Try as I might I just can't get the windshield completely clean. It's as if the glass just isn't transparent any more. Is it possible the glass surface has been sandblasted (or something like that)? Is there anything I can do to polish the glass?
How to clean the windshield?
Jyuma
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Try as I might I just can't get the windshield completely clean. It's as if the glass just isn't transparent any more. Is it possible the glass surface has been sandblasted (or something like that)? Is there anything I can do to polish the glass?
2007 E320; 1987 560SL; 1984 300CD; 1974 240D; 1998 C280
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655 Posts
Old windshields do get sand blasted, and if that is the problem I don't believe there is a fix. Mine has some calcium deposits on it and windex won't touch it. I have read on google that baking soda paste will take it off, but it is still low on the priority list.:|
I have used clay bar on my windshields. Of course it's just cleaning but it makes things somewhat better.
I replaced the windshield on my CLK because of "sand blasting". Well worth it as it was very hard to see at times depending how the sunlight was hitting it. My cost was like $320 as I recall for a Saint-Gobain Sekurit replacement.
Replacement is the only correction for a sand blasted windshield. You must determine when the sand pits obstruct your vision and especially if it affects safety at night during glare conditions. A new gasket and glass will make things much better. You can always seal it after installation using a windshield silicone sealant, which is thinner and more flowable than regular silicone sealant. You use a small tool or screwdriver to lift the gasket up slightly from the windshield edge and then place a small bead between the glass and gasket, wipe any extra sealant away after letting the gasket edge down against the glass.
1983 380SL, ivory/dk brown, 46k miles, dual roller timing chain. 1986 560SL, red/white, 190K mile.
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9,803 Posts
How well do Glass Replacement Shops remove and replace the chrome surround?
I would worry they would fubar the fragile pieces pulling them off especially on
an old 30 year old car that clips on differently than more modern cars.
I would worry they would fubar the fragile pieces pulling them off especially on
an old 30 year old car that clips on differently than more modern cars.
I had a car that developed a crack in the windshield which gradually spread across the whole thing. When I replaced it, it was like looking out your picture window, so clean, so clear! Do it.
since no one mentioned it i will
windshields are laminated glass over a "membrane" and that membrane WILL fog with age...some worse than others, typicaly youll see this start at the edges and fog in but i have over the many years seen windows that were NOT sandblasted but wernt "clear" any more..so this may be the case as well....
IMO "if" you can still get a "new" window for the car DO IT!!!!! i often deal with stuff you cant get glass for sooooo
also waxing a windshield with the car is actualy GREAT as the wax is a UV protectant whish in turn protects the membrane to some extent, but the bonus is in anything but a FULL down pour anything over 30mph and youll never need your wipers
windshields are laminated glass over a "membrane" and that membrane WILL fog with age...some worse than others, typicaly youll see this start at the edges and fog in but i have over the many years seen windows that were NOT sandblasted but wernt "clear" any more..so this may be the case as well....
IMO "if" you can still get a "new" window for the car DO IT!!!!! i often deal with stuff you cant get glass for sooooo
also waxing a windshield with the car is actualy GREAT as the wax is a UV protectant whish in turn protects the membrane to some extent, but the bonus is in anything but a FULL down pour anything over 30mph and youll never need your wipers
2007 E320; 1987 560SL; 1984 300CD; 1974 240D; 1998 C280
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655 Posts
Original Post by cwmoser
I had my 1982 240D windshield replaced by one of those mobile windshield replacement firms, and they did a great job right in the office parking lot. Took him about an hour. It had a chrome or SS trim all around the windshield that they took off and put back on with no issue. No leaks.
The windshield in my '88 is the original and still in pretty good shape but enough pitting that i have thought about replacing.
Found three basic options
1) Have Safelite or other such company replace with whatever they call a windshield. Most likely a Chinese replacement unless you try and see if they can source #2.
2) PPG made glass (Formerly: ‎Pittsburgh Plate Glass) is probably as close to OEM quantity as you can get. If you can find a local installer that will source a PPG unit for you this is probably the best option.
3) OEM glass. Last i checked was not in dealer stock but could still be found. Twice the cost of #2 and three times that of #1. But does have the proper logos/markings if that is of importance to you (is to me).
Most companies like Safelite will not install glass they have not provided. Sure can understand and installs can go wrong and a new piece is needed.
In any case i would never use a mobile installer for R107 glass. Many shops still know how to replace these but takes "The Guy" and a controlled environment to to a good job.
Found three basic options
1) Have Safelite or other such company replace with whatever they call a windshield. Most likely a Chinese replacement unless you try and see if they can source #2.
2) PPG made glass (Formerly: ‎Pittsburgh Plate Glass) is probably as close to OEM quantity as you can get. If you can find a local installer that will source a PPG unit for you this is probably the best option.
3) OEM glass. Last i checked was not in dealer stock but could still be found. Twice the cost of #2 and three times that of #1. But does have the proper logos/markings if that is of importance to you (is to me).
Most companies like Safelite will not install glass they have not provided. Sure can understand and installs can go wrong and a new piece is needed.
In any case i would never use a mobile installer for R107 glass. Many shops still know how to replace these but takes "The Guy" and a controlled environment to to a good job.
2004 SL500AMG, 2003 SL500 USA model, Auto Transmission, Stock, Aegean Blue Metallic
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1,942 Posts
I have achieved success with Duragloss 755 Nu-Glass and rainX Apply to Exterior Glass.
I normally just spray some glass cleaner like Windex on the glass, and wipe off with a fresh clean white paper towel. Repeat until there are minimal streaks. Wipe with a clean microfiber or terry cloth to remove the barely detectable streaks. This is required and effective on the inside and outside glass.
On the outside, one can apply Nu-Glass by hand or orbital buffer. The rainX exterior formula finishes the transparency. It is great for repelling rain and contaminants. In the pits at Formula 1 races, they apply rainX. RainX makes windshield wax, and Apply to Interior Glass products. Over a decade ago , the interior product seemed hard to apply and not particularly good. I don’t recall about the wax. I think the wax may last longer, and fill in some minor pits.
I normally just spray some glass cleaner like Windex on the glass, and wipe off with a fresh clean white paper towel. Repeat until there are minimal streaks. Wipe with a clean microfiber or terry cloth to remove the barely detectable streaks. This is required and effective on the inside and outside glass.
On the outside, one can apply Nu-Glass by hand or orbital buffer. The rainX exterior formula finishes the transparency. It is great for repelling rain and contaminants. In the pits at Formula 1 races, they apply rainX. RainX makes windshield wax, and Apply to Interior Glass products. Over a decade ago , the interior product seemed hard to apply and not particularly good. I don’t recall about the wax. I think the wax may last longer, and fill in some minor pits.
Just get it replaced, IMO. Driving with a compromised windshield has its own fatigue and safety issues. Call the local glass shops and get their thoughts on doing your 107. It's not a complicated windshield to replace correctly, but I have seen some shops bungle the reveal moldings.
My windshield had pitting and scratches that made it difficult to drive at night and as the sun was setting. I had replaced windshields on cars because a bird or a baseball tried to go through it (I was doing 70HPH in my Subaru, the bird might have been doing 10 = 80-MPH) and found it's like looking through a new car window. So a few years back I replaced my 560SL windshield and it was an absolutely major improvement in drivability, especially at night with aging eyes, and worth the $285 I spent.
I use very fine wire wool to clean crud of the front screen or and glass any other glass on the car
I have no experience replacing the windshield. However, when it comes to cleaning and detailing your windshield Larry at Ammo NYC is the best in the business. He is one of the best detailers around and has videos on every topic. Here's his video on glass cleaning:
Ammo NYC glass cleaning
Ammo NYC glass cleaning
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