I picked up my AP1 about a year ago and it came with a factory hardtop. My problem is the guy who had it before me tinted the rear window on the hardtop with limo tint. And the tint does not suit the clean look i am going for with my S.

I had a civic before that had tint and was a pain in the arse to remove.

I was just wondering if any of you have had to remove tint from the hardtop and would like to share your story. I'm mostly worried about the glue (for lack of a better word) under the tint and cutting the defroster lines.

Any info will help

Thanks

(And the search button is not working for me)

 

Can't you simply wipe off some tints with windex? I'd take it to a tint shop and ask them what the best way to romove it is.

 

A tint shop can do it no problem. People remove tint all the time.

 

Easy to remove.. most liquid cleaners of any strength magnitude strip it off.

 

yah, should peel right off

 

the tint film will peel right off but the film of glue will not.

you can't use a razor blade on the defroster line or it will be damaged, strong industrial cleaner will also damage the line.


IF the OEM hardtop comes with a glass back, you can use a XXX grade steelwool to remove the tint. YES, that's how the shop do it, XXX/XXXX grade/grit.

the steelwool surprisely will not damage the defroster, i did it for my other car, and it worked out perfect. Like i said don't do it if the rear piece of the HT is plastic, it will scratch up the finish like there's no tomorrow.

just in case you guy wonder how to do it.

1)soap the tint with a coat of windex

2)park the car outside at noon or use a headgun to apply heat

3)cut open a black trash bag and place it under the tint(from the inside of the car)

4)after 30 minute or so, the glue should be soften up and the corner will peel

5)pull the tint

6)use steelwool to clean up the glue, apply windes for lube

 

The tinter at my shop uses a chemical to remove it. I wouldnt chance the steel wool. Best bit is to take it to a tint shop and let them do it.

 

I've removed tint from a car with a rear defroster myself by peeling the film and then using Windex to remove the glue. No problem with the defroster lines. Just be careful not to damage the connection of the main wire that's attached to the glass.

Tint shops might have better chemicals to remove the glue and make it even easier. I'd recommend taking it to a professional if you don't feel comfortable with doing it yourself.

 

If a tint shop screws up your window than they owe you a new one!

If you screw up your window than you are f@#$ed!

 

I have had good luck with peeling then you can either warm up some vinegar or use rubbing alcohol and wipe with a microfiber cloth.