Window Glass Options

I have some linear vertical scratches in both of the windows on my truck from bad seals and likely sand particle entrapment. I had thought to replace them but they are security etched. See pic below. As I recall, this was a big to do when I bought the truck new. Wondering if this was a Ford thing or dealer thing. If dealer thing, may just replace the glass.

Another option is removing the scratches. I've read about removing scratches in glass with metal polish. Anybody have knowledge of this.....ever do it?  

John, it's cool that all of your glass is etched with the vin. I went out and looked at the Bronco as it is an 86 also and nothing on it is etched. I know for fact that the two rear side windows, the tailgate window and the drivers door window have never been changed while I have owned it. I bought it in Sept 86, second hand. It may be only a dealer thing. Was it bought in a high theft area?

Interesting, I’ve never seen that before that I remember.

I remember here in 'ol Battle Creek,Michigan, a couple of insurance companies did that. Some third party was hired by the company and set up a tent in the parking lot and did the VIN on the glass while you wait.
If I remember correctly, they offered some incentive for you to have it done. The thought was these parts would be harder, or impossible to sell in the stolen parts black market.
Curt

old55pete wrote

John, it's cool that all of your glass is etched with the vin. I went out and looked at the Bronco as it is an 86 also and nothing on it is etched. I know for fact that the two rear side windows, the tailgate window and the drivers door window have never been changed while I have owned it. I bought it in Sept 86, second hand. It may be only a dealer thing. Was it bought in a high theft area?

Actually Steve, it was bought in a high theft area....San Antonio Texas. Lots of trucks missing in south Texas when I was there. Suspect a lot of them went to Mexico.  

Let me guess, Ft Sam Huston or Lackland AFB, Camp Bulls?

I've used cerium oxide to polish a dobsonian lens, but never tried to get scratches out.

I would think by the time you got to the bottom of the trough the glass would be so distorted its worse than just having the scratches.

The window etch thing was done after sale.
Sometimes sponsored by insurance companies or the local PD.

I have windows from my '84 that are still in good shape if you are interested and not to far away. I am in Northern KY.

ArdWrknTrk wrote

I've used cerium oxide to polish a dobsonian lens

Nice, i assume that was that to polish the blank prior to aluminizing?

I have never figured a mirror myself, but it is on the bucket list. Oh, I am an Astrophysicist by education.

There was a telescope maker (optics guy) literally across the street from my brothers house.
RF Royce Optics.
He's retired and not doing much any more, but a decade ago he hooked me up with the knowledge and laps I needed.

We had met because we were both purchasing wooden tubes from the same place.
Me for rockets, him for telescopes.