Window tint removal
Thread Starter
Retired tech
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
Window tint removal
I recently purchased a 04 base coupe that I'm going through cleaning up 20+ years of minor issues. The car has 94k on it so I'm not sure how long some of the things have been on. My main focus right now is removing the poorly installed rear window tinting that's partially hanging off. Normal heat(hair drier) and patience removed most of it. But up at the top of the glass where the factory put "dots" and the film had separated, a layer of glue and tint still remains. I've tried alcohol, acetone ,soap and water, windex, and Goo-gone. But nothing seams to touch it. I don't want to go at it with a scraper or razor blade for fear of damaging the defroster grid. Using a heat gun concerns me as I don't want to crank the glass. Any suggestion on a chemical or a process would be greatly appreciated.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,450
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
I recently purchased a 04 base coupe that I'm going through cleaning up 20+ years of minor issues. The car has 94k on it so I'm not sure how long some of the things have been on. My main focus right now is removing the poorly installed rear window tinting that's partially hanging off. Normal heat(hair drier) and patience removed most of it. But up at the top of the glass where the factory put "dots" and the film had separated, a layer of glue and tint still remains. I've tried alcohol, acetone ,soap and water, windex, and Goo-gone. But nothing seams to touch it. I don't want to go at it with a scraper or razor blade for fear of damaging the defroster grid. Using a heat gun concerns me as I don't want to crank the glass. Any suggestion on a chemical or a process would be greatly appreciated.
Thread Starter
Retired tech
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
Tint
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 242
Likes: 88
From: Mobile
I did my side windows with ammonia. Still have the back to do once I'm done on the lift. Howtos suggest wrapping it in a trash bag and letting it soak. Still took a few applications as the film separated from the adhesive.
Thread Starter
Retired tech
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,095
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From: NYC
Use the steamer. Trust me. After the steamer. Use some simple green cleaner and 001 grade steel wool to get rid of any glue residue. If u use anything that will scratch off or degrade the defrost grid lines. Your screwed. I used to tint cars. This is the easiest and safest way to remove rear window with defrost lines in it. Any other windows like side windows. U can peel it off and wet it with some simple green cleaner and scrape off the residue with regular razor blades.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Summerton SC
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