easy way to install window frames?

[morrisman1]

im not sure whether to install my window frames before i paint the car or not. i think it would be wise to though, so i dont have any risk of scratching the paint.

the question here is, what tricks are there to get the window frame in while the window is sitting there in the door? or is it easier to put the window in last? or to put the frame in semi-assembled? ive never had to do it before and ive gotta do it for the ute.

i have assembled the window frames but i can take them apart if necessary.

oh and its a ute so the smaller doors

cheers,
Cameron

[MGFmad]

I am going to be painting my Minor in the next few weeks and have the door frames off the doors so I can paint them - I dont want to see the paint ridge where you would have to mask the frame so I will fit the frames after painting.

From my experience of removing the frames, I would think you would have to fit the glass into the door first, then install the frame but I could be wrong.

[Shawn]

When I did mine, I painted the fully stripped doors, refitted them to the body, and then carefully lowered in the window frames (you do need to fit all the glass first).

It's not too difficult a job, but a helper would have been useful. You have to take care not to scratch the roof gutters as you're lowering in the frames. I preferred this way as the door could be held steady and at a decent working height. Also, the idea of manhandling freshly painted doors on the floor or bench wasn't too appealing!

The hardest part of the exercise was removing the frames in the first place. A "rotator" type socket wrench and deep sockets is almost essential!

[morrisman1]

thanks, i have one of those ratchets

i was worried about the top bolt on the back piece of the frame, it was very hard to get out of the door that i took it off, the bolt hole stops it from coming out nicely