CLIPPER REAR WINDOW REMOVAL

Decided to have a go at replacing the hood myself, largely due to lack of availability of professional fitters locally.I'm at the very start of the process and the removal of the rear window is proving an absolute torture !
I have gone around the rubber window seal both on the inside and the outside with a flat blade to ensure that it is not sticking and am pulling back the seal as far as possible on the inside right top corner and pushing simultaneously on the glass with the palm of my hands. No joy and very hard on the fingers - also very hard on the back lying in a cramped position ! I think that this is the recommended way to get the window out, but for some reason it's not working for me.
[I don't want to cut the hood at this point]Grateful for any suggestions?
cheersDen

From the Inside disconnect the 2 wires for the defroster and remove them from the seal so they don't impair you.  You may have to take the plastic covers off them

Insert a flat blade screw driver under the seal on the upper corner outside, Then gently rock it to the bottom of the frame, some vaseline helps on the blade gingerly.

You will then gently as you are rocking it pry it out.
Once you have the upper side or corner started insert another screwdriver to keep it open.

Here is a how-to.

Cabriolet Rear Window Replacement. | Volkswagen Owners Club Forum

Hi Briano
Eventually got it out without breaking anything. I think I was being just a bit too careful, but working from the outside rather than inside the boot was the key ! Also there was lots of sealant used which didn't help
Many thanks for your advice (again!)
Looking at the window frame, it is a bit crusty along the bottom and both corners, but the metal, although thinnish, has not completely disintegrated and I am inclined to try to salvage and reuse it. Any suggestions for maybe strengthening the metal lip along the bottom -short of welding. Any repair would of course need to fit within the rubber weather seal.
I'll sand down and add rust treatment as a first step.
Appreciate any thoughts meantime.
cheers
Den 

I think Chortle has a source for frames and inner guides, you ought to pm him.

Hi Briano
Thanks for your reply. Can you explain to me how to pm Chortle. I find this site very difficult to work out on occasion!
cheers
Den

hi dengeo45  chortle is on here somewhere lurking.

on top line yoou should see private topics… click there, then click start private topic.. add title , type chortle in box
to *  name should pop up, then waffle away and send..

Many thanks Kenneth.

My advice…. Don't do it yourself. I was going to do it after I stripped the roof down and realised it was well beyond me… And I'm not clueless when it comes to cars…

Give Carl a shout (chortle) roof looks brand new now… Also talk to him before buying parts on eBay and save yourself a few quid from buying the wrong ones…

If you do want to do it yourself there is a video on YouTube somewhere of the whole process… Which is what I watched before deciding it was too big of a task…

Good luck in whichever way you go…

OzmanCab said

My advice…. Don't do it yourself. I was going to do it after I stripped the roof down and realised it was well beyond me… And I'm not clueless when it comes to cars…

Give Carl a shout (chortle) roof looks brand new now… Also talk to him before buying parts on eBay and save yourself a few quid from buying the wrong ones…

If you do want to do it yourself there is a video on YouTube somewhere of the whole process… Which is what I watched before deciding it was too big of a task…

Good luck in whichever way you go…

No Guts No Glory…… Video?  I did my first one only using Forrest Kings HOW to, no pictures, no tricks what a pain that was….

I now do them occasionally, and I have about 20 tops under my belt.. They are a piece of cake.. well sort of.