Window Cleanup for Tinting

[bhuff30]

I am going to have my windows tinted this weekend and I don't expect the shop to do a lot of prep work (as usual). So I have a couple questions.

The back window had a parking permit at some point and has some sticky stuff leftover. Should I be able to take that off with some rubbing alcohol or will I need something else? If so, what will I need?

Also, the original security stickers are still on the side windows, faded badly. Would it be worth trying to scrap these off with a razor blade, or would I make a bigger mess than I started with? If so, how to remove them and all the sticky stuff?

 

[nyuk98gt]

bhuff30:

Rubbing alcohol comes as 70 or 90%. Stronger is better. "Goo-Gone" or "Goof Off" (either one) should do the trick for the adhesive(s). I suggest that you use a razor blade (wallpaper section of Lowe's carries them) to scrape as much of the adhesive off as you can before using the solvent. On the back window be very careful around the defroster stripes (razor and solvent). When done, clean the whole window thoroughly with a little vinegar and water and finish up with a crumpled sheet or two of newspaper to buff the window clean.

You can also call the tint shop and ask them what they might recommend since your car is not the first to have old stickers or residue on the windows.

HTH,

Chris

 

[bhuff30]

For once, this was an easy problem to solve. The rubbing alcohol took the sticky stuff right off with ease. I then used a razor to remove the alarm stickers on the sides and the rubbing alcohol to clean up afterwards. Looks like I'm about ready. Just before going in, I'll clean the inside up with some vinegar as you suggested. Should look nice. Thanks

 

[txredgt]

For once, this was an easy problem to solve. The rubbing alcohol took the sticky stuff right off with ease. I then used a razor to remove the alarm stickers on the sides and the rubbing alcohol to clean up afterwards. Looks like I'm about ready. Just before going in, I'll clean the inside up with some vinegar as you suggested. Should look nice. Thanks

Your door panels will have quite alot of leftover residue on them when they are done so plan on cleaning those pretty quickly afterwards. The reasoning for it is just that its the mixture of soap and water which is needed to keep the tint lubricated. I've seen it done a few times and I wonder how hard it really is. I might try it on a front window soon on mine. Also you will get soapy residue on the outside since this is how the whole process starts.

 

[san~man]

If the tint shop is at all reputable, they'll scrape/clean the windows with razor blades prior to putting on the tint. If they don't do that, you should go elsewhere.

 

[bhuff30]

A couple people I know have used this shop, so I think they do a good job. I just want to have things reasonablly clean because once the tint goes on, it isn't coming off unless something is seriously wrong.

It isn't that hard to do tinting. I did my 88 mustang back in the day and it came out Ok. I think sanman is right, that the windows should be scrapped with a razor blade. I got some dirt under that tint and it never quite looked right. I am letting the shop do it because I don't want to lay in awkward positions and do a half-professional job when I can pay someone else to do it for just a little more. Guess I'm getting old.

 

[spiff]

Well, tinting is easy for the amateur....

I only found that true with my 86" Mustang, which I removed the windows from their frames and applied tint on the bench. In the car, was a different story - as reflected with my 93", 94", 01" Mustangs and 03" King Ranch, I tried to tint and the results were good, but not great.

That being said - the stock stickers on the side windows do not seem to appear offensive with tint applied, as my 86 and 93 had these. (The buckle up decals). It looked quite good actually. Nevertheless, I would remove them using the methods mentioned in the prior posts and let the tint shop take care of the rest.

I am also interested in what experienced people perceive as good prep work, as my 01's rear window tint blew loose on a high speed open cruise where it was bubbled over the dot matrix (to avoid the white phantom marks), so I ripped it all off leaving residue. Not sure how a shop would normally handle it?