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Super Clean Windshield?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by erik530195, Oct 3, 2016.

  1. Oct 3, 2016 at 12:38 PM
    #1
    erik530195

    erik530195 [OP] Instagram: @toyota_vintage

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    I am looking to get my windshield super clean. It looks okay during the day, but when the sun shines on it in the evening and when car lights shine on it, you can see all the bugs or whatever piled on. I have tried most everything to fix the problem. I do not wish to use a clay bar as they are super expensive. I saw a video on steel wool being used, has anyone tried this?
     
    ChadsPride likes this.
  2. Oct 3, 2016 at 12:40 PM
    #2
    Tee Arghhhhhh Dee

    Tee Arghhhhhh Dee is typing...

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    Stuff
    Look up ChrisFix on YouTube. He's got a great video on it.
     
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  3. Oct 3, 2016 at 12:44 PM
    #3
    inwood customs

    inwood customs Roaming potato

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    Crazy nuff, my buddy uzes steel wool.
     
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  4. Oct 3, 2016 at 12:44 PM
    #4
    erik530195

    erik530195 [OP] Instagram: @toyota_vintage

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    Love his vids, but he essentially says to clay bar it and clean it really well :angrygirl:
     
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  5. Oct 3, 2016 at 12:45 PM
    #5
    Benzdriver81

    Benzdriver81 Making it fool-proof will just make a better fool

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    I would NEVER suggest steal wool on glass! Regardless of the grade, it will scratch. Clay is meant to grab-and-lift contaminants. I would suggest getting a clay bar, claying your glass, super-cleaning it, then using a glass sealant. Wax can cause wiper chatter, so I would suggest a glass-specific sealant. It'll be money well spent.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJkfrY2owb0
     
  6. Oct 3, 2016 at 12:50 PM
    #6
    T4RFTMFW

    T4RFTMFW Well-Known Member

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    $15 for a clay kit at Walmart, a bar by itself can be had for under $6..?

    If that's super expensive, leave the windshield how it is.
     
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  7. Oct 3, 2016 at 12:59 PM
    #7
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    If $1.99 is too expensive, you need to be using a bike anyway.

    Be sure you clean the window well inside too. You can have it spotless outside and still look like crud at night from interior haze.

    You'll need a spray of some type for that. Stoners Invisible Glass is a go to product.
     
  8. Oct 3, 2016 at 3:15 PM
    #8
    DrFunker

    DrFunker Well-Known Member

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    Just watched this and went out to do the windshield. Came out pretty good. :D
     
  9. Oct 3, 2016 at 5:22 PM
    #9
    ace96

    ace96 Well-Known Member

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    when did clay bars become super expensive??
     
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  10. Oct 3, 2016 at 6:03 PM
    #10
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    Duragloss Nu-glass
     
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  11. Oct 3, 2016 at 6:13 PM
    #11
    Unchained 5150

    Unchained 5150 Rick

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    Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm a new trick for my super clean Mall Krawling Princess, sweet thanks.
     
  12. Oct 20, 2016 at 2:21 PM
    #12
    erik530195

    erik530195 [OP] Instagram: @toyota_vintage

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    Update: Used the clay bar for about an hour, still no resolution. I used dish soap to take off any wax or grime, and used the clay bar, making sure to rinse off and dry after. I have no idea what to do.
     
  13. Oct 20, 2016 at 2:30 PM
    #13
    Juggernaut

    Juggernaut Captain

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    You clay both sides? I used 000 steel wool once on a previous vehicle to remove clear coat over spray, worked with no negative effects, probably would not do it often though.
     
  14. Oct 21, 2016 at 8:35 AM
    #14
    dilbert

    dilbert AI Member

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    I was getting a horrible haze after my wipers passed and it made for really bad glare in the dark when it was raining. I used No Touch GS8 Auto Glass Stripper on the outside and Sprayway on the inside and I can't believe the difference. It's like the glass isn't even there.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000COBXFU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    https://www.amazon.com/Sprayway-Glass-Cleaner-Aerosol-Spray/dp/B0052V1JA2
     
  15. Oct 21, 2016 at 11:07 AM
    #15
    erik530195

    erik530195 [OP] Instagram: @toyota_vintage

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    Will order the first one very soon, seems to be exactly what I need. Thanks!
     
  16. Oct 28, 2016 at 12:45 PM
    #16
    erik530195

    erik530195 [OP] Instagram: @toyota_vintage

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    Update: After using a clay bar for hours and a razor blade, I may have discovered what the real problem is. I think there are a bunch of tiny chips that are causing problems. The razor blade would get stuck in them (in, not on top of the windshield) and I could clearly see where some of the glass had chipped away. I don't think it has been replaced for 13 years so I imagine a bunch of chips are fairly normal. I may still buy the super window stripper to get off whatever else is on the side windows as well, seeing as the clay bar didn't even take care of most water marks. Anyone else have this problem?
     
  17. Oct 28, 2016 at 1:14 PM
    #17
    Benzdriver81

    Benzdriver81 Making it fool-proof will just make a better fool

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    What clay did you use? I believe there are different grades of clay, kinda like there are different grades of polishes (fine vs. coarse).
     
  18. Oct 30, 2016 at 2:39 PM
    #18
    DarkSky

    DarkSky Well-Known Member

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    I bought my new 2016 in May and we had no rain until this month (October). I then noticed a distracting haze when the wipers would sweep across the windshield, much like the experience I had with Rain-X years ago. I also noticed how rain drops would bead and be blown across the glass while driving which leads me to further believe Rain-X or similar product had been applied by the dealer, or perhaps a Rain-X type washer fluid was used at the factory.

    Anyway I'm one who does not like Rain-X. To correct the problem I siphoned out the washer fluid and replaced it with 2010 All Season windshield cleaner. Then I used Stoner brand Water Spot Remover on the windshield to remove the existing film. I as was using the water spot remover I could see the wax like film it was removing. Finally I got all the film off the windshield and it's crystal clear driving, rain or no rain.
     
  19. Oct 30, 2016 at 3:57 PM
    #19
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    You shouldn't have to clay it for "hours". And at that age, I'm sure it is sandblasted to some degree. Seriously, the Nu-glass works great. And it's cheap. Unlike many deep cleaners, the DG actually has some super fine abrasives in it. With a polisher, it'll even fix or improve some fine scratches. It'll certainly remove water spots and mild etching. It's also cheap.

    And for what it's worth-- the pits aren't "fixable" (that is, without several hours of work and special abrasive and pads- even then, you might not get it fixed and possibly make it worse).

    I just did two applications on my windshield by hand and it really cleaned up nicely. All water spots gone.
     
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  20. Nov 3, 2016 at 9:52 PM
    #20
    shakerhood

    shakerhood Well-Known Member

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    I don't like Rain-X on the windshield either, always made my wipers skip really bad.
     

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