A working rear defogger

[monkeyman]

Hi all,

 

I mentioned my defogger in another thread, and thought it might worth mentioning here, in case anyone else is getting annoyed at not being able to see out the back window on cold days.

I tried the aftermarket defogger strips that you stick on the inside, and while they work, they are terribly ugly.

Then I thought about a computer fan or something like that (something that would run on 12V)

Then I thought about a camping hairdryer! 12V, perfect.

So I went into the local camping shop, and sure enough they had some. They were cheap and I didn't know how long they would last, but I installed mine seven years ago and it is still working well (a little bit noisy though).

I made an aluminium bracket to mount it to. Recrimped the ends the match the old defogger spade lugs, and Bob was my uncle! Using the original defogger cables means you can use your original defogger console button.

I have attached some photos. The cables are just hanging out in the photos, but they can be neatly tucked away.

The hairdryer had a fold-away handle which made its direction adjustable.

So if you are sick of your foggy back window, give this ago.

 

Just one thing, don't expect too much heat out of the hairdryer. I was surprised to find the air coming out wasn't any warmer than the air going in. It might simply be that the heating element has failed, But also, when you think about it, if the fan is drawing 10A (and it probably isn't), then 10A x 12V = 120W. Compare that with your mum's hairdryer at home that can put out up to 2400W, it doesn't really compare. You won't get much heat out of a camping hairdryer.

I find it works well anyway. It doesn't clear the whole window, but an oval shape in the middle, enough to see what's behind. It might take a couple of minutes, but if there is serious condensation (rather than just fogging), forget it.

 

Eric

[chris240]

Im speechless..........

[George]

I used to own an MX5 but this is taking it to a whole new hairdresser level. Full marks for ingenuity though.

[MATTY]

If it looks stupid but works, its not stupid at all

[imackz]

2 funny, needed a good laugh 

[44014]

I tried the aftermarket defogger strips that you stick on the inside, and while they work, they are terribly ugly.

 

Ummmmm and this is attractive ?

You know you can just use rainx hey ?

[monkeyman]

Ummmmm and this is attractive ?

You know you can just use rainx hey ?

 

YES! Far more attractive. It is hidden away at the side, (though it doesn't look very hidden in my close-up photos). And it is not that easy to see with the hatch down.

I am not sure how well rainx works, but I think the fogging problem would be different in Brisbane than it is here in Melbourne.

 

I found the defogger strips I bought years ago almost impossible to apply straight and parallel. Thinking about it now, it might be possible if the hatch is removed first. Also, the adhesive side of the ones I had was bright orange, and this is what you see from the outside. They stood out like dogs' balls! And when they are not perfectly parallel, they looked pretty ordinary.

I prefer the hairdryer over the strips any day.

I might give rainx a try though, see how it goes.

 

[Six_Shooter]

That is one of the most ghetto "repairs" I've seen.

[Gordo]

Some of the racing guys use this method. After they pull the heater system out to save weight.