Anyone install an aftermarket rear defroster? of the stick on variety? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

muleears · #1 10-25-2006, 04:13 PM

The defroster on my car is dead

. Had my indy look at it and he showed me several broken lines and places where it had burned. Said the only way to fix it was new rear glass/defroster. Soooo, being the cheapskate that I am I bought an aftermarket one (of the stick on variety) off Ebay. Any one ever install one? Any advice? Can I wire it to my current switch? The light still lights. I'll check the connection to the old one to make sure it is hot. Even if it doesn't work I'll only be out about $18 and the time it takes to install it. I gather it is better to install these in warmer weather, anyone else heard that? Advice please

!

Johnhef · #2 10-26-2006, 09:07 AM

I haven't seen one of these before but I like the idea! Most of my 123's have no rear defrosters anymore and this would definitly be the way to go, keep us posted, it shouldn't be too difficult to install right? whats in the kit?

Samuel M. Ross · #3 10-26-2006, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muleears

The defroster on my car is dead

. Had my indy look at it and he showed me several broken lines and places where it had burned. Said the only way to fix it was new rear glass/defroster. Soooo, being the cheapskate that I am I bought an aftermarket one (of the stick on variety) off Ebay. Any one ever install one? Any advice? Can I wire it to my current switch? The light still lights. I'll check the connection to the old one to make sure it is hot. Even if it doesn't work I'll only be out about $18 and the time it takes to install it. I gather it is better to install these in warmer weather, anyone else heard that? Advice please

!

... and see how you make out for both of our 1980 W123(s) need the same thing. I would think that scraping off as much of the old metalic film elements and cleaning the glass thoroughly will be key to any success you have with this project. Give us your E-bay link or a direct E-mail for the vendor IF you have it.
Regards,

coreyc · #4 10-26-2006, 10:32 AM

I found a product in my local parts store that was made by permatex that says that you can reconnect the broken traces on the window with. It comes in a little bottle with a little brush to put on the window. I haven't tried it yet myself, but I purchased a bottle and it is on my list of things to do yet this fall. It might be an option?!
Corey

OMEGAMAN · #5 10-26-2006, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coreyc

I found a product in my local parts store that was made by permatex that says that you can reconnect the broken traces on the window with. It comes in a little bottle with a little brush to put on the window. I haven't tried it yet myself, but I purchased a bottle and it is on my list of things to do yet this fall. It might be an option?!
Corey

I have used stuff like that before and it works well. You can also file down a brush from an electric motor and mix the filings in with some epoxy.

thorsen · #6 10-26-2006, 12:51 PM

I bought the kit from J.C. Whitney. Took the hatch off and did it inside. I remember cleaning the inside of the glass very well. The elements were very fragile. The heater worked well, although the lines across the back window were pretty chunky.

muleears · #7 10-27-2006, 07:23 AM

to the one I bought;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140045230288&rd=1,1 When I bought mine he still had another for sale. I haven't received it yet so I'm not sure what the kit looks like. I have projects for the next two weekends so this will have to wait. I will keep you posted.

Samuel M. Ross · #8 10-27-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thorsen

I bought the kit from J.C. Whitney. Took the hatch off and did it inside. I remember cleaning the inside of the glass very well. The elements were very fragile. The heater worked well, although the lines across the back window were pretty chunky.

My research of this Ebay listing indicates this was a product marketed by "Interdynamics" which appears to be a marketer of a variety of automotive accessories, particularly products related to A/C systems and small air compressors... mostly "cheap" products. See:
www.id-usa.com
They have apparently discontinued this product... and most likely because the finished result was very much what you have aptly described as "pretty chunky" !!
While researching this discontinued Interdynamics product, I ran upon these products... at least they are still marketed and there is a somewhat detailed descriptions of each product:
http://www.frostfighter.com/ff_pdt_2600.htm
I still get a "Rube Goldberg" feeling about these!!
Regards,

muleears · #9 10-29-2006, 06:59 AM

and Sam Ross hit the nail on the head. The kit is applied with a clear plastic sheet which stays on the window

I don't like the idea of looking through a plastic sheet. I am afraid of bubbles, yellowing, peeling etc. The kit Samuel Ross posted a link to looks much better. It only leaves the heating elements attached to the window. The kit I have does require the window to be perfectly clean and dry. They even want you to use an abrasive, like Brasso, to clean it, then remove the residue with straight alcohol, twice! It also needs to be above 55* F and preferably aroung 70* F to adhere properly. I don't think I'll see too many 70* days in the near future.

I think my kit will go back on ebay

and I'll spring for the Frost Fighter kit.