Cleaning film off Vista Windows

[Kathie Neir]

I have removed my Vista Windows from a 74 Airstream and I am trying to clean off the film. Is there some solvent that just takes it off?

[Alumaholic]

Is the film on the inside, the outside, or between the panes?

There's a different approach depending on your answer.

A picture would help and you would get better advice.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Kathie Neir

I have removed my Vista Windows from a 74 Airstream and I am trying to clean off the film. Is there some solvent that just takes it off?

That film is mylar, and is on the inside of the outside pane of glass.

The only way it can be removed, is first take the window apart, and then 'VERY CAREFULLY", scrape the mylar off with a razor blade.

Andy

[edglenn]

Kathie, if the film is from old window tint (adhesive) you can use a solvent; Acetone, or Lacquer Thinner works fine. But, they are HIGHLY flammable and can cause flash fires if the fumes build up (ignition source not needed). The rags, too.
Clean the windows after taking them off the trailer, and use nitrile gloves and a mask if you don't want to get nauseous.
Also, a good "organic" cleaning solvent is PEANUT BUTTER. It melts through most sticky glues (price tags, etc.) But you have to then clean off the peanut butter with soapy water.
Hope that helps.

[Zeppelinium]

Sounds like you have the vista views with a plastic inner pane and a glass outer pane--these come apart by removing the "C" clip in the interior of the trailer (you don't have to remove the window frame from the shell). In any event, all outer panes of vista views are glass and the film can easily be removed with a single-edge razor blade, once you have access to the inner side of the outer pane. You then have to wash the adhesive film off the glass--it's a very water soluble glue.

Zep