Streaky windshield, new wipers not helping...

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Old 07-16-2003, 08:04 PM
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Question Streaky windshield, new wipers not helping...

....Ok, this sounds like a dumb question, but I have a problem I cannot solve.

My windshield is always "streaky". I thought it was just bad wipers, so I replaced them. It was better, but still not perfect. Within two weeks, they were streaking just as badly as before. I have not used cheap blades, they were rather expensive.

My only conclusion is that there must be some type of oil, or chemical on the windshield. My truck is always clean, and I always wipe down the glas when I wash. Regular car wash soap is not removing the problem.

Do any of you have an idea of what this might be? If so, anybody have an idea on how to solve it?

Is it possilble there is some sort of "windshield polish" out there that I may purchase? Should I just use some paint polish with my porter cable 7424?

I will appreciate all replies.

Thanks!
 
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Old 07-16-2003, 08:48 PM
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3M made a windshield stripper that I used to see on the shelves in Wal-Mart. I haven't seen it there in ages however; I know such a product exists.

RP
 
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Old 07-16-2003, 08:51 PM
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Well I'm not sure what it does to the the paint but I know a few truckers that use Coke Classic to clean their windshields. I know there are glass polishes out there but it's worth a try and it's cheap. Make sure you have a hose nearby to wash it off the paint.
 
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Old 07-16-2003, 08:57 PM
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From the same standpoint of using Coca-Cola... you might try Vinegar.

The point is... something acidic.

RP
 
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Old 07-16-2003, 09:06 PM
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Originally posted by RockPick
From the same standpoint of using Coca-Cola... you might try Vinegar.

The point is... something acidic.

RP
That may help, if it doesn't you could read an excellent thread about water spot removal and the products to use which would help to clean your windshield. Can't remember the author but damn he was excellent

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=122041
 
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Old 07-16-2003, 09:30 PM
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Just for your reference, the author is a keyhole.
 
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Old 07-17-2003, 10:19 AM
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Cool

rockycarl -

Clean your windshield with Windex or something similiar. Then, if you have an hour or so and $5 to spend, get a bottle of Rain-X and apply it PER THE INSTRUCTIONS.

You will hardly ever need to use the wipers anymore, and dirt and stuff will not adhere as easily to the glass.

Mine lasts about 4-5 months and you will dramatically reduce the wear on your wipers as well.

If you treat all the windows, it makes it much easier to keep them clear and spot free.

1 bit of advice, though: I always Armor-All the weatherstripping after I use the Rain-X. Don't know if it would hurt the rubber or not, but why take chances?

 
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Old 07-17-2003, 05:47 PM
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use Coke, or any carbonated beverage. Like RP said - the acid (carbonic in this case, as opposed to RP's acetic) is the key
 
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Old 07-17-2003, 06:17 PM
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Hell, if it's carbonic acid...

Go find your nearest Karst Geology geographical landscape and collect some water from a sinkhole or cave.

It's LOADED with carbonic acid from the dissolution of limestone.

Sorry... the geologist in me surfaced.


RP
 
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Old 07-17-2003, 07:55 PM
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Originally posted by RockPick
Hell, if it's carbonic acid...

Go find your nearest Karst Geology geographical landscape and collect some water from a sinkhole or cave.

It's LOADED with carbonic acid from the dissolution of limestone.

Sorry... the geologist in me surfaced.


RP
Well, isn't carbonic acid simply another term for carbon dioxide? If so, can't you just breathe really heavy on the windshield to clean it off? Or maybe rub some plants on it!

Sorry.... the little chemist in me had to respond!
 

Last edited by Boss_429; 07-18-2003 at 08:23 PM.
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Old 07-20-2003, 02:59 PM
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Thanks for all your replies...I will try the carbonated drink idea next time I wash the truck.
 
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Old 07-20-2003, 03:05 PM
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Get yourself some Bar Keepers Friend.

Works like a champ!
 
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Old 07-20-2003, 03:20 PM
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Originally posted by Jaguar
Get yourself some Bar Keepers Friend.

Works like a champ!
Excellent recommendation, I followed it and it worked AWESOME...
 
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Old 07-20-2003, 07:43 PM
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Originally posted by Boss_429
Well, isn't carbonic acid simply another term for carbon dioxide? If so, can't you just breathe really heavy on the windshield to clean it off? Or maybe rub some plants on it!

Sorry.... the little chemist in me had to respond!
True, to a certain degree.

It is, indeed, carbon dioxide however; in a karst terraine the dissolution of limestone actually produces CO2 and it is in solution with the H20.
 
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Old 07-20-2003, 08:24 PM
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Find some 'Stoner Invisible Glass"...use newspaper instead of paper towels...do it twice or thrice and then apply the 'Rain-X'...let it dry to a haze and buff...APCO makes a 'Winter Blade' that works just as well in the summer
 

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