Register now to get rid of these ads!

Technical Removing a rear window without breaking it...

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Barsteel, May 31, 2015.

  1. Barsteel
    Joined: Oct 15, 2008
    Posts: 732

    Barsteel
    Member
    from Monroe, CT

    Hello!

    I'm going to have to remove the rear window in my somewhat OT Chrysler 300 (slightly later than '65) but the tech discussion is relevant, so hopefully the HAMB can help me out.

    The window is mounted in the body with butyl tape - the black, sticky rubber tape that glues the window in place. There's rust in the channel by the bottom corner that I have to fix, so the window has to come out.

    What is the best way to remove the window without destroying it? I realize that the most delicate part of the window is the edge, so I'm pretty nervous about using an L shaped blade.

    Someone told me that you can use very fine wire, feed it through the butyl tape and gently draw the wire along the tape to cut it, but I've never done it.

    I'm NOT in the mood to pay big dollars to replace a rear window.

    I'd appreciate any help I can get...

    Thank you.

    Chris
     
  2. APACHE FS
    Joined: Feb 20, 2007
    Posts: 569

    APACHE FS
    Member

    Both of those methods will work. That glass is tougher than you think, before the days of re-pop everything I transferred late 60s GM windshields like that a lot and they were way more brittle than the window you're gonna do. Take you time and stay off the glass when cutting
     
  3. theHIGHLANDER
    Joined: Jun 3, 2005
    Posts: 10,372

    theHIGHLANDER
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    If it's taped in then the blade is your best friend. You need to check every few inches to make sure it's staying in the tape and not getting near the edge of the glass. A steady pull at just the right pace will get it done. Pulling harder will only wad the tape up and not cut it. Steer the blade up and down by the angle of the handle, as in toward the cut direction it will run low, away from the cut direction the blade will run high. I've heard of the wire deal but getting someone inside the car to stay at the same pace as someone outside the car can prove to be a rough go.
     
  4. I've also learned setting the car outside in the sun on a good warm day helps a lot. I prefer the blade starting at the top with a Body inside holding some up pressure on the glass. Across the top then half way down one side then to the bottom on the other and back to the first side to the bottom.
    The Wizzard
     
  5. I've tried both methods, and much prefer the wire method. Yes, it can be a pain but there's almost zero chance of breaking the glass during removal. I just use a length of small wire-feed welding wire (use a long piece if you're doing it alone, too much is better than not enough; wrap the ends around something round for 'handles'), 'saw' the sealer across the top and sides, then push the glass out. Cooler weather is better than hot weather with this method, and you might have to go over it more than once as this stuff likes to rebond to itself.
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.