Ruined windshield tint with stealth antenna

[JrzGlad]

Recently bought a ‘24 Gladiator. Previous owner had the front windshield tinted. Somewhere along the line the tint got ripped and torn. I’m guessing it was something the dealership stuck to the windshield, because I thought that the damage was a piece of clear tape and I pulled on it after getting the jeep home. I know, I know in hindsight that was pretty dumb on my part. Regardless; being a 2024 it has the stealth antenna. Does anybody have any idea on how to safely remove the tint without destroying the antenna? Or how to repair the antenna in the event that it gets damaged? My local window tint place pretty much told me that I was screwed. I am aware or strongly believe that antenna is for AM/FM use only, however I’d like to retain that option.

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[JrzGlad]

I don’t think that’s the case. It looks and feels like a rear defogger. You can feel some of the antenna under the tint.

 

[DiehardTory]

Maybe in NJ you can tint the windshield, In Pa NO installer will... anyway checked youtube couple of videos -- here is one

 

[JrzGlad]

Very informative. Thank you. Btw. The Jeep was originally sold and traded in Florida and that’s where it was tinted. You are not supposed to tint the front windshield in Jersey either but it gets done regardless . Again thank you.

 

[rharr]

Wait a month and the windshield will Crack from a rock chip and you can start fresh.

 

[Rahkmalla]

Maybe in NJ you can tint the windshield, In Pa NO installer will...

Considering that windshield tint is illegal in both states, and in the number of cars i see driving around Philly with their windshields tinted, i find it difficult to believe they're all having to cross the bridge to get it done.

 

[Texbaz]

Is the windshield OEM? Sounds strange cause the current production antenna are, imbedded.

Wonder if it's some kinda wonky no name aftermarket glass and they improvised an antenna.

 

[dylanhack]

Very informative. Thank you. Btw. The Jeep was originally sold and traded in Florida and that’s where it was tinted. You are not supposed to tint the front windshield in Jersey either but it gets done regardless . Again thank you.

As mentioned above, check out youtube videos using paint heat guns or a good hairdryer. just before doing that dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and run the alcohol along the seam edge that you will be heating. Carefully, start to peel the heated plastic away. Careful, it will be hot. You might want to start lifting the edge with a razor blade. Once you get a little section done, just keep the heat on and continue to pull gently. You should be able to get the tint off in one piece without ripping it.

 

[Coltron_Actual]

A tint shop would be able to remove tint for you safely. The guy I've gone too has a fancy steam gun of sorts for removing and replacing tint.

 

[Lunentucker]

Get a stubby antenna and tuck it under the passenger's side dash.
I did it with my '21 and there was no discernable loss in reception quality from the external mount to moving it inside.

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