I would personally have it done professionally. I've removed my share of window tint in the past, and it is a pain. With the close quarters of the rear window, along with the 'tedious' work removing the tint and glue, I'd pay someone to do it and make sure I had it in writing that they would be responsible if they messed up the defroster.

Mike

Zeke · 12-23-2006, 06:13 PM

Wow, removing tint is hard work. Take a kook at this:

http://www.tintdude.com/remove.html

Don't neglect to go to the bottom of the article and click on "other removal techniques." I like the steam one better. Good luck, I may be following you in this venture.

911 in SC · 12-23-2006, 06:29 PM

Thanks for the link Milt! I didn't know anything about the 'plastic bag' method. Interesting to say the least.

Thankfully, I don't have to worry about that in my 911, as the POs didn't tint it. I'm thinking about it though, only to keep my interior temps down in the summer time.

Thanks,
Mike

mikeatfhc · 12-23-2006, 06:31 PM

DAMMIT.

I knew this was going to be a *****.

I figured someone smarter then me would have this figured out by now. Being that I'm stubborn and a cheapskate I'll have to try it. I think the Simple Green idea with a steam kicker makes the most sense to me.

When we get some sunshine I'm goin' in.

Thanks for the link.

cygtoad · cygtoad's Garage

I tried this method on my car, and I have to say I was pretty impressed with the results of the technique. I thought it would be much harder to get the tint off than it turned out.

Good link Milt.

Danny_Ocean · 12-24-2006, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cygtoad
I tried this method on my car, and I have to say I was pretty impressed with the results of the technique. I thought it would be much harder to get the tint off than it turned out.

Good link Milt.

Which method? Steam or ammonia-covered plastic sheeting?

fireant911 · 12-24-2006, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Danny_Ocean
Which method? Steam or ammonia-covered plastic sheeting?

I tried the ammonia-covered plastic sheeting methodology to a 't' though I was really disappointed by the results that I achieved. I realize that many others have experienced great success with this process. If I had to repeat the removal process I would, with absolutely no hesitation, pay to have a professional perform the procedure - and I am an extreme 'tightwad' with money.

I am not sure of the ambient temps in the northern California area but from what I remember it was recommended to do this on a hotter day (with direct sunlight) as it assisted with the ammonia breaking the adhesive bond with the window itself - I'm going on memory here so please correct me if I am wrong. Try a small section to see if you find success. Then get a quote from a professional (along with some helpful advise) to see which route is best for your situation.

Danny_Ocean · 12-24-2006, 07:44 AM

Another option...do I really need to save my rear-window defroster? I'm in the South and will never live where I need one. Can I just go at it with a razor?

ben parrish · 12-24-2006, 07:51 AM

Danny_Ocean,
The razor blade will REMOVE the defroster wires. They are applied onto the glass not inside it. If it doesn't bother you, do it.

Danny_Ocean · 12-24-2006, 07:57 AM

Cool...never did like the look of those anyway. Will there be any residue/ghosting left?

ben parrish · 12-24-2006, 08:02 AM

???? Doubt it.

Mookster · Mookster's Garage

This is one of those jobs you are better off to pay someone to do it.

If they screw it up you have recourse.

When I had it done, the shop gave me a discounted price to remove the film and residue goo since they were installing the new tint.

It may be worth a quote.

Good luck.

cygtoad · cygtoad's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Danny_Ocean
Which method? Steam or ammonia-covered plastic sheeting?

I did the plastic black trash bag covered amonia, not the steam. The day has to be hot 80 degrees (or more) and sunny. This job is just too cheap and easy not to at least try it on your own. I know I would have been pissed at myself to have had to pay for it.

I started with a backseat side window to gain confidence, but since you have a Targa, that would be all one window for you. If your passenger side window is tinted, I would start there.

If you follow the directions to a T, you should not have any trouble at all. I didn't want to retint my windows, but if I did maybe I would have considered having the person doing the tinting to do the removal, but this really is not a hard job, just methodical.

The thing about this method is that if you do it right you won't be sraping your window with a blade that can cause damage to your defroster. I guess I just trust myself more than I would trust someone else to do the work.