<VV> EM windshield removal

[Tony Underwood]

At 12:08 PM 6/12/2009, Geoffrey Stozek wrote:
>There is a simple fool proof method for removing early model 
>windshields (and rear windows).   After experimenting with the 
>"gentle" foot pressure method on junkyard cars in the late 60's and 
>failing about 50% of the time, I decided there had to be a better 
>way.    The key is holding the rubber back from the frame on the 
>inside.   To do this I use blocks of wood, about 1/2 or 3/4 of an 
>inch square by 4 inches.   I start at one point along the top of the 
>windshield, placing a block between the rubber and the steel window 
>frame.   I place these blocks all along the top and a couple along 
>each side starting at the top.   With the blocks in place, the top 
>of the windshield can be pushed out with very little pressure.




Good point.   I should have been more explicit in my remarks 
regarding pushing the windshield out of the frame from inside via 
some careful footwork (WITH SOME HELP)... relieving the gasket's grip 
on the windshield frame in a manner such as you described will help a lot.


I usually used pieces of whittled-on paint stir sticks.  That, and 
liberal doses of WD-40 or some other sort of slickum like Black Magic 
squirted between the gasket lip and window frame to help the gasket 
slip past the frame.


Another reader mentioned to never try to tilt the glass forward via 
pivoting it on the bottom section of gasket.    This is excellent 
advice because doing this WILL crack the windshield (it's also VERY 
particularly easy to break a late 'vair windshield this way).   Push 
the glass straight out from the frame all the way around and don't 
let it pivot on anything or any edge.



The key word here is to make sure to employ some relief to that 
gasket grip, such as prying out the inside lip of the gasket and 
having some assistance in the form of a friend who knows what to do 
when it comes time to push the glass out of the frame.    Unless the 
gasket is excellent and soft and very pliable, never try to push a 
windshield out via feet without some help as described above.   But 
if you grease it up and pry the gasket lip back the glass and gasket 
will come out easier than you might imagine.   :)



tony..