i had a kitchen hood vent filter lying around which i took apart, put it inside the cowel and used the smallest zip ties to hold it tight in place. tho cowel is held only by a few plastic clips which i'll need to replace because most of them broke (nothing like old age) and the mesh under the vent is glued in 4 (i believe) spots and comes off easily too. the small zip ties i used went through the mesh and filter easily and i shouldn't get any more of the grease on the inside now.

one thing is that the wiper arms have to come off and taking the nuts off was easy but then they have to be pried off the studs they mount on. if anyone attempts this i will not be responsible if you nick the bottom of your windshield because it'll start cracking like ice - i didn't care because i need a new one anyways.