Date:         Mon, 4 Feb 2002 12:32:31 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <jhrodgers@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <jhrodgers@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: Removing old window tint film
Comments: To: Vanagon Man <VGONMAN@MSN.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

My son has owned and operated an automotive window tint shop for 17 years. On all the windows EXCEPT   THE REAR WINDOW WITH THE DEFROST STRIPS , he uses a razor blade to
lift an edge of the existing tint, grabs the tint then simply pulls it peeling it off. Any that remains is scraped off with the razor blade. Tints have a glue that is
activated by water to adhere it to the glass, and it can SOMETIMES be softened using Johnsons baby shampoo applied with a misting bottle. The Johnsons is also the best
cleaner for cleaning your tint it you are keeping it, though other things are used. Just be absolutely sure there is no ammonia in any product you use. It will kill the
tint in a heartbeat by removing the oils and plasticizers in the tint.

BTW, 2 tablespoons of Johnsons in a quart of water is sufficient. The Johnsons mix is also what is used to install the tint. The slipperyness of the shampoo helps in
sliding tings into position, and lubes the way for the squeegees and plastic cards used in installation.

For the REAR tint, my son will not remove it without the use of a steamer. He starts at an edge and applies steam to the glue line.
The steam moisture combined with the heat will soften the glue so the tint can be pealed off. From his perspective, there is no other way. I can't begin to tell you how
many people I have seen at his shop who started out to strip the tint, only to have to bring it to him for the rear window steam treatment.

Good luck.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Vanagon Man wrote:

> Volks,
>
> I want to remove the window tint film in my van.the PO really scuffed it up, as well as used windex instead of ammonia on it.................any ideas or easy methods?
>
> Adam P
>
> 81 Vanagon Westy (The Brick)
> 70 Single Cab "Whitey" (finally on the road)
> 74 Beetle "Ol Yeller"
> 73 Transporter (STILL at paint shop)
>
> 1984 Partsmobile (for sale)
> 1982 Westy (for sale)
> Used Vanagon Parts for sale (mostly aircooled)