How to remove the back window on a vert?
#1
Licensed Zip Tie Mechanic
Thread Starter
How to remove the back window on a vert?
I've read the many threads about doing the convertible top. I'm wondering if anyone has any specific tips on getting the back window out of the current top in one piece?
From what I have read, I need to pry the rubber seal on the inside of the window so that it goes around the lip, then the window should come out. Should I use a heat gun to soften any adhesive? Just looking for any advice.
I have all of the proper products to put it back together and have been researching the "rope-in" method.
From what I have read, I need to pry the rubber seal on the inside of the window so that it goes around the lip, then the window should come out. Should I use a heat gun to soften any adhesive? Just looking for any advice.
I have all of the proper products to put it back together and have been researching the "rope-in" method.
#4
Licensed Zip Tie Mechanic
Thread Starter
Sure!
I should note, I did it with the top already removed and supported over a hollow space that had room to pull the window downward - I did it over the spare tire spot in the interior, with the top braced on the sides where it mounts, but flipped over so the INSIDE was facing up. Also, you want someone supporting the window/holding the window frame. It's a 2 person job.
Supplies needed: I bought a few of those plastic drywall scrapers - not super wide ones - just the smaller size. Also, need a fairly narrow plastic pry tool - most tool stores have these for removing interior panels, etc.
Method:
Disconnect the defroster contacts.
Starting from the INSIDE of the window, I worked it through the seal (rocking back and forth), lifting up on the seal on the outside as I worked it through until it was all the way through with the handle poking up on one side and the scraper poking through the bottom side. It should be at an angle.
Then I grabbed both sides and sort of shimmied it along the seal to break the gummy silicone bead. I went about half way, put a scraper in to hold that position, and then worked the corner out with a skinny interior pry tool. Once I rounded the corner, I went back to the flat scraper and shimmied it along until I got to the second corner.
It's a good idea to leave the pry tools in place when you stop so the seal stays separated, so buy a bag of them - they're like $1 each.
Once I had two corners out, I went to the opposite side, had a friend hold the frame and support the window, and pulled the scrapers down the straight sides until I got to the other 2 corners. Got one corner out, then carefully worked together to wiggle the window out.
Make sure you're patient and just work a little bit at a time, don't get greedy, and it'll be an easy job!
I should note, I did it with the top already removed and supported over a hollow space that had room to pull the window downward - I did it over the spare tire spot in the interior, with the top braced on the sides where it mounts, but flipped over so the INSIDE was facing up. Also, you want someone supporting the window/holding the window frame. It's a 2 person job.
Supplies needed: I bought a few of those plastic drywall scrapers - not super wide ones - just the smaller size. Also, need a fairly narrow plastic pry tool - most tool stores have these for removing interior panels, etc.
Method:
Disconnect the defroster contacts.
Starting from the INSIDE of the window, I worked it through the seal (rocking back and forth), lifting up on the seal on the outside as I worked it through until it was all the way through with the handle poking up on one side and the scraper poking through the bottom side. It should be at an angle.
Then I grabbed both sides and sort of shimmied it along the seal to break the gummy silicone bead. I went about half way, put a scraper in to hold that position, and then worked the corner out with a skinny interior pry tool. Once I rounded the corner, I went back to the flat scraper and shimmied it along until I got to the second corner.
It's a good idea to leave the pry tools in place when you stop so the seal stays separated, so buy a bag of them - they're like $1 each.
Once I had two corners out, I went to the opposite side, had a friend hold the frame and support the window, and pulled the scrapers down the straight sides until I got to the other 2 corners. Got one corner out, then carefully worked together to wiggle the window out.
Make sure you're patient and just work a little bit at a time, don't get greedy, and it'll be an easy job!
Last edited by PinkRacer; 07-29-15 at 10:54 AM.
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