Dino DIY - Removing the window chrome, seal, and glass

The rear and front Dino windows are formidable pieces of material with complex curves that are expensive and delicate. Originals are NLA and I've heard horror stories about repros possibly not having the same dimensions, so removal must be done without inflicting damage. When painting there are techniques to avoid removing the glass but many folks prefer to remove them. Here is how I removed the glass in my 1973 246 GTS #05702.

First, I decided that I would have to replace the rubber seals and I did not try to save them. Trying to save them seemed like it might cause too much flexing of the glass than I was comfortable with. The seals are expensive but readily available, so the seals were deemed expendable.

Prep the area by affixing a suction clamp on the center of the glass. This will give you a safety hold to grip the glass when it comes free. Also wear leather gloves around the edge of the glass to prevent cuts.
Woods makes a great 6 inch suction cup that I've seen glass installers use and I have the same cup on my Manfrotto car camera mount. It looks a bit odd with the tripod head but it is one of the best suction cups around. Paid for itself in this application alone
http://www.filmtools.com/gripper-3025-suction-cup-camera-mount.html


Starting at one corner's end, gently separate the chrome from the rubber with a soft prying tool. The glass should not be used as a prying surface and the glass should not be moved or pressured if you're doing this step correctly.

Go slowly with the goal of not deforming the chrome. When you have a small section raised, then string two lines through and behind the chrome. One line will be your pull for the top and the other goes along the bottom.

Gently work the lines in parallel along the top and bottom channels, doing a little at a time.
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Chase the chrome trim out of the rubber groove in even and parallel movements along the top and bottom. Don't rush it and be careful. If you have a helper to "spot" and hold the suction cup that is great. When the chrome trim removal comes to the end there may be a slight amount of resistance but work it to release.
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Have a helper hold the suction cup as you work toward freeing it.
Use a sharp razor blade or Exact-o knife and start cutting the rubber seal out. All you need is one side to free the glass and I started at the bottom because it was easiest to access. I cut the rubber seal in strips, much like I was filetting a fish.
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Make sure your helper has a great grip on the suction cup and is ready for its release.

Chase the cuts across the full length of the rubber seal until nothing prevents the glass from being held in. Gently remove and place it in a safe place. When storing the glass, be sure to support the glass across its full width.
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No, the rubber was in good shape but it was over 17 years old.

After attempting to remove the glass and chrome without damaging the rubber I feared breaking the glass from too much flexing. I'll bet a more experienced person might be able to save it all, but that was a decision I had to make. Both Superformance, dinoparts.de and others still sell the rubber.

BTW, I was able to remove the front windshield and chrome and save the rubber, but that rear window is different - it scares me!

Both are now supported evenly by Martha Stewart pillows from the chenile couch - LOL

 

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