Fogging of the Windscreen

[TomoHawk]

I think my windscreen has a few pits, but not a sandblasted look (FL car).

I have read about how the windscreen can have moisture trapped between the layers, which looks like fogged glass at night? How can you check it to see for sure? And if that's the case, can you fix it or do something about it?

thx

[hls30.com]

The only way water can get between the layers is if the glass starts delaminating-that usually looks like bubbles around the edges, or at a pit or cracks going all the way to the lamination.

The windshield in my '72 (original glass) has these bubbles around the edges. I had to have a stone chip repaired on the Volvo, so I asked about repairing the bubles. According to Harmon AutoGlass, there is no way. However, since the windshield is out, and the edges are available, I am going to try to repair the bubbles by subjecting the affected areas to a vacuum and introducing the same material the glass restorers us for the stone chips. Worst case, I waste some time, $10, and don't re-use a windshield I wouldn't use anyway. Best case, The repair works, and I don't jave to replace the windshield.

Will

[TomoHawk]

Thanks, Will-

I don't have any of the signs you described. During the day, the windscreen is crystal-clear, but at night, I get a lot of glare. Even after I double-clean it with Windex (only the outside). Maybe I should try something stronger?

What's the strongest stuff you can use on glass? would m.e.k. hurt? I assume it's just glass on the outside. I usually use mineral spirits to get stuff off the paint, like old adhesive from pinstriping, or tar, etc.

thx

[hls30.com]

Clean the inside of the windshield with laquer thinner, then alcohol and vinegar-sounds like you may have dash protectant on the glass.

The plastic is between two layers of glass. Anything that won't etch it should be ok, but be careful with the seals-rubber is not MEK safe!

Will

[mlc240z]

any particular reason you don't use windex on the inside of windshield?

[Bambikiller240]

but be careful with the seals-rubber is not MEK safe!

Will

Neither is your paint safe from MEK, I'll bet.

[TomoHawk]

MEK only for the stubbornist of goopy stick-on gunk. I've read about certain window cleaners for cars that are 'specially formulated' to cut road grime, suggesting that it is too tough for Windex.

yes, I use Windex on the inside, but I don't remember when was the last time I did the inside of the Zed. When I first got my Escort, I drove to work early each morning, and every few months, the inside of the windscreen fogged up from the shampoo stuff drying off my wet hair!

Carl-

Never MEK on paint or rubber. That's why I use mineral spirits. Takes off the gunk, glue & wax.

Oh-

I use plain newspaper for a rag, too. Fancy shop towels waste your money, kitchen towels are too cheap. Uncolored, unhandled newspapers are guaranteed clean & hold up to the liquids, they're (practically) free, and they get tossed anyway.

thx

[mlc240z]

newspaper is an old trick. when i first heard it i didn't see how it would make a difference, but i understand it has something to do with the ink in the newsprint that helps to keep it streak-free.

new cars can get a residue on inside of windshields from the outgassing of all the new plastic and vinyl in the interior. i get a film from cigarette smoke.

as long as it's not an oily antifreeze film from a leaky heater core, it should be just another maintenance chore.

by the way, MEK? methyl ethyl ketone?

[Bambikiller240]

by the way, MEK? methyl ethyl ketone?

aka a known carcinogen!

[TomoHawk]

I think I know why my windscreen was always foggy...

The door seals are not good between the door and the quarter window, so you get a LOT of air coming in there, like evening air, morning air, some rain, etc., so I think I should buy new door weatherstrips to close the gap? I'll have to get two sets, one for now and one for after it gets painted. Or maybe I can just Goop in a temporary rubber?

The only other place for moist air to get in is the fresh air intake for the heater., Can you close that off when you don't use the heater?

thx

[justaZcarguy]

I have a similar problem with my '72 510, it appears cloudy and there is NOTHING that cleans it. I have been told that it is the shatterproffing (spelling?) in the glass that would haze in the "old school" cars.

But who really knows, I think the glass isn't even clear on what is wrong! HAHAHAHA

I crack me up.

Brian

[beandip]

The fogging that is talked about on old safety glass is from the seal between the two sheets of glass is leaking and moisture is getting in. It looks like milk, it is a white simi transparient look. It is found at the edges and will creep towards the middle of the glass.