Side window tint problem?
Submitted: Monday, Apr 19, 2010 at 21:27
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Member - Rob Mac (QLD)
Has anyone come across a problem with their side windows flaking? crystallising. My HDJ79 and also my 1998 Hilux Extra Cab before, on the side windows there is a crystalline substance that doesn't want to wipe off with a damp cloth, it just seems to coagulate, sometimes it leaves shiny particles on the window sill, any ideas or do I just keep rubbing hard.
Thanks
Rob Mac
Reply By: hunty01 - Tuesday, Apr 20, 2010 at 01:16
Tuesday, Apr 20, 2010 at 01:16
Gday there,
Sounds to me like its the scratch proof coating is starting to break down. If you are the origional purchaser and still have the warranty and invoice you should be able to claim it under warranty (if it was given a lifetime warranty). You may want to
check that this isnt happening to the other windows or also what we call rippeling (rippeling effect on the edges). Downside to this is that most of the tints on the market still either fade or go a tinge of purple, so the new film probably wont match to your exixting tint.
Factory window tinting is still normal tinting. It still gets sent to a tint
shop to be applied, its just done before delivery of the car.
Best to clean it with a chamois and the buff it up with a micro fiber cloth. This way you have generally no chemicals in it.
Hope this helps. Hunty
AnswerID:
413599
Follow Up By: Fatso - Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 at 08:46
Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 at 08:46
You can buy window cleaning solutions that are window tint film friendly.
I use HALO. It is an alcohol based ammonia free solution. I get it from a cleaning supplier in 5 litre bottles. Far better than any window cleaner I have ever used on any window.
5 litres is obviously far too much volume for a private user. There would be plenty of similar products in smaller volumes out there.
Never use paper to clean your windows. It is too abrasive. Use a soft clean cotton cloth with window cleaner.
My Prius taxi windows have been cleaned twice a day for over 2 years. That is over 1500 times. The only damage to the tint has been from passengers watches & jewellery scratching it in a few
places. I only use cotton towels & they are changed for new ones every time we clean the windows.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: vk1dx - Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 at 09:24
Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 at 09:24
Before you spend any money on cleaners, try the dishwasher liquid in warm water. Been using it for years and it has done an excellent job on the tinted windows. And for years before that on the Falcons tinted windows also.
You need to use clean fresh water to get all the soap off afterwards. I use windex on the untinted windscreen.
Phil
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Follow Up By: Member - Rob Mac (QLD) - Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 at 21:43
Wednesday, Apr 21, 2010 at 21:43
Hi Hunty, I got this vehicle secondhand, the crystallising seems to be just in verticle streaks and patchy. I will try some of Phil and Fatso's tips. I use old t-shirts as cleaning cloth's so should be soft enough.
Thanks for the ideas.
Cheers
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684022
Follow Up By: hunty01 - Thursday, Apr 22, 2010 at 00:49
Thursday, Apr 22, 2010 at 00:49
Gday Rob,
It definatley sounds like the scratch coating to me as ive been tinting windows for that past 14yrs. For that problem there is nothing that you can do except remove and replace.
If its the cruiser in your profile pick, instead of just replacing one window you may be better off replacing both windows with a full meatalized tint, as it wont fade and has a much better heat rejection around 50% for legal. If there is a tint
shop close by, pop on past and get them to have a look at it. If its the coating and want tint put back on you can remove the old tint yourself and that may save you a few bucks too.
Hunty
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