Rear window question? Is defrosting element inside the window?

[sickwilly]

Will someone please feel their rear window and tell me if the defrosting element (and antenna on my 97) is painted on the inside of the window, or in-between the glass? I fear I already know the answer.

I have 11 year old tint that on the rear window only is bubbling and looking like crap. I need to remove it, but don't want to loose my defroster and radio antenna.

Any tips besides waiting for a 100 degree day?

Thanks,

SW

[cexsiman]

sorry to break the bad news to ya, but its a surface defroster. i am not sure about the antenna though. besides waiting for a hot day, maybe a heat gun would be of some assistance? i can apply tint all day long, but dont have too many suggestions on its removal besides the usual water/vinegar and a razor blade.

[sickwilly]

Thanks for checking that out for me.

That is what I was afraid of.

It looked great until one year ago, and now it looks like total crap. I guess I will consult some of the local shops. The side tint still looks great. Also, I think removing all the tint makes these cars look more buick-like, so I want to keep tint back there.

[sickwilly]

I found a local place that uses steam to get it off without ruining the defroster. $80 to remove it and $80 to replace it, or $275 to do the whole car (remove all the old and replace it all).

I think I will go the $275 route if they will also use some steam to get the last of the crappy fake wood off my dash!

I already got pulled over once because of how dark my tint is, and $275 is not too bad for a car that has given me over 30K miles and not cost me a single repair.

[sickwilly]

The new tint looks great. The defrosting element looks fine, but I will have to wait until Winter to know for sure. They used steam and I waited for a hot day. I will report back this Winter.

Next, I need to replace my front cracked windshiled, then my struts and mounts, and I will have a what feels and looks like a brand new 175K mile 97 Avalon.