Window upright cover removal

[blissout]

I'm doing demo for a roof raise and I'm stuck again trying to remove the window upright covers (?) between the windows.

I unscrewed the 6 screws that hold it to the body, but like everything else on my bus, it's on there with super glue or something! How do you guys remove these things? See photo

This is the last thing I have to remove. Planning the raise for Friday!

[weboughtabus]

Originally Posted by blissout

I'm doing demo for a roof raise and I'm stuck again trying to remove the window upright covers (?) between the windows.

I unscrewed the 6 screws that hold it to the body, but like everything else on my bus, it's on there with super glue or something! How do you guys remove these things? See photo

This is the last thing I have to remove. Planning the raise for Friday!

Mine were pretty well stuck on because of the sealant at the edge of the caps, by the window frames. I'd run a razor blade along the window frame and then carefully pry them off.

EDIT:
I also noticed that you're doing a roof raise on a Thomas bus. What's the plan for dealing with the inward tilt of the sides (I want to say it's 12.5 degrees in)?

[blissout]

Originally Posted by weboughtabus

Mine were pretty well stuck on because of the sealant at the edge of the caps, by the window frames. I'd run a razor blade along the window frame and then carefully pry them off.

EDIT:
I also noticed that you're doing a roof raise on a Thomas bus. What's the plan for dealing with the inward tilt of the sides (I want to say it's 12.5 degrees in)?

Ok I'll try the razor and pry carefully method.

I didn't notice the tilt of the sides until you pointed it out. What do people usually do to raise a Thomas? Cut off all the uprights and weld on all new ones?

[weboughtabus]

Originally Posted by blissout

Ok I'll try the razor and pry carefully method.

I didn't notice the tilt of the sides until you pointed it out. What do people usually do to raise a Thomas? Cut off all the uprights and weld on all new ones?

To be honest - I'm not sure I've ever seen a roof raise on a Thomas. You could raise it below the windows where the ribs are straight, but then you've pushed the windows up the whole way. If you're clever you could probably make/have made some custom hat channel extensions that have the appropriate bend above and below (I drew up what that would end up looking like), but then you'd have to ensure that all of your cuts are perfectly aligned. I'm sure there are other ways from smarter people. Good luck!

[blissout]

Originally Posted by weboughtabus

To be honest - I'm not sure I've ever seen a roof raise on a Thomas. You could raise it below the windows where the ribs are straight, but then you've pushed the windows up the whole way. If you're clever you could probably make/have made some custom hat channel extensions that have the appropriate bend above and below (I drew up what that would end up looking like), but then you'd have to ensure that all of your cuts are perfectly aligned. I'm sure there are other ways from smarter people. Good luck!

I'm think I'm going to have to cut below the windows, because yeah making all of that custom hat would be pricey. I've seen pics of it cut below the window and it looks crazy, but that's the best solution I think.

I wonder if I weld on straight hat to the 2 points (one at a time) if I can make a new angle and then skin that?

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by blissout

I'm think I'm going to have to cut below the windows, because yeah making all of that custom hat would be pricey. I've seen pics of it cut below the window and it looks crazy, but that's the best solution I think.

I wonder if I weld on straight hat to the 2 points (one at a time) if I can make a new angle and then skin that?

If you're raising from below the windows a quite of bit of siding will need to be removed to expose the channels to cut.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by blissout

Ok I'll try the razor and pry carefully method.

I didn't notice the tilt of the sides until you pointed it out. What do people usually do to raise a Thomas? Cut off all the uprights and weld on all new ones?

Most thomas raises look aesthetically less appealing due to folks not planning for the geometry of the bus. From the top rub rail it slopes in 6 degrees. To look really good and have no bowing or crinkles you're gonna want to raise it below the window line.

Odd that probably 9 out of 10 folks who want a roof raise buy a Thomas, but it seems that way.
Folks do it, but it takes more planning and finesse to make it look right.