CARE OF INNER SHIELD PLASTIC WINDSHIELD LINER

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1984-1985 Cadillac Seville Elegantes

All 1985 Seville Elegantes and 1984 Seville Elegantes manufactured since June 11, 1984 (B.P. 833797), contain an 'Inner Shield' windshield manufactured by L.O.F. (Libbey-0wens-Ford ). This important new safety feature was designed to virtually eliminate facial cuts from broken windshields in auto accidents. It also prevents glass splinters from entering the passenger compartment due to outside impacts. It features a thin two-part plastic composite layer applied to the inside surface of the windshield, (Figure 1). This windshield can be identified by the statement 'Glass Plastic Material - See Owner's Manual for Care Instructions' permanently laminated into the glass at the lower centre, inside.

Proper care instructions are provided in the 1985 Seville owners Manual but not in the 1984 Manual. For 1984 Seville Elegantes, the care instructions will be sent directly to the owner (or dealer to whom the car was shipped if unsold). A copy of the letter that will be sent to owners is attached. The letter is intended to be kept in the Owner's Manual in the glove box for reference when cleaning or scraping the windshield. A sticker (Figure 3) will also be sent to the owner's of 1984 vehicles and should be applied to the inside of the glove box door to act as a more constant reminder of the care and maintenance requirements of the 'Innershield' windshield.

Interim 1985, blue and white sticker attached to the right inside of the glass (Fig. 2) contains cleaning instructions that the owner should be aware of. Do not remove this important sticker prior to delivery to the owner. The owner can easily remove the sticker by lifting one corner with a fingernail and slowly peeling the sticker off.

The thin two-part plastic composite later can be damaged by improper cleaning or improper removal of frost or decals. To clean the inside surface, use a soft cloth, sponge, or chamois moistened with a household liquid glass cleaner or water. Stubborn deposits may be removed using mineral spirits or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. When using alcohol, be sure to avoid sparks and flame and keep the doors and windows open for ventilation. Use it sparingly and avoid contact with other plastic surfaces. Do not clean without one of the above liquids. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring agents.

When removing frost from the inside surface of the windghield, use a soft cloth or plastic scraper. Never use metal blades or anything else that may damage this plastic surface. If decals must be removed, use a plastic scraper and/or the cleaning agents permitted above.

Dear Cadillac Owner:

Your 1984 Seville Elegante was originally manufactured with an "Inner Shield" windshield which features a two part plastic layer applied to the inside of the windshield. This important new safety feature was designed to virtually eliminate facial cuts from broken windshields in auto accidents. It also reduces the possibility of glass splinters from entering the passenger compartment due to outside impacts.

The "Inner Shield" windshield in your 1984 Seville Elegante is the first regular production application of this design to be installed on any American built automobile. While similar to designs used in Europe, the "Inner Shield" windshield incorporates abrasion and chemical resistant properties unmatched anywhere in the world. Although the plastic layer does not have the same abrasion resistance as glass, it does provide excellent optical properties with no visual degradation.

The inner plastic layer can be damaged by improper cleaning or improper removal of frost or decals. To avoid damaging your windshield the following precautions should be followed:

- Clean the inside surface using either a soft cloth, paper towel, sponge or chamis moistened with a household liquid glass cleaner or water.

- Remove stubborn deposits using mineral spirts or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. (When using alcohol, be sure to avoid sparks and flame and keep doors and windows open for ventilation. Use it sparingly and avoid contact with other plastic surfaces.)

- Do not dry wipe. Always clean using one of the above liquids.

- Do not use abrasive cleaners scouring agents.

- Use ONLY a soft cloth or plastic scraper to remve frost or ice from the inside surface of the windshield.

- Use only a Plastic scraper, and/or the cleaning agents permitted above to remove decals.

- Never use metal blades or scrapers or anything that may damage the plastic surface.

The attached sticker is designed to be applied to the inside of the glove box door and lists basic care instructions for your "Inner Shield" windshield.

Should anyone, such as a vehicle inspection station, be required to remove any decals affixed to the inside surface of the "Inner Shield" windshield, be certain they are familiar with these proper decal removal procedures.

This letter should be kept with your Owner's Manual, in the glove box, for reference when cleaning or scraping your windshield.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.