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Wishing you all a Happy New Year. Need some advice. Just picked up my new C7 and love it. Been a long time coming. I am a retired firefighter and would like to place a firefighter decal somewhere on a portion of the rear window. I know that there is not a lot of vision, but the decal is only 4x4". I am unable to get a clear answer from my dealer, so maybe you know. The majority of the window has defrost "wires" on it. If I place a decal on the defrost (wire/lines) are, could it cause damage? Not sure if the "wires" are embedded between the glass or not...haven't had a chance to check. Lastly, inside or out? Thanks all, Mike
Have you considered a license plate frame instead of a decal? Just a thought... They may make one for your department, or there are a bajillion generic ones:
You should be fine putting it over the defrost wires. Inside or outside depends on what kind of decal you're putting on. Obviously, a decal designed for the inside will probably have more longevity than one outside.
I would not put a decal over defrost wires. A few years back, the state placed a temporary license paper over the wires of my car when purchased and the adhesive melted into the wire film and could never be removed. I never let the dealer place another temporary registration on my rear window.
never put any adhesive over the defrost wires/lines. Most dealers know now to put the tape in between lines to avoid damage, but don't put any sticker on the inside of the rear window. Any vinyl shop should be able to cut out what you want for the outside, otherwise i would just google "firefighter auto decal" (or something similar)
PS they are so cheap that if you want, buy 2 or 3 and replace every few years if you think they're going to not last being on the outside, but they do last a very long time....
Last edited by SharkGrayStingray; Jan 1, 2017 at 05:26 PM.
Thank you all for your input and advise. I contacted Jerry Reynolds from Car Pro and he says that the defrost wires are embedded inside the rear window, thus making it okay to place a decal either inside or out. However, my gut tells me that common sense tells me that it is best not to do that. Logically, with the defroster heating up (although we are on the ocean coast of California and using the defrost would be very unusual), perhaps it would be best not to put a decal on. Interesting question and thanks for all your help.
Thank you all for your input and advise. I contacted Jerry Reynolds from Car Pro and he says that the defrost wires are embedded inside the rear window, thus making it okay to place a decal either inside or out. However, my gut tells me that common sense tells me that it is best not to do that. Logically, with the defroster heating up (although we are on the ocean coast of California and using the defrost would be very unusual), perhaps it would be best not to put a decal on. Interesting question and thanks for all your help.
sorry, but unless the 2016 or 2017 c7 has different rear windows than my 2015, the rear window defroster lines are NOT embedded in the window. If you run your finger along the lines they are "bumpy", or raised and can be damaged. They may not be as flimsy as in years past, but they are not embedded. I wouldn't put it on the inside.
sorry, but unless the 2016 or 2017 c7 has different rear windows than my 2015, the rear window defroster lines are NOT embedded in the window. If you run your finger along the lines they are "bumpy", or raised and can be damaged. They may not be as flimsy as in years past, but they are not embedded. I wouldn't put it on the inside.
Thanks so much for your reply. I ran my fingers on both sides and they are smooth. So maybe the 17's are different. Never the less, I think I'm still opting to be safe and not affix a decal there.
Thanks so much for your reply. I ran my fingers on both sides and they are smooth. So maybe the 17's are different. Never the less, I think I'm still opting to be safe and not affix a decal there.
Tint works fine on the inside of the hatch window. By deduction a vinyl cutout should as well.
Thanks so much for your reply. I ran my fingers on both sides and they are smooth. So maybe the 17's are different. Never the less, I think I'm still opting to be safe and not affix a decal there.
i'm shocked they would change something like that but its def beneficial to you newer guys
Guys the grid lines are placed on the inside surface of the glass after it is tempered. Just pop the top plastic panel off and you will notice there are tabs soldered to the inside of your window that pass current through the grid lines.
If you were to pplace a sticker over the grid lines you would have to remove the sticker without scraping then use something like Goo B Gone to remove the adhesive.
Personally I would never put a decal over a grid line because of the removal afterwards but thats just me.
Guys the grid lines are placed on the inside surface of the glass after it is tempered. Just pop the top plastic panel off and you will notice there are tabs soldered to the inside of your window that pass current through the grid lines.
If you were to pplace a sticker over the grid lines you would have to remove the sticker without scraping then use something like Goo B Gone to remove the adhesive.
Personally I would never put a decal over a grid line because of the removal afterwards but thats just me.
the OP is stating his grid lines are in between the glass not on the inside like my '15...
i agree with you and think they wouldn't change it from what i have, but i haven't seen a '17 lol
Thanks to all for helping me with this question. It's been a fun discussion. Because of your feedback, I opting out of affixing a decal. My 3LT is a beautiful car that I would never do anything to potentially damage in any way. I have a California Firefighter's license plate coming and that will be fine. So thanks again to all. You guys are great!!
Decals on the inside of the rear window because of the wired defroster? What about window tint...have had all of my vehicles tinted and all have had rear window defrosters...never a problem.
The issue doesnt come from covering up the grid line, the issue comes from removing the decal. In the case of window tint same thing but most people dont replace window tint once it is applied to a back window. If you have to remove window tint for what ever reason from a back window it can be done, its just messy and labour intensive to do it properly because you have to use chemical to remove the adhesive left from the tint. But again thats moot, the benefits of tint far outweigh the negatives in this case. Hope this helps.
Last edited by intake68; Jan 3, 2017 at 01:41 PM.
Reason: Spelling
Decals on the inside of the rear window because of the wired defroster? What about window tint...have had all of my vehicles tinted and all have had rear window defrosters...never a problem.
Semper Fi
Interesting, isn't it? For kind of a basic question....not how to remove an engine...not how to set your timing; just whether a decal can be safely placed on a rear window.......so many different thoughts from so many helpful people. Thanks to all. Of course, wouldn't you think that Chevrolet could easily answer that question? Nope. I was connected to "Chevrolet", and got someone who was obviously from another country. The "Chevrolet" representative said the he was not aware that a Corvette was related to Chevrolet. Crimany! Oh well, as Sonny and Cher said, "The Beat Goes On". Thanks USMC for your opinion. Much appreciated!
Decal
lol
