Some kits have windshield wipers molded onto the clear parts. Replacing that is no problem if it’s only the window pane, but in some cases, the window frame, too, is part of the clear molding (e.g. on Heller’s CCKW 353). Any ideas out there on how to remove the wipers while keeping/replacing an unblemished pane?
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Hello!
I’m not sure if I understand your question right, but I think the way to go here would be to sand the wipers away, and then polish the “glass”. This can be done using those multi-stage nail polishing kits (you can buy them at Rossmann), polishing paste can also work here. A coat of future on top of that won’t hurt, neither.
Hope it helps - good luck with your build and have a nice day!
Paweł
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Polishing does work, takes a lot of time though.
I used the MicroMesh kit (selection of abrasive pads from something like
6000 grit to 12000, polishing paste and instructions) to recover the fogged
clear parts on the Airfix 1/72 Catalina aircraft.
The trick is to avoid polishing down adjacent details.
I would consider sanding down the windshield from the inside to release the frame from the “glass”. Drill and saw out the “glass” to within a mm or so from the frame and then sand down the rest. The “saved” edge works as a marker to indicate when all the “glass” has been removed.
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I’ve got to ask: why are you so intent on removing the wipers in any case? Surely a bit of careful painting will result in - well - a well painted wiper, which is surely what is required?
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It would be easier to drill out the glass and wipers and replace both than sanding.
You have options to just mask and paint, sand and polish with replacement wipers or replace glass and wipers.
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Fair enough!
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and a thin clear sheet of polystyrene, or other glueable plastic,
looks a lot better than the “armoured” glass provided in the kits.
Windshield part is 1 mm thick, at 1/35th scale → the 1:1 scale windshield
would be 35 mm thick (1.35 inches …)
Getting a perfect fit is a hassle though
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