I removed this windshield from my parts car. It's in great shape except for the brown discoloration around the edges. It circles the entire perimeter. The brown is outside the area covered by the windshield trim so I would like to remove. I tried windex and then some fine steel wool on a couple spots but no effect. Any ideas?

If you have some lacquer thinner handy, I'd give that a try while waiting for other answers.

Hammer and chisel maybe?

I would try aycrosol.

Phillip

Just tried gasoline - no luck. Acid maybe?

Razor blade?

Nope-just tried it. Seems to be more of a discoloration than a residue.

Since you haven't been able to make affect it on the surface through scaping or solvents, my guess is that the safety film between the layers of glass has discolored. If that's the case, I can't believe that there is any way to make it go away.

That could be true. I wonder why it would go 1 inch in and not further. Maybe sun, heat, oxidation?

Burned film? Maybe someone tried to heat up the windshield sealant?

vinegar and water mix

That mix won't help him, but if you add some baking soda it could get fun.

I'm thinking if you want to use that windshield you just need to paint a wider blockout band around the perimeter...The masking black windshield paint stuff. Modern look.

I have the same issue on my windshield. It is rust staining from the chrome trim contact. I had some luck with a lite cut compound.

Steve

Mark,
I just asked my neighbor who is a chemist. Try muratic acid. It should remove the oxidation. I think lowes carries it in the paint department for cleaning garage floors.
Put a little on a rag and wipe it lightly until the rust starts to dissolve.
Dave

Funny, I was going to try that. Now I have an expert opinion to back it up. I'll let you know. thanks, mark

Hydrochloric Acid (named Muratic so not to alarm the masses) is also called "Pool Acid".

If that fails, use a hammer. Hit it right in the middle of the windshield. Once the WS cracks or breaks, get a new one.

Ta-daaa! Discoloration gone!

--DD

CLR might work, it's a rust remover. Just don't get any on the rest of your car or it might dissolve.

Tried wiping it down with hydrochloric acid but no luck. I soaked a paper towel in the acid and laid it over a spot to see if a longer contact time will help. Will check back in an hour.

While we wait, who can tell me what use to clean the interior of the glass? Seems like every and any kind of window cleaner leaves a residue that fogs up as soon as it starts getting dark. What do you guys use?

Mike

try vinegar

My wife actually uses a cocktail of vinegar and ammonia that works great, but it doesn't smell great and it's kind of a pain to put together a batch every time we want to clean the car windows. I was hoping to find something in a bottle that worked as well. Maybe I'll just fill a bottle the next time she makes a batch.

And now back to watching wet paper towels soaked in acid...

Waited an hour. No joy.
Since the surround trim is aluminum and not steel, I wonder if I should be using something else?

Did you call the local glass shop and ask them? They do work with glass for a living!

No, I'm still playing but it's a good idea!

I use "Invisible Glass". I get it at WallyWorld.