I will be preparing hard top in the next several months for a new paint job. Is there any secrets to removing the hard top glass with out breaking glass or destroying seals?
Thanks...
Thanks...
Hard Top Glass Removal...
- Thread starter texas dogman
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Do it in the summer, when it's really hot, so the rubber will be pliable. You might get similar results in a warm garage with a blow dryer and hot soapy water.
I just finished painting my top. Heat is definitely your friend, I warmed up (not torched) the seals and the glass came out fine. Once you free the bead the whole window literally pops out. Don't worry about breaking the glass, I have taken the glass out of several tops and have never come close to cracking the glass and I put some decent force on them.
As for putting the glass back in, put a piece of small gauge rope in the bead area then start the seat and pull on the rope. This will pull the lip of the seal right where you want it. HTH
As for putting the glass back in, put a piece of small gauge rope in the bead area then start the seat and pull on the rope. This will pull the lip of the seal right where you want it. HTH
Spray all they way around and under the lip of the seal with PB Blaster or Kroil oil and they will push right out. Put a blanket or something soft behind to catch them because some will come out fast. X3 on the heat...
Same technic for a windshield?
dgangle
total rice
I've done my own glass work on 40's. I have read about the string trick but how I do it is soapy water and a small screwdriver.
To remove, work your way around the inside, folding the lip if the seal over the sheetmetal. Work slowly and in stages starting in a corner and working on one long side (IE the top of the windshield first, one vertical side then the other vertical side). Be careful when you get 2/3 the way around as the glass may pop out...hold a hand on the outside or have a helper.
Install is the opposite and a helper really comes in handy here. With the seal on the glass, soap up and work the bottom edge into place. Work the driver and pass sides up one at a time then work the top of the seal in. What you want to try and not do is get the length of the glass under a bow as this will contribute to stresses and flat glass doesn't like being bent.
The rear corner windows are really very easy using this technique and strong because of their bend.
To remove, work your way around the inside, folding the lip if the seal over the sheetmetal. Work slowly and in stages starting in a corner and working on one long side (IE the top of the windshield first, one vertical side then the other vertical side). Be careful when you get 2/3 the way around as the glass may pop out...hold a hand on the outside or have a helper.
Install is the opposite and a helper really comes in handy here. With the seal on the glass, soap up and work the bottom edge into place. Work the driver and pass sides up one at a time then work the top of the seal in. What you want to try and not do is get the length of the glass under a bow as this will contribute to stresses and flat glass doesn't like being bent.
The rear corner windows are really very easy using this technique and strong because of their bend.
A set of bike tire levers help and only cost a few dollars:
Park tool website: tire levers
Park tool website: tire levers
Do you all reuse the gasket?
If so, how do you soften them back up to make them pliable?
If so, how do you soften them back up to make them pliable?
thecrazygreek
A.K.A. TheCraftyGreek
The best way I know how to get rubber nice and soft is to soak it overnight (at least a couple hours) in Kerosene. That works wonders!
The windshield was the only glass that I broke when I did mine. All theother glass came out easily. Don't know if it's because of the size of the sheet of windshield glass or possibly it's a different type of safety glass ? I wasn't able to put the same pressure on the windshield as on the side and rear glass. Good thing about the breakage getting a new windshield. Great to look out through clear glass .
I'd say warm day outside or heated garage, soak them in a bucket of hot water, and go to town... keep the hair dryer handy....
