Rear Hatch Glass scratched....help

[dmaster79]

I just bought my '01 4dr Explorer a month ago and upon washing it yesterday I noticed a line on the back window glass. I thought it was just a dirt line as I see this all the time, but it is actually a scratch, its about 1/4" in width and is pretty much where the bottome of the wiper wipes across the back glass. I don't know how it got there but don't remember it when buying the truck. The only thing I can figure is a pc of rock salt got under the blade and caused this, I inspected the wiper and see no evidence of metal protruding from it. This irritates me, since the vehicle is otherwise in excellent shape. I've also read several threads on the rear wiper arm problem, and it appears I have that also. I'm thinking about just going ahead and buying a new rear window, cause I can't stop noticing the marke. Lets just say these windows are way more then I expected, and am now even more irritated. I have found 1 on ebay which is listed fairly cheap, is brand new, but it appears to have 7 holes instead of what mine would seem to have 6. Anyone know why it would have more, or is there some other option that I don't know about on these years. Any suggestions on whether or not it would be worth it. Its listed as $100 bucks right now with 25 bucks shipping which is 400 dollars less then if I buy it at a shop. Any help would be great!!!

 

[Eneurb]

Depending on how severe the scratch is, a glass specialty company may be able to buff it out.

 

[IAmTodd]

Most likely the blade went bad when the previous owner had it, they continued to use it, and it gouged out the window. I advise against using the wiper in a dirty area.

 

[dmaster79]

I might have to check a glass place out just to see if its an option. Its not real severe, but I do know I can feel it with my nail when I run it across so I know its definitly in the glass. I guess the worst part is since the window is the privacy glass it appears almost like a clear or semi white streak from the outside. Thanks for the suggestion..

 

[n3m3s1s]

i've got a wicked one of those on mine.
i'ts pretty deep too.
i didnt see it happen.
i assume someone let a kayak hit it on the way down...but then again,
they are made out of plastic. so im still stumped.


did you say shops want $500 for a new one?

 

[Heavymentill]

You could try using the stuff they use to fix chips.

 

[Hokie]

i assume someone let a kayak hit it on the way down...but then again, they are made out of plastic. so im still stumped.

I've got 2 nasty ones on my truck from my kayak. The bottom of the kayak had sand on it and when the hatch was opened, the glass rubbed against the sandy kayak. I can see it everytime i look in the rearview mirror but I just live with it. If i really cared i'd just buy the rear glass out of a wrecked explorer

 

[dmaster79]

Well stopped by the glass company today, they said they can't do anything about scratches on the back since it is tempered glass and it can shatter so easily. If it was the front it is coated and actually layered. With that being said I went home today and bid on the one I found on ebay, with no other bids I was the winner at 100 bucks plus 25 shipped for a brand new one. This time I will take the fuse out of my rear wiper or something...lol....sometimes I wish I weren't so picky about stupid things, but hey its my truck and my money, might as well make it look good....

 

[satyr64]

I have one too. I bought my 02 new and never had a scratch on th e window. Then I moved up north and during the first winter I noticed it one day about 1 inch long near the bottom right corner. Bugs me too every time I clean up the car thats what I notice first. It must came from the wiper during winter, but I dont think the wiper arm goes that far.

 

[outhouse]

Try jewellers rouge - this may polish out if not too bad

 

[Rhett]

did you say shops want $500 for a new one?

Oh yeah. That's an easy $500 if you order new back glass from a shop.
You should see how much replacement back windows are on an Expedition, or a Cadillac Escalade.. you're talkin major bucks.

 

[n3m3s1s]

or a Cadillac Escalade.. you're talkin major bucks.

i'll be sure to tell the local gangstawannabes not to put sandy kayaks on their roof racks. im kiddin, my aunt has one and it's great to ride in...even tho she never stomps on it. =)

hey rhett, have you met any other people with your name? i have only met one, and i think he has only met one.

back on topic...yeah i think hokie is right about buying the glass from a wrecked one. i just wonder how hard they are to find in better shape than the one you are replacing.