rear window heater

[cadetchris]

as that time of year is fast approaching where i will be needed to chip the ice off the inside of the rear screen, my mind turns to forms of demisting that would be suitable for the car.

in the past i have had one of those smiths stick on elements (like this one)http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-SMITH ... 3cbca3830f
but i cannot get it to work for longer without burning out and causing a whole avalanche of bad language.

I have thought of this variety:http://www.completeautomobilist.com/part/CA1384/
but i am not sure if such a direct application of heat to the window on a frosty or misted window day would be good for it

and finally i have considered the ultimate solution:
http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... 158dbd02c7
but i cannot really justify the cost,

and yes i know people will say a window cloth will suffice, but its difficult driving and trying to wipe the rear window and avoid breathing in order to not fog it up again, so suggestions as to an appropriate solution would be good

[Bazzalucas]

Ooh, those stick-on type heaters are cool (sorry, bad pun). One option I'm considering is a small integrated heater & fan device which uses a ciggy lighter socket. They are about 6" x 6" x 1.5" in old money, around $ 15.00 USD. It would fit neatly on top of the rear seat, although I'd have to fashion some sort of velcro retaining straps. If I find a link to what I'm talking about, I'll post it.

[cadetchris]

i do like the stick one ones, but not too sure how the window will react to almost direct heat to a frosty window, hopefully someone will come along with advice on that front.
i had a look on a VW beetle site and they have come up with this:http://www.coolairvw.co.uk/Item/Shop_by ... MoreImages

it looks very beefy and would defrost the window well, plus sit nicely on the rear shelf and it comes with a switch wired in already, so all a bonus

[Bazzalucas]

Chris- that's the one (or very like it) that I was considering.

[linearaudio]

Looks like a useful item! However, if you are still thinking of using the stick-on type of element, you really don't need to worry about the glass exploding with the shock of the heat, it just doesn't happen!

[cadetchris]

i do like the stick on type of element, it dosent actually apply direct heat to the window, like the smiths element does.

[simmitc]

Over the years I've used all three types. All work, and there is no damage to the glass. The best of all is the expensive one. The saloon demists in about a minute, but the traveller takes about 4. The stick on ones are fine and also work well, but do not last as long as the built in expensive ones. The expensive give the best visibility as the elements are thinner. The hot air ones that I have tried tend to be a bit feeble, but not saying that they are the same as the one you are considering. One pays one's money and takes one's choice.

[Jefftav]

As the previous poster says the rear screen with the elements in the glass are superior and work much better and will last for years. The blown air type are generally very weak and a mess on for little gain. The stick on types are better than nothing but are cheaper.

Te joys of frosty mornings, can't wait.

[mike.perry]

I have a tube of silver paint for repairing broken elements.
Just thought that I would get that comment in.