Windshield glare

[austx]

When I bought my black / black '05 the dash top had been generously slathered with ArmourAll. I've tried to clean it with several different solvents, and although it no longer feels slick, the glare it produces when driving into the sun is way beyond annoying. It's like driving in the fog even on a clear day. (For you pilots, think RVR 600.) It's not only fatiguing, it's dangerous. I would really appreciate a suggestion (if it does not include carpet scraps & glue, or driving in a different direction.) Thanx, Tom

[redbirdsal]

Re: Windshield glare

Hi Tom! Maybe this thread will be of help:

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19337&highlight=WINDSHIELD+GLARE

Be on the lookout! I'm sending you a pm.

[austx]

Re: Windshield glare

Thanx Sal,
Checked the thread - lot'sa verbage, but no solution. Seems the early birds dash vinyl was not so black (more of a charcoal) and definately not as shiney as the '05 black vinyl material. Maybe 200 grit sandpaper would dull it down a bit.

[MATBird]

Re: Windshield glare

There are always dash mats, if you choose.

[Dizzbe]

Re: Windshield glare

Since you've tried to clean it with various cleaners, I am going to recommend something a bit off beat. Take one of those Mr Clean Eraser pads, wet it, and then rub it over a small section to see if it will remove the shine. Don't push too hard though as it could impact the color. You could also try doing the same with just a damp microfiber towel. That's what I use to clean my seats and sand steering wheel. It works better than any cleaner I've found.

[texasbird]

Re: Windshield glare

Since you've tried to clean it with various cleaners, I am going to recommend something a bit off beat. Take one of those Mr Clean Eraser pads, wet it, and then rub it over a small section to see if it will remove the shine. Don't push too hard though as it could impact the color. You could also try doing the same with just a damp microfiber towel. That's what I use to clean my seats and sand steering wheel. It works better than any cleaner I've found.

Another great use for the Mr. Clean Eraser pads is to get scuff marks off of the plastic housing on the door mounted rear view mirrors. Linda accidentally scraped a mirror backing out of the garage, the day we were taking Saffron for her cruise back in October. Mr. Clean Eraser took care of the scrape marks from the garage as well as the bug guts from the highway.

James

[Icebluebird]

Re: Windshield glare

I too scrubbed and cleaned my dash to within an inch of its life and I still couldn't drive into the sun for the glare.

There is only one solution and that is a dash mat! I just lay mine on the dash and push it up under the windshield. It was a cheep one I bought on ebay for $10.

With the dash mat there is almost no glare. I don't know how people drive the car without one??

In my mind think WOX0F for the ability to see without a dash mat.

[doubutsu]

Re: Windshield glare

Tom, try wiping down your dash with rubbing alcohol. thats what is used to prep a surface before applying a wood dash kits. after cleaning the dash with alcohol, apply meguiar's shine, it does not give a greasy wet look like armourall. DO NOT USE MR. CLEAN MAGIC ERASER

[SugarDaddy]

Re: Windshield glare

Get a dash mat. It works for us.

[RETROBIRD]

Re: Windshield glare

I also have a black 2005. I do use armor all on the dash and it gives a great shine. I show the car on a regular basis. I noticed that even without armor all the dash has a terrible reflection problem. The only thing that works, and works well is a good pair of polarized sun glasses. Our friends owned a drop top sebring some years ago with the same problem and the following year the car had a white dash to help eliminate that problem. I prefer the sunglass option myself.

[5bird7]

Re: Windshield glare

Thanx Sal,
Checked the thread - lot'sa verbage, but no solution. Seems the early birds dash vinyl was not so black (more of a charcoal) and definately not as shiney as the '05 black vinyl material. Maybe 200 grit sandpaper would dull it down a bit.

NO on the sandpaper - you'll change the texture of the vinyl. You might just have to wait for the armourall to lessen with age (could take several years)- but you will still have a glare when going into the sun because of the angle of the windshield.

Sunglasses would be my first line of defense, then a dash mat.

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Windshield glare

I read some where that the dash top surface is painted. I would be very careful with experimentation.

[z06bigbird]

Re: Windshield glare

You wanted "a suggestion (if it does not include carpet scraps & glue, or driving in a different direction."

Close your eyes while driving into the sun????

[Ediron]

Re: Windshield glare

You might try White Vinegar with water .It's a great cleaning agent.Try in a small spot.

[Johnny TBird]

Re: Windshield glare

Well if you find a solution LET ME KNOW .....I have the SAME PROBLEM ON MY CASHMERE

HAPPY TRAILS