noelawinslow Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I've been calling several local shops about applying new defrost grids to the rear window of my 280. The lines have all but completely faded. According to what I understand, there are repair kits for small nicks and breaks, but I haven't seen anything for applying a whole new grid. Has anyone already done something like this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan_Austin Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 (edited) I used a Frost Fighter complete kit that included a new grid and new bus bars. The new grid was spaced differently that the factory grid, and the factory grid could completely scraped off, so I cut the new grid into individual strips and then carefully overlaid each strip over the original grid lines. The glue on the bus bars was not very impressive, but I have had no issues with the grid itself. The install was done with the hatch removed and a friend shining a light through the glass so I could perfectly align the grid. Being anal about the alignment the project still only took about 90 minutes to complete. Edited September 18, 2012 by Dan_Austin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noelawinslow Posted September 18, 2012 Author Share Posted September 18, 2012 Does the glue have any issues with conductivity? My grid has nearly completely faded, so if I slap those lines on where the old ones were, will the current pass through the glue? I never heard of these guys before, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan_Austin Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 My grid was also about 90% flaked off, so I used a razor to clean the rest. The stick kits include new bus bars that need (should be) used to connect to the new grids. The manufacturer suggested that using the factory bus would lower resistance to the point that the grid would not generate enough heat. 1. Scrap off old grid, but leave the bus on the sides (or top & bottom if 240Z) 2. Carefully lay down the new grid lines leaving 3~4 inches extra on each side 3. Place the bus bars over top of the origninal bus and new grid lines. Make sure to leave at least 3/16ths of an inch between the bar and the seal or the trim caps will not fit. 4. Fold the extra length of grin lines over the bus bar, this gives direct contact of the glueless surfaces 5. Install the trim caps The ground lead on this kit is on the bottom of the grid, so I just made a small jumper and connected the ground to one of the hatch strut bolts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noelawinslow Posted September 18, 2012 Author Share Posted September 18, 2012 Thanks for the help! I just ordered the kit, hopefully I can get it installed before the autumn fogs hit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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