Stained windshield

[Redcup]

So the excitement for this truck continues. Since purchase there has been a staining on all the windows, most notably the windshield. Originally it was 3 or 4 inch wide streams that went down the window from the roof. The paint also had this damage too. I took it to a detailer who said the paint had "raildust" and he was able to get it clean. Which he did as the paint looks brand new, the white is actually white. He said he clay bared the windshield and then buffed it. The windshield dry it is crystal clear. But once it rains the whole window has this smearing you get when you have crappy wipers. You can also see the outlines of water that drained over it. Is there anything else I can try to clear the window up or is a replacement due? My guess is the original stain is from the now removed roof rack draining down the window. I also notice black trails from the handles on the doors as well as from the roll bar. It looks like oil or black dirt.

The truck is originally from Canada and then spent some time on the UP of Michigan before making it's way to Wisconsin. Would taking 0000 steel-wool to the windshield fix it? I would love to avoid replacing the window as all the quotes I get are $500+.

 

[markabby]

you don't use rain-x do you?

 

[Redcup]

you don't use rain-x do you?

Nope. And the wipers are Bosch Icons. Not sure what the detailer put on the window though.

 

[1979 300]

Invisible glass makes a glass stripper that worked well for me. It is a cream polish, it takes a little work but cleared up my windows.

 

[Burla]

If your insurance has windshield coverage, throw a rock throw it, done.

You can polish a window like a car, you need a clean (meaning no or low oil) less aggressive polish, meaning fast and small diminishing abrasives. Something like menzerna IP or in that ilk. Need a finishing pad and an orbital.

 

[Marshall]

I saw a ytube on this a while back, he was using a 3M type of pad, super fine and some kind of past, rubbing compund? with a slow speed polisher.
but I did not get the first part of the post.
My problem is its getting sand blasted from the road, and insurance will not cover that, and I can't find a duck flying low enough. Don't know if cats are covered?
A rock, you have to pay the deductible, wild life is covered ( or was ) in SK. Will have to check.
I have auto wipers , so those are $$$$$$$

 

[GTyankee]

could be ...
When water containing minerals such as calcium and magnesium evaporates, these minerals remain behind, forming spots on the windshield. They are commonly seen after rain showers, washing your car, or exposure to sprinklers or irrigation systems.

Just hope that your windshield is not delaminating

 

[LeeD]

You could try Barkeepers Friend. It’s a powdered scrubbing cleaner. Works great on glass cooking surfaces and I saw it being recommended on a car detailing video for once a year windshield cleaning.

 

[Marshall]

I was in Ca. Tire yesterday, they had cans of Comet on sale, 1.50, about the same type of stuff as barkeeper, its been around for yrs.
I have never tried it on windshields , but have used on glass
I have a tempered shower door with minerial stains on it , may be a good test to see how it works.
I use to have some old windshields that could work as tests at one time.

 

[Redcup]

Turns out the window issue was that it was just cheap glass. I took it to a collision place after a rock hit it and was told that the glass was just really cheap aftermarket glass. No name or anything. It was also covered in small chips. So it seems that no matter what I would have done the window would still have had this issue. Now I have OEM glass (with the ram logo) and no smearing.

 

[SouthernBornRebel]

Meguiar's Clay Kit​

Meguiar's Clay Kit.... or even Mother's Claybar kit.... and ceramic treat windshield too

USE THE CLAY, NOT THE SPONGE...

 

[Jim113]

Something you might try is gas-line antifreeze and a soft cloth ... I use it to remove pine sap of my windshield and body paint ... I got that tip from a guy at a detailing shop ... I'd try it in a small area of the window first though to see if it removes your marks ... Another tip is WD-40 and a soft cloth ...