Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (Full Version)

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Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids

  

TacoBill -> Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/16/2007 12:22:09 PM)

Window tint: Moleskin installation

Here’s the deal, I’ve noticed that the Velcro felt has started to separate from its adhesive backing on a small section on the drivers side wiper channel causing the exposed adhesive glue to streak onto the tint when rolled up and down.

My choice was to either replace the Velcro with another strip, or install Moleskin felt in its place. As I have yet to read any negative comments on the use of Moleskin, I opted for the latter.

I obtained a Moleskin kit from Automoleskin.com. Kit comes complete with enough Moleskin to do both sides and a set of install direction.

Here’s what I did to replace the Velcro with the Moleskin.


Side by side comparison (Moleskin on left)
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1326.jpg[/image]



Roll the window down and remove the (3) 7mm screws as shown in the pics below (2 on the back side of the door panel and 1 on the top forward side). I did not find it necessary to remove any more screws or trim pieces to access the wiper channel.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1327.jpg[/image]

[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1330.jpg[/image]

[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1334.jpg[/image]

[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1335.jpg[/image]



Access and remove the wiper channel. Grasp the top edge of the door panel towards the rear and with your fingers, firmly lift it up and over the channel. This step takes a little bit of forcing, so don’t be afraid to really pull up on the door panel. Once the channel is accessible, lift up the channel from its end about half way, then slide the rest out.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1336.jpg[/image]

[image]http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/th_MVI_1340r.jpg[/image]



Here you can see where the Velcro has drooped down, exposing the adhesive glue.

[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1341.jpg[/image]


Here is a pic of the orientation of the wiper channel in relation to the track, which it will slide into later.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1344.jpg[/image]



Velcro felt removal. I was afraid that I was going to have a big mess on my hands after I peeled off the Velcro strip. So, in anticipation of it, I used a blow dryer on the Velcro for a few minutes heating it as much as I can prior to lifting it off.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1345.jpg[/image]



As you can see, it peeled most all the adhesive off with the Velcro.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1351.jpg[/image]

[image]http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/th_MVI_1352.jpg[/image]



I used some 3M adhesive remover and a clean rag to remove any traces of leftover glue residue off the channel.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1353.jpg[/image]

[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1359.jpg[/image]



Next, the contact surface on the wiper channel needed to be prepped correctly in order for the Moleskin to positively bond to it. I used 60 grit sandpaper to rough up the entire contact surface area, end to end.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1360.jpg[/image]

[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1364.jpg[/image]

[image]http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/th_MVI_1365.jpg[/image]



After scuffing the surface, I used some Isopropyl Alcohol and another clean rag to wipe the entire length of the channel, being careful not to touch the wiped surface with my fingers.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/IMG_1370.jpg[/image]

[image]http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar%20Guard%20Titanium%2033%20tint/Moleskin%20install/th_MVI_1369.jpg[/image]



Moleskin layout. The kit enclosed from AutoMoleskin is one long piece, enough to both sides. I laid out the Moleskin strip next to the channel (plus a inch, just incase) and cut it.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Solar

  
tedBalog -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/16/2007 1:23:55 PM)

Very nice write-up. I'll need this later. [:)]

mAnYsTyLeS -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/16/2007 1:28:11 PM)

Sweet garage and nice write-up!!!

TPony -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/16/2007 3:46:44 PM)

Dude..you da'man....I installed the felt and so far so good, but if not moleskin is next and your writre up is in my favorites now....thanks.

bl1nk -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/16/2007 4:22:18 PM)

Thanks for that, nice write up. I just my moleskin a couple days ago.

edgespeeder06 -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/16/2007 4:42:10 PM)

excellent! thanks I planned on doing that because my windows rub when they go up or down and it sucks 

Tubra -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/16/2007 4:46:35 PM)

I love the moleskin. The first time I had my windows tinted, it ended up looking like the grooves of a record. Luckily I found the moleskin cure and the guy at the tint place even redid them for free!!!

Eleanor06 -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/16/2007 5:19:37 PM)

Yea, thanks.Nice write up!! I've got to do the same thing and this helps alot.

WhoMe -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/16/2007 5:23:40 PM)

This guy is amazing. Somone needs to sticky these things Ive never seen a regular member of any forum put together such nice and well illustrated (PLUS VIDEO!) tutorials. TacoBill..thanks again, and while I dont even have my Mustang yet I know this is definatly a tutorial Ill be referring back to when get my windows tinted. 

06GT4RAD -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/16/2007 5:23:42 PM)

Outstanding as is the norm for Bill.

Thanks for yet another great write up.

Richard

06blueovalblueGT -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/16/2007 6:09:24 PM)

If anyone screws up their windows after reading this...........
Damn thats about as good as it gets.

That is about as good as coming to the house and doing it for us !!!
Thanks

CrazyHorse0217 -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/17/2007 6:42:12 AM)

I've had my Moleskins and replacement tint for about 3 months now.  No scratches till I noticed a couple on the passenger side yesterday.  Very shallow (tint only, not glass).  Argggggg!

KSBlizzard -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/19/2007 2:33:05 PM)

Your tutorial was awesome!  Very well written (and video'ed).
Once I get my 'stang I will be following this to install my moleskin.

bchataroo -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/19/2007 4:00:42 PM)

This a great help Taco.

Later

TacoBill -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/19/2007 4:35:47 PM)

Thanks for the kind comments everyone.  I'm starting to blush..  [:)]

yzfmik -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/19/2007 5:56:25 PM)

Tacobill rocks!!!  Hell he's better than Tacobell!

Professor Wizard -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/19/2007 6:00:37 PM)

WONDERFUL Writeup... THANKS!

MrSandman -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/28/2007 4:08:03 PM)

I just did this today... easy as pie.. the hardest thing about it was removing the backing from the moleskin!

Also.. I have an 07.. and there is nothing on the channel.. no felt.. nothing. Easier to do because of this.

Also the instructions that came with the moleskin were the same exact ones posted here.. right down to the pictures! TacoBill is famous!

raubt -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/28/2007 4:17:03 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: yzfmik

Tacobill rocks!!!  Hell he's better than Tacobell!


Whoa there, let's not say things we can't take back.

(kidding, of course.  TacoBill's write-ups are second to none that I've ever seen on the internet.  Great tutorial, Bill!)

TacoBill -> RE: Moleskin (for window tint) install w/pics and vids (4/28/2007 5:54:51 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: MrSandman

Also.. I have an 07.. and there is nothing on the channel.. no felt.. nothing. Easier to do because of this.

Yes, the wiper channel is bare, no felt from the factory.
The felt I was peeling off was the Velcro felt side that started to fail on me.



quote:

ORIGINAL: raubt

(kidding, of course.  TacoBill's write-ups are second to none that I've ever seen on the internet.  Great tutorial, Bill!)

I couldn't find any good write-ups for what I did either! [:D]

(... that's why I did it.)

  

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