Side window removal

[MGs]

Not sure if this has been asked before, but couldn't find it in a search. Most posts seem to suggest
the use of a stanley knife

Is it possible to remove the rear side windows without damaging the rubbers? If so, how do you do it,
do the windows go inside out, or outside in?
The rubbers look fairly new and are still very flexible, so if possible I want to save them (tight budget).
However, whoever fitted them didn't repair the window frame before fitting. There is now some fairly
harsh remedial action required, including fabrication of the roof gutters which would be better with
the windows out.

Cheers

[mogbob]

Prepare yourself for a lot "ifs" in the response.

If the side window was installed correctly from the outside ( rubber eased around the apperture from inside the car )
It should have two metal clips to hold the glass in.Clip position is half way up the vertical on the straight edge and a
similar height on the curved edge.Carefuly peeling back the rubber will confirm or deny their existence.

It's a two handed job for sure.i would try and release these clips by squeezing the metal clips from outside and pulling outwards.
The pull direction should have a slight side ways motion ,towards the body side ( not glass side ) avoiding cracking the glass.

If the rubber is really flexible and pliable....I would put masking tape on the paintwork on the outside of the car, around the window aperture.The seal "lip " on the inside of the car is thicker and not so easy to get at.

Armed with a wallpaper scraper ( plastic or metal ,which ever you have to hand ) I'd lift the rubber surround top corner/ B post side and then work down the top curved edge.As fast as you lift, the rubber will try to regain it's position.
So. I'd either stuff a series of wooden stirring sticks ( from your friendly coffee shop ), wooden lolly sticks,wooden ice cream spoons or a couple of layers of stiff cardboard down the gap you have created.

As you get towards the end of the second side, " movement " in the glass " toe hold ", may be witnessed.If you have access to a body shop suction cup or failing that a sink plunger stuck on the inside of the glass, your "Assistant Catcher " may help the glass inwards.Whatever you do don't force it.A squirt of soapy water between glass and rubber may help release it's grip.

If the glass has been put in with loads of mastic I wouldn't attempt it.Too much risk of damage and too much cleaning of the rubber afterwards.

You will need lots of patience, a steady hand, a willing helper who can catch glass safely and plenty of good luck.
Those of a nervous disposition need not attempt.
( Re-installing ,with a rope/ cord and wooden dowel, is almost "a reverse proceedure with variations and a doddle in comparison ).

GOOD LUCK

Bob

[MGs]

Bob

Many thanks. Yes the metal clips are there. The rubber is very pliable and easy to move. No problem with the
bodywork and scratching the paint. I need to remove the window for body repair and the car will be getting
a full respray. I have already briefed the wife to standby as a spare pair of hands.
I'll give it a go at the beginning of next week, when it comes back from having the floor welded. I recently
fitted a rear window, including the fiddly strip to a Riley Elf, so it shouldn't be too much more difficult.
I'll let you know

[mogbob]

Sounds as though you are not a virgin glass installer, so luck is on your side.No restorer should be without the help of a
good woman !!
My wife only complained ( with tongue in cheek ) towards the end of my classic car restoration.Our drive has a very slight incline up to the garage.As I put more bits back on the car, it got heavier and heavier to push back into the garage.
Hope it goes well and the effort is rewarded when the car comes back from the respray.

Bob

[MGs]

Thanks for the encouragement.
The car will be staying at home for the respray. Plenty of experience there. Already done a Triumph Herald and an MGB.
This morning I have been spraying the front wing of my Mercedes, before I get rid of her.
I love spraying, what I hate is all the sanding and rubbing down
In the current economic climate, I can't afford a pro job, but so far I have been happy with the results achieved.
Lots more work to do before I get to the spraying stage, but it will be nice to get some primer on some of it.