Waterspots/deposits on windows. Nothing works!

[82DMC12]

Group,

I have a 1982 DeLorean with spotty windows. The windshield, and all side glass has spots in the windows that have probably been there a long time.

I have tried:
1. windex. no results
2. vinegar. no results
3. 0000 steel wool and windex. i only did one window and it left some tiny scratches in it. I'll never try that again.

What's next? I talked to some windshield installation places who said there's nothing you can do, just put new glass in the car.

If these marks are etched in by chemicals, is there any hope?

Andy

 

[loudist]

First, try detailing clay.
If that doesn't work, try 'Barkeepers Friend' non abrasive cleaner. It's basically oxalic acid.
If that doesn't work, then its abrasive time.

Duragloss Nu Glass, an easy won't scratch the glass abrasive
Here for more glass polishing info

Good luck and do report back.

[ December 22, 2004, 10:18 PM: Message edited by: loudist ]

 

[jhnrckr]

try some wax, it might fill in the pitting.

 

[loudist]

quote:

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Originally posted by jhnrckr:
try some wax, it might fill in the pitting.

---

You really need to think about how many ways that suggestion is wrong.

 

[bretfraz]

If the glass is etched, there really isn't anything you can do to eliminate the damage short of replacement. With etched paint from acid rain, the only thing you can do to remove the spots is to wetsand the paint and buff out. Not that easy on glass....

I'm really surprised #0000 steel wool marred the glass. I've used it for almost 20 years with no problems at all. If your glass is so soft that even superfine steel wool will mar it, I'm not sure what product will remove the spots yet not cause more damage itself. Maybe a mild glass polish from Autoglym or Zaino (Duragloss's polish is more aggressive than these two) applied with a foam pad or terry towel will work. Hard to say at this point but its worth a few more experiments.

 

[Slick 55]

Try some Bon-Ami. GM recommends it.

 

[Koogie]

Product wise i'm sure what to do. I would talk to someone in the glass business and get some input. I would try a sample piece first though. Good luck, as any pitting is a pain.

 

[Koogie]

Correction :not sure which product to use.Christmas on my mind

 

[Oilua]

Try Bruce's GSR Glass,water spot & stain remover.It really removes the waterspots on my 99 4Runner.I use just a small piece of sponge to apply on window.

 

[Lugosi]

quote:

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Originally posted by Brett Miller:
Try some Bon-Ami. GM recommends it.

---

Just remember that it's the Bon Ami Cleaning Powder, NOT the cleanser.


Explanation surrounding the confusion

Here's the product you want

 

[Slick 55]

I have also used glass cooktop cleaner that I bought at Sears. It worked well, especially at removing bugs.

 

[cousincletus]

quote:

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Originally posted by Brett Miller:
I have also used glass cooktop cleaner that I bought at Sears. It worked well, especially at removing bugs.

---

That's a good idea. Did it scratch at all or leave any marks? I may try that.

 

[82DMC12]

Thanks for the info guys. the car is in storage right now and no telling when I will get to try your suggestions. I'd rather not replace the glass but if nothing else works, that might be what i have to do!

Andy

 

[Kestas]

I used to have spots on my Tracer's window from storing it under a tree. It had a stain pattern that etched the glass. JC Whitney sells a glass polishing kit that contains a felt pad you mount on your drill and compound. It worked for me. As long as the defects on the glass aren't large enough to catch with a fingernail when you pick at it, the compound can polish it out.

One mistake I made was not thoroughly cleaning the window and surrounding frame before polishing. I caught some grit on the felt pad which left swirl marks all over the window. Please learn from my mistakes.

 

[widman]

Steam! Remember that water is a solvent for the mineral deposits that were once in it. An upholstery steamer has worked for me many times. Just steam and dry. A little slow, but it works without any effort.

 

[Jelly]

Invisible Glass.