Is it possible to remove black border/dots around windshield? (Page 1/1)
Raydar OCT 25, 07:45 PM
Not necessarily Fiero specific, since lots of vehicles have it.
Is it possible to remove the black border or dots that go around the edge of a windshield or back window?
Is there any chemical that will dissolve it? Bonus points if it will leave the defroster grid intact. Removing the glass is not an issue. That can happen, if necessary.
pmbrunelle OCT 25, 08:21 PM
It's called the "frit", and it gives a good place for the windshield urethane to stick.

I don't know much more about it, but you can probably find more information if you google the keyword "frit".
Vintage-Nut OCT 25, 08:41 PM
Known as the "dot matrix" {or a.k.a. "Frits"} and their primary function is strengthening the bond. Efforts to eliminate them may harm the windshield and undermine its structural strength.


quote
Craig Campbell, founder and CEO of Auto Parts Guideline:
First and foremost, the frit band is critical in ensuring your windshield stays firmly attached to the car frame. They're there to hold the glass in place and keep it from moving around while the car is in motion. Without these dots, the glass could become loose and eventually fall out of the frame.



Myth 1: Frits are only decorative
Fact: While they do add visual appeal, frits are primarily functional. The rough ceramic paint provides a firm grip for the adhesive that bonds the windshield to the frame, ensuring structural integrity. 

Myth 2: The dot pattern is random
Fact: The gradual transition from a solid black band to smaller dots is intentional. Without this dot matrix, uneven heating could cause warping or optical distortions in the final product.

Myth 3: All frits are the same
Fact: While the basic functions remain the same, there can be variations in frit composition and design. Some modern cars might have a “third visor frit” that extends further down the windshield, offering additional sun protection.

Myth 4: Frits can be easily removed
Fact: Frits are meant to stay intact since the paint is ceramic-based and baked onto the surface. Efforts to eliminate them may harm the windshield and undermine its structural strength.

https://autoglassamerica.co...-dots-on-windshield/

------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

pmbrunelle OCT 26, 01:51 PM
While it may be a good practice to have a gradual dot transition from the edge, apparently a sudden transition from black to clear can be workable.

My Ford Ranger’s windshield has dots on the top and bottom edges, but not on the sides where the A-pillars are.
Raydar NOV 05, 08:27 PM
Thanks for the responses.
This is regarding a vehicle that I own that has a rear wiper and a defroster grid.
The mechanical bits for the wiper, and the wiper itself, are mounted at the top of the window. Leaves almost half a square foot of "black" at the top of the window.
I would like to remove the wiper, and the associated masking, but leave the defroster grid intact. Plugging the hole is the least of my worries.
Buying a new glass without the wiper provisions is not an option, since the wiper was standard.