Mad Eye aka 1st Gen Impreza Window Scratch Prevention

[hang009]

Hey guys, first how-to thread post so go easy on me!

Couple of days ago, I tackled a common problem of scratched windows on the classic Impreza GC8.

Here is a link to the Dropbox folder where I'll be explaining what I did:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ozsoqu60t07q86y/AAApq50rg5wmDbSpKdcVrDioa?dl=0

(I tried uploading the photos, but I've only got a 10 byte limit.. Also tried uploading through website, but no success.. Yes I did try the FAQ as well. Maybe i'm just r-tarded)

Anyways back to business.

Photo 1:

This is one of the windows I pulled out of the car (rear window) as you can see, there lies the culprit of the scratches! Dust, dirt, grime, bird poo, tree sap you name it, years and years of build up!

Photo 2:

Closer shot of where the supporting pads run, it takes all the crap and just soaks it all up..

Photo 3:

The rubber/plastic guard thing that sits on the outside of the window but with the same stuff only much harder and much more evil! It even looks like sand paper!

You'll have to remove this piece and scrub it. And scrub i did for a good 2 hours total for all 4 doors! I tried a tooth brush, then harder plastic brush but only a wire brush was able to smooth it out. After scrubbing though, it did leave faint marks where the wire had scratched off too much, but I think that'll do less damage than the sandpaper like original.

I recommend having a kettle near by with hot water to help get it off, not sure if it made a difference, but I think it did in my mind.

Photo 4:

Another shot of the plastic door trim, but this time you can see where both outer and inner support pad sits.

Front doors outer support - Remove door trim, remove window switch, unhook plastic tabs with two flat head screw drivers or plastic trim remover (recommended so you don't damage them), pull out.

Front doors inner support - Remove door trim, remove window switch, unbolt brackets, pull out.

Rear doors outer/inner - Same as above, BUT you'll need to remove the windows.

Photo 5:

The outer support pads in their 20+ year old state. Mine were so bad that I HAD to replace the pads. If yours aren't as bad you can freshen them up with a bit of warm water and soft caressing of the fabric with your finger.

Photo 6:

"Rebuilt" pads with new fake faux fur I bought from Spotlight. Just cut to size and glued.

Re-install back into doors and you're done!

Remember this is a prevention to stop getting your windows scratched even more. If your glass is already scratched; I'm currently planning to cut/polish my windows to see if I can remove them .. Will do another How-To on that later IF it succeeds...

If needed I can make a tutorial for door card or window removal, since I've done it like 9847Y98 times to get to the pads..

Harris

Edited December 28, 2014 by hang009