My hatch glass removal process

[ydrogs at gmail.com (Gordy Stedman)]

Kind of along the lines of Rob's technique, the way I got the last one out
of a MK1 that worked for me was to start as close to one of the lower
corners and use your fingers to push the edge of the seal under the lip of
the frame.  It is tough on the fingers and kind of a bitch but keep going.
Work your way up and around to the other lower corner.  I have had bad
experiences using screwdrivers and catching them on the glass so I do not
use them.  Now go back and gently push on the folded seal towards the
outside of the car.  Keep working back and forth.  You will see the window
and seal start to come out.  I also have found that pushing on the glass
itself especially around the corners can cause enough stress to crack it.
Once the top of the seal is out and clearing the frame put one hand on the
inside of the glass and press your other hand against it from the outside
and try and get the window and seal to slide up.  If you have the dash out
then you can pry the rest of the seal over to loosen it even more.  If you
plan on replacing the seal then just use a utility knife and cut the window
out, so much easier and almost guarantees it will not break.  Be prepared to
deal with previous owners trying to reseal the windshield with silicone or
other type of sealants which might hinder the extraction.  I have had the
best success installing windshields with the string technique.  If you are
going to use the trim strip remember to place it into the seal before
installing.  I also have cracked a windshield by laying it down on the
convexed side so I now store and carry them in the vertical position.

On 2/22/07, Rick Kellner <rfkellner@snet.net> wrote:
>
> Since we are on the subject of glass removal, are there any tricks, tips
> or suggestions on the removal and replacement of the windshield glass
> and seal?
> Thanks, Rick.


-- 
Gordy
MK1 x 4