Driving in the rain today I noticed that the second heating element down in the rear window of our '10 500c wasn't keeping the glass clear of spray.





It's pretty obvious why: the rear headrests' metal supports have rubbed on the glass and broken the element.



The headrests are up above their highest slot, so we can't really blame Fiat for this - it's just unlucky that the metal support touches the glass right where there's a heating element. We've had the headrests up that high because otherwise the kids' seats don't fit.



So my tip for fellow 500c owners is to remove the headrests entirely if you need to fit child seats in the back. (I don't know whether hatchback 500s would suffer the same problem.) It's slightly inconvenient having to carry loose headrests around but it's preferable to this alternative.

Anybody had any luck repairing these demisting elements in the rear glass?

Halfords (other motorists stores are available!) sell a special conductive paint for this very purpose, just build up the repair with a few coats!

Was just going to say the same thing You deserve your first thanks for giving some good advice there

Thanks. In the back of my head I recalled that repair kits were available. I'm hoping for specific recommendations based on experience though, if possible. On PistonHeads someone recommended this stuff but didn't say why: http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=36275

SiliconS said:

Thanks. In the back of my head I recalled that repair kits were available. I'm hoping for specific recommendations based on experience though, if possible. On PistonHeads someone recommended this stuff but didn't say why: http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=36275

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Sorry to hear about the 'tear' in the heating element. I used something like this many moons ago after trying to remove a Garage sticker !
I hope it works out.

Thank you loveshandbags. I think I'll give this magic paint a go.

Headrestraints :bang:

Pandas :bang:

Stilos :bang:

I've always taken the headrest out when child booster seat is in. It's currently in the loft and every six months I swop it with the other one in the car so they fade equally!

You may want to invest in a seat protector. Our booster seat started to rub the seat so I bought a special under-child-seat cover. It's saved my seats!

one thing you will find with the conductive paint is that it glints at night in your rear view when oncoming cars approach

so once dry re mask and use an artist brush and a small amount of heat resistant paint to darken it

Thank you Heidi & Andy for your tips. Appreciated.