removing window tint, how? Options

[TheCabinetmaker]

Friend just bought a 86 carrera targa. the rear window is tinted. How can you remove the tint without damaging the defogger wiring? I know from personal experience that lacquer thinner and such will not touch the glue.

Thanks, Curt

[So.Cal.914]

I can tell you one way, Add a small amount of soap to a squirt bottle 3/4 full of

water. Keep the tint moist while you do this. With a razor blade in hand between

your thumb and two of your four finges, start at the top, hold the razor at about a

30 degree angle, and with light preasure start to cut. As you draw the razor down

cut in a 'S' pattern, now not as tight as an 'S', more like a snake all the way to the

bottom. Make sure you keep it wet, this is the lube. Three 'S' cuts should do.

Once you have these done use the razor to lift the edge at the beginning of the

cut and peal the film away from the window. It will leave the glue in most places

but 'Goo Gone or 'Goof off' will remove the glue. The Goof off is smelly so make

sure if you use it to have both doors open and take fresh air breaks. I would

sudjest you cover the interior below the window.

[TheCabinetmaker]

Won't that damage the defroster wiring?

[So.Cal.914]

Thats why you are holding the razor at such an extreme angle and with a light

touch. It gives you more of the film to cut into, and only the film. Make sure you

keep it moist. Start your cut at the top where there are no wires and deep enough

there to be able to lift the film with the razor after the cuts are done.

[jasons]

Easiest way, and I learned this from a tint pro. Mix ammonia 50/50 with water. Spray the mix on the inside of the tint (inside the car). Put a black garbage bag on the window (inside the car again). The ammonia mix will hold the bag there. Let it sit for about 20 minutes in the sun. Take the bag down and then the tint will almost just lift off with no effort. I've done this 2 or 3 times and it works great. No need to scrape much at all. Some adhesive will remain, but the ammonia mix will clean it up.

Now you know why Windex ruins tint.

[So.Cal.914]

Easiest way, and I learned this from a tint pro. Mix ammonia 50/50 with water. Spray the mix on the inside of the tint (inside the car). Put a black garbage bag on the window (inside the car again). The ammonia mix will hold the bag there. Let it sit for about 20 minutes in the sun. Take the bag down and then the tint will almost just lift off with no effort. I've done this 2 or 3 times and it works great. No need to scrape much at all. Some adhesive will remain, but the ammonia mix will clean it up.

Now you know why Windex ruins tint.

If you go this route, be careful, the ammonia can discolor the interior. Covor things up.

[Matt Romanowski]

The amonia mix works better, but you can just use amonia glass cleaner. Soak the window inside big time and let it sit for 20 minutes and you can pull it off. You should be able to get all the glue. They also make plastic razor blades for detail shops that you can use on teh window.

[Jenny]

Ditto on the ammonia mixture. Works really well. There will be some glue residue left on the glass after you peel off the film. What we always did at our shop after removing the film was spray some dawn/dish soap and water mixture, then scrub lightly with steel wool in circular motion (wax on, wax off). Takes off all the glue, leaves the defroster stripes intact. Good luck!

Jen

[effutuo101]

I live in the NW where sun is limited and the Heat is not on yet. Will a hair dryer on the outside produce the same results? I have 1 window that is foggy (and has been since I bought the car)

[jasons]

I live in the NW where sun is limited and the Heat is not on yet. Will a hair dryer on the outside produce the same results? I have 1 window that is foggy (and has been since I bought the car)

I don't know how critical the sun thing is. I live in AZ so its a no brainer. Do a google search and see what you find. I'm sure there is an answer somewhere.

[Jeffs9146]

Take the window out and soak it in the above mentioned Amonia mix in a plastic bag for as long as needed. Replace the rubber window gasket and clean up any rust that you encounter!

Do it right the first time and you won't have to do it again!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)