Defroster lines

[Guest kramster]

When taking tint off back windows, is taking the tint off the way you damage them or are the lines already broken from bad tint? If you use the trash bag and ammonia method.....how hard is it to damage them?

[Guest zolar]

always always always tell them the defrosters may come off with the film

it depends on the glass and the adhesive

I had to buy a Mustang GT back glass this year

for the one jackazz I forgot to tell about the lines coming off

3 vehicles total in 7 + years with defroster problems from a R&R

[Guest Key West]

When taking tint off back windows, is taking the tint off the way you damage them or are the lines already broken from bad tint? If you use the trash bag and ammonia method.....how hard is it to damage them?

You gotta TRY to damage a defroster when you bag a window. How hard is it to damage? Damn near immpossible. Steamer also. You damage a defroster by physically "breaking" a line. (IE: Scraping with a blade). HOWEVER, bear in mind I NEVER guarantee a custy wont lose it. I'll tell you truthfully that I haven't lost one in recent memory, but no guarantees. At my shop, we settle on price (Usually about the same as a full tint job) and they leave the car with me, open to the idea that it may take overnight.

Shortly after Saturns came on the market, I had to strip one. I pulled the film off and the lines came off with the film!!!!! It happened to a couple friends of mine as well. Hasn't happened since, but.......................................... It's a crap shoot. Don't cheap out. Stripping film is no joke, genetrally MUCH more difficult that putting it on. I do charge accordingly. No fixed price, only a minimum. It could get expensive. As a consequence, I strip very few cars nowadays.

Hope this helps.

HEY Zo, Betcha don't forget again will ya! (The last time I "forgot" to mention it, it cost me a 'vette back glass )

[Guest kramster]

What if you use the bag method and while you tear it use the steamer.....shouldn't be any reason for it to damage it then ya?

[Guest darkdan]

I've bagged and then steamed (I use both most of the time) a 240SX....tint came off easy, no glue left behind, 50% of each defroster came off with the tint.

It's hit or miss!

Of the 7 times my crown vic has been tinted and retinted I think maybe 2 or 3 lines don't work anymore.

[Guest Key West]

I've bagged and then steamed (I use both most of the time) a 240SX....tint came off easy, no glue left behind, 50% of each defroster came off with the tint.

It's hit or miss!

Of the 7 times my crown vic has been tinted and retinted I think maybe 2 or 3 lines don't work anymore.

Exactly. Like I said, it's a crap shoot. And those copper/epoxy lines do degrade over time. Older the car, the greater the chances of losing it. Kinda like surgery. 3000 appendectomies go routinely, then for no apparent reason, complications set in in an otherwise routine procedure. (Generally, I'LL be #3001)

[Guest kramster]

I've bagged and then steamed (I use both most of the time) a 240SX....tint came off easy, no glue left behind, 50% of each defroster came off with the tint.

It's hit or miss!

Of the 7 times my crown vic has been tinted and retinted I think maybe 2 or 3 lines don't work anymore.

If you ruin 1 line does it not ruin them all?

[Guest tintingbytami]

what they said

[Guest darkdan]

If you ruin 1 line does it not ruin them all?

Usually not. I'm sure someone out there makes it so if one goes they all do.

[Guest goldtooth]

depending on the tint,and how long it has been on,it's a 50 50 chance of the defroster being damaged ,still always warn the custy and never say that the removal will not harm the lines