Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric Coffey
Actually, many do (and no tape is required, lol). Probably depends at on your locale, but not many pros here in AZ are going to break out a steamer in the summer when it's 100+ degrees outside. A lot of pros simply use a heat gun to remove the film, then soapy water and a 6" scraper and muscle to make quick work of the glue residue. No doubt tons of pro shops have/use steamers as well, as they are great for many tasks. However, you will have to spend well over $100 to get one that is actually worthwhile/capable. If you already own a decent one, great. If not, then you probably aren't keen on spending that kind of money for a one-time DIY job.
No. It's certainly one method, but it's not without drawbacks. With a steamer:
1. More time/patience is required.
2. They can/will saturate everything in sight, and turn then inside of a car into a sauna (especially when working the back glass).
3. They can/will burn you easily.
4. It's the most expensive option, if you don't have one already.
Steel wool is messy, sheds particles everywhere, contains oil, and is a heath/fire hazard. No thanks.
As Cooper911SC mentioned above (and IIRC, hes a pro detailer), the blue (no-scratch) Scotch-Brite pads are a much better option for that task.
Again, YMMV...
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I hadn't thought of AZ. climate and you are right that it would not be fun to use a steamer in that heat. Then again, I don't think it would be enjoyable at all the be in it, YMMV.
Fine steel wool when wet stays together pretty well. I wasn't aware of a non-scratching Scotch Brite material, that sounds great for the job. As long as it's gentle enough, the defroster lines have their own coating that is fairly easy to damage and then you lose their insulation.
Brian, the fact that the rear window tilts up in that 'vette makes the job 100 times easier and less unpleasant. Laying in the back of a sports car doing a raked rear window like that would not be fun. I don't like very dark tint on cars but it's awesome if it comes on a used car that was in a sunny area. It protects the heck out of the interior and you can just remove it, like you did, and either put lighter tint in or go without.
