How do I replace the rear window seal on my 66?
 

The rear corner of my window leaks. I assume needs a new seal. I really hope I don't have rust in there when the back window comes out. Anybody have any idea step by step how the window comes out? And then how does it go back in with the new seal. I would reuse the old trim right? Is this going to be a mess to replace, should I just not wash that corner instead?

Yes, replace the seal with new.
Yes, you can use your original trim. The trick is to not damage it removing it from the old gasket.
You might consider finding a ’69-> heated rear window and save your plain glass original. You should be able to find a nice heated window for next to nothing. Shipping is the issue.

Pelican joefranz may be able to help as he is in the middle of this.

Best,
Grady

Since you are replacing the seal, the easiest way in my opinion to remove the glass is to cut the seal. After you remove the trim, run a sharp blade through the groove that the trim was mounted, through to the glass. That should remove the outer portion of the seal that traps the window and you should be able to simply lift it out, then pull the remainder of the seal out. I've done it before on my BMW and I think the seals are similar.

Grady why save the glass? You wouldn't run it again?

Ok so basically cut out the rubber and take out the glass and then remove the trim carefully from the seal when the window is out?

When I did this on my '02, I took out the trim first. There's a groove in the seal for the trim. After carefully removing the trim, you can take a sharp knife or blade and cut around the seal through the groove that held the trim. You want to cut through to the glass. You will be removing the outer part of the seal that holds the glass in. Once you've gone all the way around the seal, you should be able to push up on the glass and lift it from the seal. The "official" way to remove it is to try and gently push the whole thing out. I once cracked a perfectly good windshield trying that. Seals are cheaper.

Thanks. So how does it go back in? Just clean up and paint the channel/fix rust and then press window with seal back in?

When removing the glass do not push on the middle of the window. Its not meant to be stressed in that direction. Go around the edge of the glass and make sure the entire edge has released from the old seal. Use a not very sharp knife or similar tool to make sure it is no longer stuck to the seal. Then lift it out from the edge. Years ago this advice would have saved me the cost of a new window.

Just helped a friend out with the front of his '77. You have to be very careful not to bend the trim or you'll have a heck of a time putting it back in. We cut the inner (glass-side) of the seal as close the trim as possible...you can then lift the trim out more easily with less risk of bending. Then a little more cutting to lift the glass out as Tony said.

Best to put the seal around the glass, then the trim in the seal, prior to installing the window. You can make sure the trim has the proper bends to fit flush all the way around. Putting the trim in after the window is installed isn't easy.

Thanks guys. I have a seal here I think, do all 911's from 65-89 use the same rear window seal? It seems like they do just wanted to make sure I don't need some special 66 only part (like the stoopid window regulators that changed from 65-66).

Yes, same seal for all years listed, but be sure it's a genuine OEM seal, and not aftermarket--the aftermarkets tend not to fit and leaks reappear.

The easiest way I found to get the back window out is to position yourself in the back with both your legs in the air against the glass and start to push ( or kick ) until it pops out.

Don't worry, you can't break it...it's tempered and even if it crashes to the floor, it will still be intact. Ask me how I know.

Cheers,

Jose'