1987 4runner Scratched Tailgate Glass
 

Hello yall, Im kinda new here, but know how to use search and google.... Cant find anything on this or how to fix it. It seems as though something inside of my tailgate is scratching the crap out of my rear window. Its all in one perfect line in the center of my glass if looking directly at it and some at the left side. It seems like as the window is lowered the angle of the window is causing it to scratch on something inside of the tailgate?

Does anyone have this same issue or have any suggestions on how to fix it? I plan on buying the window repair kit from eastwood to fix the scratches, I just want to be sure the glass doesnt get scratched after repairing all of the existing scratches. Heres a photo of what it looks like:

Attachment 210312

When I get home, Ill take closer photos if it helps. This is just one I had on my phone.

Thanks for the help in advance!

There is a clip that holds the plug against the tailgate and is most likely broken. I fixed them with zipties in the past.

What I have found in the past.
This plug was laying loose and is what causes the streak in the back glass. Mistys runner has it bad. Toms was laying loose and you can see some faint scratches in the back glass.
Attachment 117394

Found the holder that holds the License plate light plug. It is broken and was laying in the bottom of the tail gate.
Attachment 117395

Man, That blue plastic piece looks to be very similar in width to my scratch going up and down the center of my rear window.... Did you replace the blue clip with anything after you took it out? How is your license plate light sitting without it?

It has been a while since I fixed one and don't exactly remember how I did it but I was able to zip tie it back in place.

The black piece on your tailgate that says Toyota on it is what holds the license plate light in place. The assembly is held in with some nuts from inside and can be a pain to get to https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f199...l#post52271346 Here is some info that will help.

THANK YOU so much for all of your help sir

No problem and welcome to Yotatech. I corrected my previous post. The clip is the License Plate Light PLUG. My goof.

No worries, Im sure I would have figured it out eventually, hah. I sent you a PM about something else also. Thanks again

Has anyone successfully buffed out the scratch? I have it too; worse than OP's.

I also have scratches on my rear window, wonder what's doing it.

I went in there yesterday and looked. Had to be the connector for the license plate light and the plug for the center one. I have some off to the side that I couldnt tell what was scratching. Ill have to revisit it this weekend

Do an internet search on cerium oxide. You can actually buy it raw, in powder form which you mix with water to create a slurry. You can get some "kits" that include a felt polishing wheel you can attach to your drill. It's messy but the compound is one of the few options to actually help correct issues like this. Just know that you can create distortions in the glass since you are removing material. Also, deep scratches may not be possible or feasible to remove. ....but you may be able to soften or improve them to the point where they are less bothersome.