Anyone replaced their cracked defroster?

[Cincinnati Scott]

My car has the inexplicable cracked front defroster in the dash. Since's it's currently mostly apart while I finish replacing the wiring and stereo, I figured now might be a good time to replace that too.

Doesn't look terribly complicated from the manual. Anybody have any thoughts before I get started?

What causes this condition, anyway?

 

[rbirling]

I think 15 years of sun on the weak part of the plastic is the cause. It's a common problem.

 

[TAG]

Yes, it seems to be a relatively common problem. Someone told me that Armorall and some products like it actually cause the defroster vent plastic to crack. They (a custom car interior shop) said use water only, and the defroster vent will probably not crack.

 

[Shumdit]

I agree with the opinon not to put anything on it like armor all.

 

[nsxtasy]

It's a common problem but using Armor All has nothing to do with it.

 

[klr01tlr]

I've done it. It takes a bit of time. The dash needs to come out because there are screws behind the dash for the vent piece. The think the part cost around $200. I suggest tightening all the other screws behind and on the dash. Also, adjust the trim piece that goes across the top of the dash because those tabs and dash and everything else come loose over time. This should eliminate all the squeaks and rattles... Good luck! it took me about six hours to R&R