Urban Coyote Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 Hey Everyone, Sorry if this is a bit of a stupid question. I bought my '98 Legacy L back in May. I noticed when it rained the water just beaded right off the windshield. It doesn't do that now and when there's rain or a lot of moisture in the air there's a haze on the outside of the windshield that does not whipe off...what is that? It only goes away when the windshield dries completely. Is that the original beading product going bad? More importantly....how do I get it off! I've noticed the same thing on my parents impreza and it's very annoying/dangerous when it's dark and this haze is on the windshield....the light from oncoming cars streaks up the entire windshield. I've tried soap and water, the squeegies at gas stations with no luck. Any suggestions? Thanks! Urban Coyote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyjo Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 it could be the inside of your windshield that's dirty, mine does that, and i have to clean the crap out of the inside..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwatt Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 Hey Everyone, Sorry if this is a bit of a stupid question. I bought my '98 Legacy L back in May. I noticed when it rained the water just beaded right off the windshield. It doesn't do that now and when there's rain or a lot of moisture in the air there's a haze on the outside of the windshield that does not whipe off...what is that? It only goes away when the windshield dries completely. Is that the original beading product going bad? More importantly....how do I get it off! I've noticed the same thing on my parents impreza and it's very annoying/dangerous when it's dark and this haze is on the windshield....the light from oncoming cars streaks up the entire windshield. I've tried soap and water, the squeegies at gas stations with no luck. Any suggestions? Thanks! Urban Coyote Perhaps a previous owner applied Rain-X to the windshield. To remain effective, it has to be periodically re-applied. To remove the product completely, clean the glass with plenty of denatured alcohol and paper towels. Then use Windex to remove any remaining "haze". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Coyote Posted September 28, 2005 Author Share Posted September 28, 2005 it could be the inside of your windshield that's dirty, mine does that, and i have to clean the crap out of the inside..... Nope, it's not on the inside....definitely the outside. If the wiper blades are a bit bamp and the glass is dry and pass over the windshield they reveal this haze. It's very strange, my old Suby had the windshield replaced and I never had anything like this occuring. UC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 Hey Everyone, Sorry if this is a bit of a stupid question. I bought my '98 Legacy L back in May. I noticed when it rained the water just beaded right off the windshield. It doesn't do that now and when there's rain or a lot of moisture in the air there's a haze on the outside of the windshield that does not whipe off...what is that? It only goes away when the windshield dries completely. Is that the original beading product going bad? More importantly....how do I get it off! I've noticed the same thing on my parents impreza and it's very annoying/dangerous when it's dark and this haze is on the windshield....the light from oncoming cars streaks up the entire windshield. I've tried soap and water, the squeegies at gas stations with no luck. Any suggestions? Thanks! Urban Coyote Try some Dawn or Joy dishwashing liquid. If that does not help, try some alcohol. If that does not help VERY CAREFULLY wipe the windshield down with some acetone. (NOTE!, acetone can quickly destroy most painted surfaces!) The windshield either has some wax or 'clear coat' on it or some type of 'road film' grime . Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwatt Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 Nope, it's not on the inside....definitely the outside. If the wiper blades are a bit bamp and the glass is dry and pass over the windshield they reveal this haze. It's very strange, my old Suby had the windshield replaced and I never had anything like this occuring. UC Yes, Rain-X is a product applied to the outside of the windshield to make water bead up. It improves wet-weather visability. But the application only lasts a short time; it looses effectiveness and causes the glass to "haze" over when wet. You may want to simply remove the remainder of the product with denatured alcohol first, followed by Windex. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Coyote Posted September 28, 2005 Author Share Posted September 28, 2005 Yes, Rain-X is a product applied to the outside of the windshield to make water bead up. It improves wet-weather visability. But the application only lasts a short time; it looses effectiveness and causes the glass to "haze" over when wet. You may want to simply remove the remainder of the product with denatured alcohol first, followed by Windex. Awesome, thanks guys! Quick question....will water and vinegar do the trick? I don't have any denatured alcohol on hand and I've tried dish soap with no luck. UC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 Awesome, thanks guys! Quick question....will water and vinegar do the trick? I don't have any denatured alcohol on hand and I've tried dish soap with no luck. UC I dunno, vinegar is a weak acid (acetic) so just rinse well after you try it. Carl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jib Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 Bon-Ami or Softscrub will work if mild chemicals fail. They are excellent on glass. It does sound like unrefreshed Rain-X residue. Jaack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blitz Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 If you've never tried Rain-X, you might wanna get a bottle and keep the application fresh ...you just might get hooked. Granted, the hazing is a part of using it and turns some people off, but IMO the water-shedding properties of the stuff make it worthwhile. As long as I clean and re-apply every three week or so, I don't have to use wipers at all. The effective driving speed required to move the water off gradually increases as the film deteriorates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 If you've never tried Rain-X, you might wanna get a bottle and keep the application fresh ...you just might get hooked. Granted, the hazing is a part of using it and turns some people off, but IMO the water-shedding properties of the stuff make it worthwhile. As long as I clean and re-apply every three week or so, I don't have to use wipers at all. The effective driving speed required to move the water off gradually increases as the film deteriorates. "I'm sorry officer, but my Rain-X is very old!" lol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Coyote Posted September 28, 2005 Author Share Posted September 28, 2005 "I'm sorry officer, but my Rain-X is very old!" lol! *ROTFLMAO*!! My brother was telling about a rain shedding product he usesd on his car. He said it only needs to be applied every six months or so, but it's expensive. Anyone have any ideas what that stuff is and does it really work? UC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyr Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 RainX is AWESOME! However, rainx or not, I have always had a problem with the spray on wax at automatic car washes. When I do use the automatic car wash, I will immediately windex the front windshield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcoaster Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 I have Rain-X washer fluid in my car. It works great, and it was the winter mix. Since I filled it up last winter, I haven't run out of the fluid yet! It does a great job keeping the windsheild clear. When the Rain-X looses its effectiveness, just a quick squirt on the washer fluid and a few wipes later it's back to normal. Any recommendations for cleaning the inside of a windshield? I got some grime built up on it, and it produces a haze that shows when driving towards the sun in the morning. I want something to clean off the grime and have anti-fog properties for the winter time as well. RC! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KStretch55 Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 We use basically the same stuff as Rain-X on the center windscreen on A-10s. It has to be reapplied/renewed every 50 flying hours, which probably averages about once a month or so. That should give you an idea how durable it is and how often you'll have to reapply it. He he, but don't expect your windshield to become bulletproof, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyr Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 He he, but don't expect your windshield to become bulletproof, too. Wouldn't be a problem if you could just help me rig a vulcan underneath the grill. Of course I'll need the shark/hog mouth as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KStretch55 Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 A-10 doesn't use a puny li'l ol' Vulcan! It's a GAU-8 30mm. Makes a 20mm Vulcan look like a popgun! LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 30mm canon? So much better than a horn when you need to get ahead in traffic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyr Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 A-10 doesn't use a puny li'l ol' Vulcan! It's a GAU-8 30mm. Makes a 20mm Vulcan look like a popgun! LOL Sign me up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KStretch55 Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 One problem, with a full load of ammo, the gun and ammo drum are bigger than the average Suby, and considerably heavier. Would make for an incredible defense and escape system though. Cuz' mounted to your Suby the recoil of a short burst (about 65 bullets per 1 second burst, each weighing about a pound) will send you backward with thrust equal to about 6 times the weight of your car. So, by the time the bad guy you were defending against, or his surviving friends, get up to look for you. You'll be long gone, at a very high rate of speed in reverse!! Kind of like a crawdad in escape mode, just more noisy and deadly!! LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jib Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 will send you backward with thrust equal to about 6 times the weight of your car. Yeah, but the ripping canvas noise it makes is worth it. Neat weapon. It was fun running over to Burlington to sell GE more barrels for them. Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sydfloyd44 Posted September 28, 2005 Share Posted September 28, 2005 The product you are asking about is from PPG and it is called Aquapel. They say 6 months. We have tested it and it is mostly true. All depends on the elements you are exposed to, where you live, driving habits, etc. Rain-X is no comparison to Aquapel! Since it came out about 4 years ago, it has always been a professionally applied system only. About 2 months ago, PPG announced they are now going to sell it direct to the public in single application packs. Talked to my PPG rep about 3 weeks ago and he said it is slowly becoming available at Auto Parts stores. Aquapel Website:http://www.ppg.com/gls_aquapel/default.htm PPG/Tire Rack Press Release: http://www.glassbytes.com/newsaquapel20050317.htm Your problem with your windshield I agree is Rain-X. We see this all the time! Rain-X is silicone based. Problem is the build up of the silicone. Once it stops working, the silicone remains on the glass causing the streaking. Every time you install more Rain-X, the thicker the layer of silicone that remains. On the other hand, Aquapel is Flouropolymer based which has been found to as effective without the side effects and build up of the silicone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urban Coyote Posted September 29, 2005 Author Share Posted September 29, 2005 The product you are asking about is from PPG and it is called Aquapel. They say 6 months. We have tested it and it is mostly true. All depends on the elements you are exposed to, where you live, driving habits, etc. Rain-X is no comparison to Aquapel! Since it came out about 4 years ago, it has always been a professionally applied system only. About 2 months ago, PPG announced they are now going to sell it direct to the public in single application packs. Talked to my PPG rep about 3 weeks ago and he said it is slowly becoming available at Auto Parts stores. Aquapel Website:http://www.ppg.com/gls_aquapel/default.htm PPG/Tire Rack Press Release: http://www.glassbytes.com/newsaquapel20050317.htm Your problem with your windshield I agree is Rain-X. We see this all the time! Rain-X is silicone based. Problem is the build up of the silicone. Once it stops working, the silicone remains on the glass causing the streaking. Every time you install more Rain-X, the thicker the layer of silicone that remains. On the other hand, Aquapel is Flouropolymer based which has been found to as effective without the side effects and build up of the silicone. Hi Everyone, Thanks so much for all the input and advice! It's been really helpful...I thought I was going to have to look through a haze windshield forever! I tried a weak solution of vinegar and water and the results have been wonderful so far. About half of the Rain-X buildup has been romoved and with another cleaning I hope to get it all off. I'm interested in trying the Aquapel. I hate driving at night in the rain and not being able to see the road clearly. Is it available in Canada? Thanks UC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sydfloyd44 Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 Not sure about its availability in Canada? I would recommend you go to Tire Rack and have them ship it to you there. Might save you some running around looking for it? http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/aquapel/aquapel.jsp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samo Posted September 29, 2005 Share Posted September 29, 2005 Aquapel is awesome. I put it on all my windows every six, as well as all my glass lenses. The stuff works wonders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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