Removing rear-window defogger lines?

[Danny_Ocean]

In the past, I was very interested in preserving the rear-window defogger lines while removing my window tint. However, after seeing an RS replica @ Barrett-Jackson this weekend with a clean/clear back window, I want to remove them.

Are there any tricks to doing this without scratching the glass?

[Hugh R]

Yeah, its just ohmic heating paint (electrical conducting paint). A flat glass scrapper razor blade and a little solvent like Goof off and it will come right off, permanently as in you can't realistically put it back on ever.

[john walker's workshop]

or find an early one. lots of pre-69s had them.

[azasadny]

I'm going to remove these from my rear window also, I really like the look and my rear window defroster has never worked anyway...

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

Yeah, its just ohmic heating paint (electrical conducting paint). A flat glass scrapper razor blade and a little solvent like Goof off and it will come right off, permanently as in you can't realistically put it back on ever.

I used "Goof Off" when removing the tint. It didn't seem to faze the defrost grid. Can I try something stronger (e.g. acetone)?

[1982911SCTarga]

Art, the defroster harness unplugs in the engine bay. You could run some simple continuity tests to begin finding out why yours isn't functioning. You have a Targa -- the defroster wires are very much a part of the car's presentation. You're still going to have the switch on the dash, right?

I agree with John Walker. Rather than permanently kill a could-be-functional defroster rear window, find an early non-defrost-equipped rear window and swap it in as part of replacing the rear window seal when and if it needs it. Someday preservationists may need period-correct, defroster equipped replacements. Or not. Anyway my 2 cents.

Brian

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by 1982911SCTarga

I agree with John Walker. Rather than permanently kill a could-be-functional defroster rear window, find an early non-defrost-equipped rear window and swap it in as part of replacing the rear window seal when and if it needs it. Someday preservationists may need period-correct, defroster equipped replacements.

I have no interest what-so-ever in preserving my car for the next owner/generation. Beyond that, my car is already bastardized to no end ('79 SC with 993 body kit). Additionally, when they painted the car, they painted the rear (all) metal window trim. If I remove the window, I'll most likely have to re-paint the car. Then again, if I did purchase an early window, what do I do with the spare rear-window? One more thing to trip over...

So...will acetone do it or is that going to screw-up the glass/coating?