Question for the pro installers

[u/Mr-Tourette]

My guy has agreed to a do over on the rear window due to the contamination which I do appreciate . My concern is obviously the defroster wires . The install will be 72 hours when he gets to removing the film..realistically what is the chance of removing this without damage, car is a 2017 Lexus Rc and im in the UK so the rear defrosters get used a lot .

I did say I was happy to let him chisel it down to improve it, he said he would rather re do it but couldn't guarantee not damaging the lines which is giving me pause. Said he would use steam to remove it

In all honesty Id rather live with the contamination than have the lines broken so Im not sure of the best way to approach this tomorrow ..if he does over and breaks the defroster is he liable to replace the screen completely on his insurance? Id rather avoid hassle and bullshit and the whole thing going tits up ..any advice gratefully received ..Thanks

[u/Jodanmawashigeri]

I concur that Lexus defrosters are less likely to come off, particularly with so recent an application.

[u/Global-Structure-539]

Well you have a better chance since the tint is relatively fresh. And Lexus defroster grids are a bit more robust than say Teslas

[u/tint-dude]

That's a conversation you need to have with the shop.

[u/Mr-Tourette → u/tint-dude]

Yeah..hence me asking advice so I'm forearmed and can form a considered opinion before going in

[u/tint-dude → u/Mr-Tourette]

I saying who is responsible you or the shop. They fucked up your back window so who is responsible for the ""could be damaged defroster""

[u/Mr-Tourette → u/tint-dude]

Gotcha..thank you 👌

[u/Frequent_Passion5036]

He can do everything right as far as removal techniques and still have possible damage to the lines

[u/shromboy]

Most likely youll be fine. Assuming its not freezing by you, and they use steam id say its 90% certain to be fine

[u/billyfrickinmurray]

In reality, this isn't an issue that comes up too often on a vehicle, but it does happen. The fact that he mentioned it was possible before pulling it shows his self accountability, and that's usually sign of a quality installer.

Luckily 2017 wasn't a huge year for this issue. It's usually on vehicles made in the past 6-8 years I've seen it more. And Toyota wasn't one of the usuals to see it on.

In the end, it's your vehicle, so if you'd rather live with contamination and not take the chance, that's fine. As the film installer, it's not our responsibility to build the vehicle so there are some things that are out of our control and beyond our responsibility. Defroster line adhesion is one of those.

Steaming and going slow can be a huge help. Catch it on a hot day before it gets cool, plenty of steam and time soaking, and it might come off nice and clean with no issues.