Removing rear window

[JohnJL]

I'm replacing the side and rear class with Lexan...before I bugger up the trim pieces on the rear, what is the trick for removing the rear window without damaging the seals and trim? I'd like to reuse the trim and rubber. 1982 RoW SC

Thanks

[tirwin]

Ugh. You pretty much can't reuse the seals. I did it recently and it was impossible to get the glass out without cutting them. I would cut the seal and pull the whole thing out as one unit. Disconnect the rear defroster wiring first and pull it through the grommet on the driver side.

To take the trim out of the gasket use something stiff but won't scratch like a plastic putty knife. Slide that retaining clip over just enough to separate the two trim halves.

The next part requires the patience of a Zen master and it helps if you have really good hand strength. You want to CAREFULLY pull the trim straight up in tiny increments. If you don't you will have a devil of a time getting it back in because it will be all bent up. Once you get the trim out store it someplace safe like maybe hang it on the wall.

Those seals are not cheap and the trim is even more! Good luck!

[will hung]

Just replace the rubber. The best way to get the trim out without buggering it up is to cut a V notch around it into the rubber and pull it right off; but you destroy the rubber. The best way to get the trim out without destroying the rubber is to pry it out of its groove slowly with a flat tool.

[vulcan300]

If the rubber is hard and cracking you should replace it. In this case cutting the seal will allow you to remove the glass and trim with minimal chance of damage.

If the rubber is in decent shape you can try and push the glass and rubber out as one piece. You'll want to use a heat gun on the low setting. Heat up the rubber all the way around the window until it is quite warm, then using even pressure on the glass push it out starting at the top edge. If you can't get it to budge using your hands you can place your back against the glass and push that way. Have a friend outside the car who is ready to grab the glass so it doesn't hit the ground.

J

[Reifle]

May I suggest - try to take the glass out with the rubber attached. Once the glass is out the rubber will basically come off and the inner trim will come with it! I recently had it done (professionaly) and the glass came out quite easily - push from the inside it may need a good push. Check the seal once it is out and the trim will peel out of the groove. I would replace the seal. The seal is not expensive. Could have done it myself actually - not too complicated.

[JohnJL]

Thanks guys.

I just saw some more pics where some people have used dzus fasteners on the window...I'm thinking about welding on some tabs around the perimeter of the window. It would make access to the ecu and front of the engine so much easier.

I'll try getting the window out gently...so those tabs onthe top and bottom of the window on the trim slide over?

[WRGREENER]

[QUOTE=JohnJL;6568120]Thanks guys.

"I just saw some more pics where some people have used dzus fasteners on the window..."

would anyone have pics of how these work on a window...i just cant picture it.

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by JohnJL

so those tabs onthe top and bottom of the window on the trim slide over?

Yes. They will move slowly. Just be careful.

[JohnJL]

[QUOTE=WRGREENER;6568139]

Originally Posted by JohnJL

Thanks guys.

"I just saw some more pics where some people have used dzus fasteners on the window..."

would anyone have pics of how these work on a window...i just cant picture it.

JoeMag's window:

[Porboynz]

I got the glass and rubber out together with the trim intact on my 72. I used a bunch of penny washers and worked my way around the seal from the inside prying back the rubber and using the washer to hold the rubber back. Worked OK but took time, the rubber was in good order so I wanted to reuse it. Once out the rubber and trim seperate easily. I used a screwdriver with the end bent at a right angle to work the rubber. Good luck.

[lonewolf]

You take the rear out the same as the front.no need to remove trim.
big screwdriver with some tape on the end or something such as that.
start at the top middle first and work your way to the left and right, pushing from inside of car out
push the seal as much as you can and twist it just enough to get over the metal edge of window frame.
once you get to both top corners the window will lift right out .