Early 02 Window Defogger

[Brandon]

Did the early 2002s have a factory rear window defogger available as an option?  I don’t know that I’ve seen one on an early 2002 (those with the chrome silver dollar dash gauges).  Where is the switch located if so?  I know on 1972 cars you pull out the fan speed switch to turn it on, so not to be confused with these cars...I’m specifically asking about ‘68-early ‘71 02s. Thx.

[Guy Cocquyt]

Yes, my 1970 2002 has one, the switch is located to the right of the instrument binnacle.

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[Brandon]

20 minutes ago, Guy Cocquyt said:

Yes, my 1970 2002 has one, the switch is located to the right of the instrument binnacle.

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Great that’s exactly the answer I was looking for...the 1970 I just picked up has the defogger and the switch located in the same spot as you car...I just wasn’t sure if someone added it during a restoration or something....nice to know it’s factory...thanks!

[Conserv]

My very early 1970 (VIN 1668093, manufactured September 8, 1969) had a heated rear window when I purchased it, with 25,000 miles on it, in 1973.

 

But....I owned the car for at least 6 months — no, probably longer — before I discovered it had one of those super-top-secret multi-function switches (fan speed and heated rear window) to operate it.  The location of the switches discussed above, very different from mine, yet likely on car’s post-dating my ‘70, makes me now wonder if my car’s heated rear window was added post-factory.... ?

 

I don’t believe I’ve seen a pre-1970 model with a heated rear window. Mike S. will know!

 

Regards,

 

Steve

Edited August 22, 2018 by Conserv

['76mintgrün'02]

FWIW::: The VW Beetle added the rear defogger in 1969   

 

 

[Brandon]

Here’s a pic from my ‘70, you can just see the top of the defrost switch sticking up to the right of the gauges...so there’s at least two early 02s out there with this defroster setup.

[Mike Self]

Theoretically rear window defrosters were available from the beginning of US 2002 production in 1968.  However, they weren't.  When I corresponded with Hoffman Motors in late 1968, I asked about that option and was told it wouldn't be available on US cars until mid-summer of 1969.  Not wanting to wait that long, I bought mine in January (May delivery) without one--and it took me many years to find a heated clear glass rear window to install in my car--it came from a Euro 1600 parts car. 

 

Prior to the two function switch (as mentioned  by Steve above) the defroster switch was a simple pull knob, installed on a small auxiliary panel mounted under the steering column.  This was used on US spec 66 and 67 1600s to hold the 4 way flasher switch and the defroster switch, with a third punch-out presumably for the factory optional fog lights.  This panel couldn't be used  on '68 and later US cars due to the under-column padding; that explains the switch mounted on the dash just to the right of the instrument binnacle as pictured by Brandon.  I've never seen that mount before, and in fact haven't seen a US spec 2002 with a clear, heated backlight either.  Brandon, is yours a '69 or a '70?  I think the factory adopted the two function switch (along with tinted glass) for the 1970 models.

 

mike

[Brandon]

The rear window is clear, no tint and has the typical 2002 defroster grid.  It’s a US spec 1970.

[Mike Self]

Brandon, yours is only the second clear glass US 2002 I've seen with a rear window defroster, and yours must have been built before the factory came up with the dual use switch (heater blower/defroster) as I've never seen a defroster switch mounted where yours is.  I wonder if the Euro cars had that switch mounted where the emergency flasher switch (not required on Euro cars) is mounted on US spec '02s...one of those little intriguing 2002 mysteries.

 

mike

[Guy Cocquyt]

My 1970 2002 also has a clear glass rear window with the defroster wires on the inside of the glass, the separate defroster switch (on/ off) is to the right of the instrument binnacle. Of interest it has a stock 3 speed heater blower fan switch to the left of the gauges below the head lamp switch. The car was manufactured in late 1969 as a NA spec vehicle and sold in Canada in early 1970.

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[John_in_VA]

6 hours ago, Conserv said:

 

I don’t believe I’ve seen a pre-1970 model with a heated rear window. Mike S. will know!

 

My '70 (1673695) had clear glass all around with no rear defroster.  

[Guy Cocquyt]

Probably was added as an option considering that we actually get frost where we live for at least 5 months each year.

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[02Les]

FWIW - the BMW Parts Book has...…….

51 31 1 350 309 - rear heated window kit, comprising switch, cables, rear heated window & panel for ? underdash.

51 31 1 356 372 - rear heated window kit, as above but no panel. This one is also called up for the 1502; guess that model was a real basement bargain.

 

Someone better at deciphering the parts book than me may be able to see what EXACT years/models the above applied to.

[Brandon]

3 hours ago, mike said:

Brandon, yours is only the second clear glass US 2002 I've seen with a rear window defroster, and yours must have been built before the factory came up with the dual use switch (heater blower/defroster) as I've never seen a defroster switch mounted where yours is.  I wonder if the Euro cars had that switch mounted where the emergency flasher switch (not required on Euro cars) is mounted on US spec '02s...one of those little intriguing 2002 mysteries.

 

mike

I double checked and it’s definitely clear glass with no tint, I tried to get some pics.  Unfortunately it’s a parts car that’s rusted beyond saving so it’s days are numbered.  If you need a spare back window, let me know.