Window Removal

Hi Guys.
Im just about to start my restoration job and am just wondering how much of a job it is to remove the fixed glass i.e windsreen etc. Is it a job I can do myself relatively easily or should I get someone in to do it? are their any special tools required?
cheers everyone

Hi aubrey. There's a few people here done this recently and commented so you should get some good feedback. Just take your time at end of day. Windscreen ideally you want two people but I've known people do it on their own.

Biggest question is if you intend to replace the seals or not. If yes, then you could just cut the windscreen seal and make it much easier to get out.

the windscreen and side windows are easy (only found this out AFTER I cut the windscreen seal), the rear window however is a little harder because to me it was a tighter fit in the boot lid!

I used a couple of screwdrivers from the inside and carefully levered the rubber off the 'lips' (if that makes sense!)

had to buy a new windscreen though because the 2 pieces of glass came apart leaving 'oil' looking marks in the corners… Crazyquiff supplied me with a replacement (took him like 5 minutes to remove from the donor car!!!!) :y:

definately worth spending the time to take them out rather than mask around!

cheers for the advice guys
I will let you know how i get on

Yeah.. Getting them out is pretty well covered? But where do you get a tool to reinsert the chromed plastic trim?

Chrome trimmed rubber seals are in demand here by the 'retro look' brigade !
Never had them on a Mk1 myself, but my old Mini had chrome inserts in the rubber. My Dad made a tool out of thick wire (welding rod / coat hanger ?) to get the chrome trim in. The wire was bent into a small diamond shape. The edges of the diamond kept the seal 'open' and the chrome trim was pushed through the diamond as the tool was dragged along the seal. Hard to explain in words, but worked a treat ! Still have it somewhere ……….

Cheers,

Mark

Thanks, Mate.

Yeah, it could work. I remember putting a new windscreen into my dad's mini back in 1967 or so. A bus conductor (remember them??) hopped of the rear platform of a double decker right in front of me and entered/exited the car via the windscreen! It was a bitch of a job to fit. I obviously lacked your dad's inventive genius and used a screwdriver. The MK1 trim is available here in Oz. I tracked it down being sold by "Rarespares". The trim is fixed with a "T" shaped insert which scared me off o bit, but I'll give your dad's tool a whirl before I go buying new trim.

Frost.co.uk do a full set of beading installation tools