Cloudy windows

Post Sat May 23, 2009 4:18 pm

I'm having trouble with the driver's window and rear screen on my 1990 325. The glass appears cloudy and I'm not sure what to do to remedy it...It looks like a greasy film that will disappear when wiped with a wet cloth but soon reappears.

I've tried shampoo and water, wax, even as far as some cutting compounds to remove it all to no avail.

Anyone got any miracle solutions?!

J

Post Sat May 23, 2009 8:32 pm

That sounds very odd, maybe post a pic if you can?

Post Sat May 23, 2009 8:46 pm

I'll try and get one up for you to have a butchers at...

J

Post Mon May 25, 2009 5:24 pm

Perhaps try something along the lines of nail varnish remover of methylated spirits. They are both really good at removing oils tars and waxes from surfaces when water wont budge them, just thinking laterally

Post Mon May 25, 2009 5:47 pm

I'll give them a try, see if it helps.

J

Post Sat May 30, 2009 2:11 pm

This is the problem I have with the windows...any clearer?

J

Post Sat May 30, 2009 2:23 pm

Looks like overspray maybe.... Get a flat razor blade and run it down the glass. When you rub the glass with your hands inside and outside how does it feel? Rough or real smooth?

Might want to try some thinners.. Honestly its very hard to tell but glass should stay transparent forever.

Post Sat May 30, 2009 2:27 pm

That's the annoying part...

It's definately not overspray, the glass is silky smooth with no rough patches at all. Water makes the window clear for a short time but then it returns to being cloudy. It's definately on the outside as water has no effect if you rub the inside of the window with it.

Going to have to try thinners next I think.

J

Post Sat May 30, 2009 2:30 pm

If water is making it clear again this suggests that it has scratches in the glass. I suspect water is filling the scratches and thus making it clear again until it evaporates.

Mike

Post Sat May 30, 2009 2:36 pm

Thanks Mike, I'll give thinners a go but if that doesn't work it'll be new glass time when I change the electric window motors that don't currently work...

The joys of E30 ownership!

J

Post Sat May 30, 2009 2:41 pm

old cars are character building are they not?

Post Sat May 30, 2009 3:05 pm

You could say that

Post Sun May 31, 2009 12:28 am

A long shot , but have you tried Autoglym SRP?
It cleaered my rear (plastic) screen in the cabby.

Post Mon Jun 15, 2009 3:23 pm

Finally!!!! It has come off!

- T-cut didn't work.
- Vinegar (suggested from a friend) didn't work.
- Cellulose thinners didn't work.
- Glass wax/polish didn't work.
- Meths didn't work.
- Wire wool didn't work.

Machine glaze and a buffer did the job though

J