So the defroster on my rear hatch glass has been kaput for a couple years now. I've seen the kits available to completely strip it off and apply a new one, which if I can't get new glass I'll do. My glass is actually in really good shape, but if I can get an OEM spec glass with good defroster I'd rather go that route. I haven't checked with any of the local auto glass places yet so I have no clue on availability, but regardless of what avenue I take, are there any non tint options that'll protect the defroster from scratches and bumps while still letting it perform properly?
You're probably not going to like this answer but this was my experience:
For a few years I traveled with storage bins stacked in the rear that pretty much blocked my vision out the rear window except for a little view at the top. I had FJ62 side mirrors on my 60 so my rear view out those mirrors was excellent (except when backing up in close quarters). I got so used to not having visibility out the rear window that it became normal and I never gave it much thought - just like driving any big van or truck.
I NEVER, not once, used my rear window defroster in the thirty years I owned the cruiser and didn't even use it when living up at a ski resort for a winter. Side mirrors were fine. (But they've got to be the big 62 mirrors)
The OE Toyota window is available, but be prepared for sticker shock. I too at some point will try and repair mine, but I was planning on using copper paint to fix the window traces. Other option is to get a cheap bluetooth rear-view camera which for me is prolly a whole lot easier as I'd just use the phone screen for cold morning backing up.
The OE Toyota window is available, but be prepared for sticker shock. I too at some point will try and repair mine, but I was planning on using copper paint to fix the window traces. Other option is to get a cheap bluetooth rear-view camera which for me is prolly a whole lot easier as I'd just use the phone screen for cold morning backing up.
Yeah the copper paint repair kits are worthless. Absolute dumpster juice. I haven't looked up the OE hatch glass, and honestly I'm kind of scared to. I'm tempted to see if I can find someone locally who can do a professional remove and install of a full grid kit on my glass while I have it out to paint the hatch.
Edit, just checked, and can't find any source for OE hatch glass for the 60/62 series at any price. Gonna see if I can find a good quality aftermarket one. I remember my windshield is a PPG and was good quality, but thanks to several rock chips is due to be replaced again.....
Clear View aftermarket defrosters new and replacement, 12 and 24 volt
www.frostfighter.com
While a backup camera is a good thing, I don't think it replaces seeing out the back window. I've also heard mostly bad things about wireless units too.
Complete kit contains everything required for making professional-quality repairs in just minutes. State-of-the-art components and easy-to-follow instructions with photographs. Provides a low-cost, high-quality repair for damaged rear window defogger grids and tabs. Quick Grid™ is the result of...
Complete kit contains everything required for making professional-quality repairs in just minutes. State-of-the-art components and easy-to-follow instructions with photographs. Provides a low-cost, high-quality repair for damaged rear window defogger grids and tabs. Quick Grid™ is the result of...
I had a problem with the defroster switch. Took it apart (simple - just don't lose your balls!) cleaned, dielectric greased, and worked fine. So as stated, finally got power/Continuity to the rear defrost connectors, but the grid is shot.
Would be nice if there were places that would/could re-apply the grid, but I've never seen one.
I had looked at this Company before, they offer a CLEAR, rear window defogger replacement, but didn't pull the trigger.
Check out their 'Video Series' ... Lot of info on how to troubleshoot and repair.
Yeah I remember looking at them several years ago. Now that it seems impossible to get new rear glass, I might have to go that route. Really want a good way to protect it though whichever avenue I go with.
I was wondering why mine didn't work when low and behold when I was taking a picture of my fuse cover for another member, I noticed that the relay was missing lol.
Yeah it's getting power. It's the grid itself that's shot after years of stuff scraping against the lines and breaking the connections. I thinkI have maybe two lines that actually work on it now.
Yeah it's getting power. It's the grid itself that's shot after years of stuff scraping against the lines and breaking the connections. I thinkI have maybe two lines that actually work on it now.
I saw that Clear View has their own repair kit that they offer. I'm wondering if it'd be any better than the Permatex garbage that the store sell. I'm going to give it a shot before winter hits and see if it works any better. If not, I'll be scraping the whole thing and applying a whole new defroster.
Have tried both the permatex and the frost fighter and both are essentially the same thing, copper repair paint for the lines. Both have "somewhat" worked in that there are sections that they have brought functionality back. However, neither have brought back full functionality. Best is that it has brought back large "spots" that will defrost but never 100% consistent.
Would love to be able to remove the glass, get rid of the old lines completely and then replace with one of the FrostFighter stick on kits. Have actually thought about just doing the FrostFighter kit over the old and calling it good as from my measurements the lines are approximately the same distance apart. Main worry would be how the lines adhere to the glass, full clear film with lines vs. lines on a sheet that is then adhered ala vinyl sticker type, as whether they would fog over time.
