Convertible door glass removal from frame and reinstallation.

[38convsedan]

I have original Ford door glass (dated 10-37!) that has delaminated and needs replacement in my '38 convertible sedan.

I have removed the bottom frame, and now the glass is contained on three sides in the stainless frame. What's the best method for removing glass from the stainless frame?

And for reinstallation what rubber gasket is recommended?

As always...thank you in advance!

~Steve

[flathead4rd]

Take it to a glass repair place. Preferably one that's been in business a long time.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 38convsedan

I have original Ford door glass (dated 10-37!) that has delaminated and needs replacement in my '38 convertible sedan.

I have removed the bottom frame, and now the glass is contained on three sides in the stainless frame. What's the best method for removing glass from the stainless frame?

And for reinstallation what rubber gasket is recommended?

As always...thank you in advance!

~Steve

Block of hardwood and a hammer believe it or not.
Place the block against the stainless frame and smack the end of the block. The glass should come loose. Work around the three sides. Don't get too aggressive. You will quickly find the sweet spot (amount) of force required.
I'd done this on countless Ford convertibles of that era.
If you can't source reproduction rubber seals, use glass tape of the proper thickness.
To make your installation go smoother, wet the tape with glass cleaner. that acts as a lubricant but will dry out and not create bubbles when you get the glass wet in the future.

[38convsedan]

Kube,

Glass laying on side on top of table.

How is block of wood oriented?

From top down (toward table)?
Or block on table and hitting along outside edge?

[32Bee]

I removed all of the original glass from my 35 convertible sedan stainless frames. Be sure to
use a sharp razor blade to separate the rubber seals from the old glass before attempting to
remove the glass. My glass was very adhered to the rubber and the old rubber was stuck in
many areas to the frames. My car came with reproduction glass but I found it wasn't cut
correctly in that the tops of each piece were cut straight but the frames have a slight
curvature. So find a glass business that can do a really good job of correctly fitting the new
glass to your frames.

[Kube]

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Originally Posted by 38convsedan

Kube,

Glass laying on side on top of table.

How is block of wood oriented?

From top down (toward table)?
Or block on table and hitting along outside edge?

Glass is laying flat on your bench. You lay the block pretty much (flat) atop the glass with one edge (I use a piece about 3" wide) against the trim. Start by breaking the seal of the track, then removing the track completely. By the time you'd done that, you'll have a very good "feel" for the amount of
"persuasion" required.
You DO have the bottom track loosened up. In other words, NO fasteners holding it to the sides. It's kind unnerving the first time but rest assured, this method works. The frame will dislodge just a bit at a time.
I'd learned this many years (decades) ago from the local glass shop craftsman.
You are more or less trying to break that seal that's developed over the past 80 years or so.

[38convsedan]

So far so good!
I’ve managed to loosen one complete edge, and about 2/3rds of the top.
Wife says that’s enough tapping for tonight….

[325w]

You can spray the edge with carb cleaner and let it soak for a while. After the razor blade.

[38convsedan]

Success!! Glass was removed in one piece with zero cracks—something I didn’t think possible after 85 years!!
Thanks to fellow ‘Barners for your solutions!!

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 38convsedan

Success!! Glass was removed in one piece with zero cracks—something I didn’t think possible after 85 years!!
Thanks to fellow ‘Barners for your solutions!!

And was not too difficult either, correct?

[38convsedan]

No, it wasn’t difficult. Just took my time as you advised…
Thanks again!!