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Re: [T2] Removing and Replacing Windows
Paul,
I am just getting ready to do this on my '76 bus. I've done it before and
it's not too hard. Just takes some patience.
To remove the windows I just take a plastic putty knife or other hard flat
object (plastic helps so I don't scratch the paint) and begin prying up the
rubber from inside. You have to "flip " it over the window sill. As you
go, a little pressure applied on the window, forcing it out will keep the
rubber some slipping back in. Work your way around the window a few times.
Don't try to push one side all the way out before the other has been worked
out a little. You might break the glass. Just be sure you have someone or
something on the outside to catch the window, or else you will have a real
mess.
To install, I get a piece of 16 gauge insulated wire. Get the kind with
strands of wire, not a solid piece (its more flexible). The wire provides
strength and the insulation provides a slick surface and keeps from damaging
your newly painted window sills. Put the rubber on the glass and then put
the wire in the outer groove of the rubber. The wire ends should come out
at the bottom-center of the window because this is where you will start the
insertion of the window. I use liberal amounts of dish soap to help the
rubber slide in easier. Coat the inside edge and groove of the rubber with
the soap. Have a friend hold the glass up against the opening from the
outside. Make sure the ends of the wire are on the inside of the opening.
Start at the bottom-center. Have the friend apply pressure while you work
from inside. Gently pull in the wire, "lifting" the rubber over the window
sill. Work evenly along both ends of the wire working to the outside
corners at an even rate. I sometimes go a few inches in one direction and
then do the same in the other. The idea is to keep the window centered in
the opening. If you do all one side then the window will tend to slide to
the other side and make it almost impossible to get the other side in (Ask
me why I know this ;-). As you work your way up the sides and around the
top make sure your friend applies pressure directly opposite to where you
are pulling. This helps the rubber seat better.
I've done this on a half dozen windows and it now takes me about 5 minutes
to put in a window in my bus (not including the windshield). The trickiest
part is holding on to the window and wire with soapy hands. I use a pair of
pliers to help me with the wire. I have my friend wear leather or cloth
gloves so as not to drop the window.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you don't understand anything here.
As for the body work. There are a few good books out there. Make sure you
remove ALL rust or else your work is in vain (ask me how I know this). DO
NOT use any of those rust converters you find at your neighborhood autoparts
or hardware stores. I have and the top coat of paint doesn't adhere well to
them. My favorite is POR-15 (www.por15.com) It seems to adhere extremely
well. I'll see if it lasts as long as they claim. Top coats adhere to it
just like metal. It even fills in some of the small pits and holes.
This job is not really hard, just takes time. Be patient and do it right
the first time. Other wise it's not worth doing.
I'm starting the project of removing all the windows, rust and dents from my
'76 in the next year. I'm sure I'll learn lots.
Ted
'76 bus
'79 bus
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