Rear Window Defogger Repair?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 72
From: Seminole, FL
Rear Window Defogger Repair?
Has anyone out there done the repair 'Reattaching the contacts on the rear window defogger"???
Both contacts on my rear window on my 99 coupe have fallen off.
I see some 'Kits' out there, but hoped someone here might have experience with good ones.
Both contacts on my rear window on my 99 coupe have fallen off.
I see some 'Kits' out there, but hoped someone here might have experience with good ones.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 168
Likes: 89
From: Northwest Nevada
Yes, I just completed reattaching the driver's side rear defogger contact to the rear window. The defogger now works as intended and the repaired contact looks "factory". I verified that it is working properly through an electrical resistance test and the "captain obvious" test (defogging).
The product that I used was Permatex 21351 and it cost bout $13 bucks +/- at a regional auto parts stores (hard to find it...can get it on ebay or Amazon if needed).
Follow the instructions. Thoroughly clean and prep the window (alcohol) and defogger metal contact (emery cloth) surfaces, and then do it again using the packaged cleaning pad. I recommend blue taping the area where you want to reattach the contact (think of it as your target zone...the metal contact is small, your fingers may be big, it is darkish around in the back window if it is tinted...) and consider using a tweezer of pliers to hold the metal contact until placed on the window, then apply pressure for 1 minute. Don't over-apply the glue and make a mess of your back window.
Then, go hoist yourself a frotsy one and enjoy your success!
The product that I used was Permatex 21351 and it cost bout $13 bucks +/- at a regional auto parts stores (hard to find it...can get it on ebay or Amazon if needed).
Follow the instructions. Thoroughly clean and prep the window (alcohol) and defogger metal contact (emery cloth) surfaces, and then do it again using the packaged cleaning pad. I recommend blue taping the area where you want to reattach the contact (think of it as your target zone...the metal contact is small, your fingers may be big, it is darkish around in the back window if it is tinted...) and consider using a tweezer of pliers to hold the metal contact until placed on the window, then apply pressure for 1 minute. Don't over-apply the glue and make a mess of your back window.
Then, go hoist yourself a frotsy one and enjoy your success!
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 16
Yes, I just completed reattaching the driver's side rear defogger contact to the rear window. The defogger now works as intended and the repaired contact looks "factory". I verified that it is working properly through an electrical resistance test and the "captain obvious" test (defogging).
The product that I used was Permatex 21351 and it cost bout $13 bucks +/- at a regional auto parts stores (hard to find it...can get it on ebay or Amazon if needed).
Follow the instructions. Thoroughly clean and prep the window (alcohol) and defogger metal contact (emery cloth) surfaces, and then do it again using the packaged cleaning pad. I recommend blue taping the area where you want to reattach the contact (think of it as your target zone...the metal contact is small, your fingers may be big, it is darkish around in the back window if it is tinted...) and consider using a tweezer of pliers to hold the metal contact until placed on the window, then apply pressure for 1 minute. Don't over-apply the glue and make a mess of your back window.
Then, go hoist yourself a frotsy one and enjoy your success!
The product that I used was Permatex 21351 and it cost bout $13 bucks +/- at a regional auto parts stores (hard to find it...can get it on ebay or Amazon if needed).
Follow the instructions. Thoroughly clean and prep the window (alcohol) and defogger metal contact (emery cloth) surfaces, and then do it again using the packaged cleaning pad. I recommend blue taping the area where you want to reattach the contact (think of it as your target zone...the metal contact is small, your fingers may be big, it is darkish around in the back window if it is tinted...) and consider using a tweezer of pliers to hold the metal contact until placed on the window, then apply pressure for 1 minute. Don't over-apply the glue and make a mess of your back window.
Then, go hoist yourself a frotsy one and enjoy your success!
I bought a kit years ago and repaired the tab a couple of times. Don't think the Permatex solution was available at the time. I noted last year that the tab had separated again but just have not taken the time to reattach it using the kit, may try this solution next. The main culprit in my area is the guy at the car wash knocking them off. My car is garaged so I don't often need to use the defogger so not high on my priority list of things I need to do.
