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    Oct 15, 2007 10:24:27 PM

    MMD
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    MMD
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    Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Window

    There was some sticky residue on the interior of my back window.

    I got a razor blade (in a holder) and started to scrape it off as much as possible to be followed by some solvent to get the rest.

    Guess what happens? This _should_ be in the manual somewhere as a warning:

    Razor blade will scrape off the heating element! .

    Nice huh?! I think I ruined two of the little rust-colored elements that run from port to starboard. The rest of them should still work though.

    Don't make teh same mistake: NEVER use a scraper back there!

    DAMMIT: the inconsistency (thinned and irregular line) is now VISIBLE when you look at it from outside the car!


    Oct 15, 2007 10:49:58 PM

    ResB Offline
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    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Generally, you seem like quite a knowledgeable and savvy individual, but what an earth ere you thinking.

    I could kick myself for not having posted on another thread to use a mild solvent. I apologise.

    Oct 15, 2007 11:37:52 PM

    911Dave
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    Reply to: ResB

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    That's really unfortunate. Test the rear defogger to make sure the other lines still work. When I went about removing some old window tint from my 86 Carrera, I did some research on the procedure and everywhere I looked warned against using a razor blade anywhere near defroster lines. My recollection is that if you break one line, the entire system is broken and requires a complete window replacement ($$$). I hope I'm wrong!

    Oct 16, 2007 12:13:53 AM

    rhino
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    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Window

    Sorry to hear that MMD.

    Oct 16, 2007 12:22:41 AM

    1st997
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    Reply to: 911Dave

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Hi MMD,

    Sorry to hear about your unfortunate incident.

    The grid wires across the rear window are usually in a parallel circuit, so just the grid 'wires' that you damaged will not work. I call them wires, but they are just silk-screened on resistive paint.

    The bad grid 'wires' are repairable!!! They sell kits just for this purpose that consist of conductive / resistive paint. Your automotive store (Autozone, etc.) usually carry this inexpensive kit.

    It's easy to repair, but usually awkward to get to.

    Oct 16, 2007 1:34:31 AM

    Heist
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    Reply to: 1st997

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    1st997 is exactly right. I made this mistake trying to tint the rear windows of my first car (85 Pontiac Grand Prix).

    They have repairable stuff that's like a nail polish. It may actually be a tape now thanks to materials advancements.

    Oct 16, 2007 3:00:56 AM

    MMD
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    Reply to: Heist

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Thanks guys for the sympathies and recommendations.

    I never knew this stuff was so fragile. I never had occasion to try to deal with it so aggressively before. WOW!

    Oct 16, 2007 3:14:05 AM

    SrfCity
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    Loc: Orange County, CA
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    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    I guessed what you had done just by reading the title. Maybe there is something that can bridge the material so that at least the defrosters still work. Ask the dealer or Google it as I'm sure this isn't the first time this has happened.

    Oct 16, 2007 4:32:48 AM

    cibergypsy
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    Loc: FL, USA , United States
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    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Window

    Quote:
    MMD said:
    There was some sticky residue on the interior of my back window.

    I got a razor blade (in a holder) and started to scrape it off as much as possible to be followed by some solvent to get the rest.

    Guess what happens? This _should_ be in the manual somewhere as a warning:

    Razor blade will scrape off the heating element! .

    Nice huh?! I think I ruined two of the little rust-colored elements that run from port to starboard. The rest of them should still work though.

    Don't make teh same mistake: NEVER use a scraper back there!

    DAMMIT: the inconsistency (thinned and irregular line) is now VISIBLE when you look at it from outside the car!






    They sell a kit at auto parts stores to fix the heating elements on the rear window. A long time ago, I had the window tint on my ex-Ferrari 328 removed and the A-Hole that removed it used a razor blade also. Of course, that completely ruined the functionality of the heating element on the rear window but I was fortunate to get the repair kit and got it fixed.

    Oct 16, 2007 5:01:42 AM

    Moogle
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    Reply to: cibergypsy

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    What solvent do you guys suggest to use to get residue off a window? My m3 has some residue on the front windshield inside from the break in instructions.

    Oct 16, 2007 3:38:06 PM

    PS CA Offline
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    Reply to: Moogle

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Quote:
    Moogle said:
    What solvent do you guys suggest to use to get residue off a window? My m3 has some residue on the front windshield inside from the break in instructions.


    Try lighter fluid. It removes most sticker residue but doesn't hurt things.

    Phil

    Oct 16, 2007 3:46:13 PM

    jerrygee
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    Reply to: Moogle

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Quote:
    Moogle said:
    What solvent do you guys suggest to use to get residue off a window? My m3 has some residue on the front windshield inside from the break in instructions.

    I have used Kent Speedy 500 Adhesive and Cement Remover for the past 25 years. One can of the stuff will last for years. On not so stubborn glues or plastics (Kent Speedy 500 can damage some plastics) I just use WD40.

    Oct 16, 2007 4:03:04 PM

    easy_rider911
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    Reply to: jerrygee

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    If I have to remove sticker residue from glass, I use my wife's nail polish remover... it's acetone which does the job v easily I would just be a little bit extra careful about the acetone touching the heater element - just to be safe!

    Oct 16, 2007 4:47:28 PM

    MMD
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    Reply to: Moogle

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Quote:
    Moogle said:
    What solvent do you guys suggest to use to get residue off a window? My m3 has some residue on the front windshield inside from the break in instructions.



    Mineral spirits (not the same as "paint thinner").

    Art museums use it in their conservation departments.

    Oct 16, 2007 7:50:35 PM

    Moogle
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    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    @ PS CA, jerrygee, easy_rider911, MMD, Thanks guys!

    Oct 16, 2007 8:54:41 PM

    AE
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    AE
    Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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    Reply to: Moogle

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Be careful with using acetone on plastics. It can dissolve some plastics or cause a whitish haze ... our office staff has ruined the plastic on some spectacle frames.

    Oct 16, 2007 9:13:20 PM

    MMD
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    MMD
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    Reply to: AE

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Here's my amateur opinion on least to most aggressive solvents:


    "Fool proof" for _automotive_ paint and plastics if they work

    liquid parafin
    mineral spirits
    kerosene
    WD-40


    somewhat aggressive can damage paint and plastic:

    alcohol
    "Goop Off" (with a "p")


    very aggressive (never use on paint or plastic):
    toulene
    acetone
    MEK
    "Goof Off" with an "f"
    laquer thinner


    Oh..., and use whichever solvent "quickly" don't leave it in contact longer than necessary.

    Oct 16, 2007 10:19:11 PM

    easy_rider911
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    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Of course! Never ever use acetone on plastic - it will spoil it instantly. I said you can use it on glass!

    Oct 17, 2007 1:59:20 PM

    STRADALE
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    STRADALE
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    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Window

    Never use on Razor blade ANYWHERE on glass.

    To remove inspection/ regi. stickers from windshields I use "un do adhesive remover". It comes w/ a plastic scraper that clips onto the top of the bottle that wont scratch.

    Oct 17, 2007 5:01:48 PM

    MMD
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    MMD
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    Reply to: STRADALE

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Quote:
    STRADALE said:
    Never use on Razor blade ANYWHERE on glass.




    Why do you say that? In the real world doesn't "everybody" use a razor blade on a stick to get reg/inspect. stickers off?

    I believe Porsche used to have a film on inside of windshield that could be damaged, but not anymore.

    Oct 17, 2007 5:32:00 PM

    atomic80
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    atomic80
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    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Gregg's right...some folks may use razor but I would advise against it. Too many potentials for things to go wrong with something sharp. I'd rather use adhesive removers like the one Gregg posted a picture of. I've used 3M adhesive removers on many things without incident.

    Oct 17, 2007 5:41:36 PM

    MMD
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    MMD
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    Reply to: atomic80

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Quote:
    atomic80 said:
    Gregg's right...some folks may use razor but I would advise against it. Too many potentials for things to go wrong with something sharp. I'd rather use adhesive removers like the one Gregg posted a picture of. I've used 3M adhesive removers on many things without incident.



    Oh, I see..., good point.

    Will look for some specialized products like you guys recommend.

    Oct 17, 2007 5:51:30 PM

    STRADALE
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    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Quote:
    MMD said:
    Quote:
    STRADALE said:
    Never use on Razor blade ANYWHERE on glass.




    Why do you say that? In the real world doesn't "everybody" use a razor blade on a stick to get reg/inspect. stickers off?

    I believe Porsche used to have a film on inside of windshield that could be damaged, but not anymore.




    Never forget it.. Told the Ferrari dealer not to touch my car (my CS not my F430) when it arrived, not to wash it or anything. Sure enough one of the guys at the dealer used a razor blade to take off a sticker from the factory on the outside of the windshield and left a scratch there. If a piece of dirt gets on the razor or if the razor blade isnt 100% perfect (if it has a rough/chipped edge) you risk scratching the glass, that's why.

    Oct 17, 2007 6:02:11 PM

    atomic80
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    Reply to: STRADALE

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Did the dealership take care of that scratch for you? New glass or did they polish it out?

    Oct 17, 2007 6:10:14 PM

    STRADALE
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    Reply to: atomic80

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Quote:
    atomic80 said:
    Did the dealership take care of that scratch for you? New glass or did they polish it out?




    Nah, I was so excited about getting the car & I thought I'm probably better off keeping the factory installed glass & just waiting to see if I get any chips or cracks later on and then replacing it but I never did and after a while it didn't really bother me. Wasn't noticebale except from inside when the sun hit it just right. ...That was probably the only scratch on that car.

    Oct 17, 2007 7:24:43 PM

    69bossnine
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    Reply to: STRADALE

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Windo

    Razor blades are safe enough on glass...with proper care and common sense... Never use without spraying an emollient (windex works great) on first..

    For getting off sticky decal stuff, just use Goo-Gone, or any citrus-based product... Office Depot, Walmart, they sell it everywhere...

    Toluene is safe on enamel paint (at least I've never ruined anything with it...)

    Lastly, I'd give you a hard time on how obvious it should have been, in theory alone, that you'd trash your defroster elements... But you've already suffered enough punishment...

    Oct 17, 2007 8:56:51 PM

    fritz
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    Reply to: MMD

    Re: Learn The Hard Way: Razor On Inside Back Window

    Quote:
    MMD said:
    There was some sticky residue on the interior of my back window.

    I got a razor blade (in a holder) and started to scrape it off as much as possible to be followed by some solvent to get the rest.

    Guess what happens? This _should_ be in the manual somewhere as a warning:

    Razor blade will scrape off the heating element! .

    Nice huh?! I think I ruined two of the little rust-colored elements that run from port to starboard. The rest of them should still work though.

    Don't make teh same mistake: NEVER use a scraper back there!

    DAMMIT: the inconsistency (thinned and irregular line) is now VISIBLE when you look at it from outside the car!






    Check www.popularmechanics.com/carcare and see under heading "How to Repair Your Defroster Grids".
     
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