window removal

[jackdebear]

I want to remove one of the windows from my back door. It's down at ankle level and completely useless to me. There's no screws or mounting brackets. It's just set in a heavy rubber surround. I'm thinking maybe to pry it our with a few paint sticks. Anyone done this?

[musigenesis]

I removed mine, it's super-easy. Just pick a spot somewhere on the gasket and cut into it as far as you can go with a utility knife. Then grab one of the cut ends with a pair of pliers and twist hard. It will start to come out and then you can grab the loose end and pull the whole gasket out around the window. Be sure to support the window itself so it doesn't fall and break.

[jackdebear]

I can see that option but I'm kinda hoping to get it out with the rubber intact and install it in the front on the bus.

[musigenesis]

OK, cut through the metal all around the window with a cutting wheel, then. Then cut a hole of the same size up front wherever you're going to put it and weld the whole thing in place. I don't know if there's any way of removing the gasket non-destructively but maybe there is.

[o1marc]

If it's a 2 piece gasket , remove the round sectiion embedded in the middle of the gasket, you can then ease the gasket out of the door.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

i had a friend that i helped change a few rear back glasses on trucks to sliding back glass and he used a guitar string.
it took a little time and some paint scrapers to get it through to start and one person in and one out with a saw pull effect and install was you put the string in seal before dropping the glass in and some baby oil water mix to spray the gasket as the glass goes in.
only helped do 2 or 3 and have never tried since because i didnt have the need.
but have thinking about it lately because i have that style gasket on a window i am thinking of deleting and although easier a million pieces of glass would take up more time.
maybe google truck back glass changeout with guitar string?

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

although musigenius idea works as well because you wont have to re invent the window seal shape with rounded corners and all for a perfect fit or not so perfect leaky fit in your new location.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by Jolly Roger bus 223

i had a friend that i helped change a few rear back glasses on trucks to sliding back glass and he used a guitar string.
it took a little time and some paint scrapers to get it through to start and one person in and one out with a saw pull effect and install was you put the string in seal before dropping the glass in and some baby oil water mix to spray the gasket as the glass goes in.
only helped do 2 or 3 and have never tried since because i didnt have the need.
but have thinking about it lately because i have that style gasket on a window i am thinking of deleting and although easier a million pieces of glass would take up more time.
maybe google truck back glass changeout with guitar string?

The glass will crack , but not break into a million pieces like tempered glass. I broke a couple, so I know. Guitar string would be helpful in glass that is "glued" in. For gasket type, 1/4" rope is used to install, using guitar wire can cut the gasket.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

and bevel the glass ,clean the rubber for an easier install.
not to be a butthead but getting a 1/4" rope through there is almost impossible until you get smaller stuff started to get a gap i can see it after that.
please share your knowledge on this

[o1marc]

A picture of the gasket would be worth a 1000 words. I can't find the ones I have that would explain it.

[Oldyeller]

Don't know how your bus compares to mine but last summer I removed both rear windows (not door windows) and reinstalled them. It was pretty straight forward and I did no damage to windows, gaskets or sheet metal.

I think I posted some pictures of the windows reinstalled in my conversion thread "Leavuntaun - Soon" that had some description of the process. Best advice I'd give is do it when it's in the 80s or 90s when the rubber is more pliable.

[o1marc]

Here's a pic of the window gasket I was trying to explain. It has a gasket locking strand that once removed makes easing the gasket off it's lips.

[BarnYardCamp]

maybe use some soapy water as a lubricant.

[Rock-N-Ruth]

Originally Posted by jackdebear

I want to remove one of the windows from my back door. It's down at ankle level and completely useless to me. There's no screws or mounting brackets. It's just set in a heavy rubber surround. I'm thinking maybe to pry it our with a few paint sticks. Anyone done this?

Yes. It will roll right out without cutting or tearing the rubber. Starting near a corner is best for not breaking the glass.