I'm working on a 83 Malibu wagon, trying to do some rust repair work. I need a little info. Both rear side windows have a rust hole in the lower rear corner. I need to know how to get the rear windows out without damaging the window, trim or the seal. Any help!
wagon rear side window question.
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You'll need to start by removing the outside trim.Being that it's an '83 model, you obviously have the flexible,glue on quarter window trim. They can be a bit of a bear to remove without damaging them. I would either use a sharpened putty knife, or you can find a long knife which is used for removing auto glass. You'll need something like that to remove the quarter windows anyway. There's also pneumatic tools which make the job go quicker.
In either case, you'll need to cut thru the seal.
Once you have the windows loosened up, you can pick up a piece of piano wire, or even a string from an electric bass to cut thru the remainder of the seal. You might have to poke a wire thru in a corner first.
I found some additional info: http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/how-to-remove-windshield-auto-glass-t.aspx
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/24-ergo-long-windshield-knife-p-19320.aspx
In either case, you'll need to cut thru the seal.
Once you have the windows loosened up, you can pick up a piece of piano wire, or even a string from an electric bass to cut thru the remainder of the seal. You might have to poke a wire thru in a corner first.
I found some additional info: http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/how-to-remove-windshield-auto-glass-t.aspx
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/24-ergo-long-windshield-knife-p-19320.aspx
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I just did this repair on my wagon. I used a flexible putty knife and glass cleaner (as a lubricant), and worked from the inside. I have my interior trim out for paint, which made things a lot easier.
If you have an older wagon with the metal mouldings, no problem, except for cutting out the glass. But that's pretty much how it has to be done, cutting the glass out from the inside of the car...and as you said, it's easier with the inside trim removed.
Cutting out the flexible moulding is a bit of a chore. Perhaps your method would work just as well on the outer moulding.
The 1/4 window trim is encapsulated around the glass, and if you don't know what you're doing you'll destroy it.
Do yourself a favor and have both windows removed by a professional.
I had mine cut out for $30 each and it was worth every penny.
Do yourself a favor and have both windows removed by a professional.
I had mine cut out for $30 each and it was worth every penny.
Thanks for the info longroof. So the trim comes off separately from the glass, and its glued to the rubber seal. Should it come off in one piece or does each window have 4 separate pieces. Also is the seal/ window combo glued in like the later cars or does the seal get pulled into the cars window frame like an early car. I've been looking around for replacement rear wagon window seals but haven't found anyone selling them yet. Any idea? Thanks again for your help.
Looking at it today it looks like the trim is molded to the rubber seal around the window. If I could find the new seals l'd try to cut the seal off of the glass from the outside and push the window out, then remove the inside part of the seal. My problem is not knowing how it is assembled, installed, and getting the new seals. I've removed and installed plenty of windows in old Camaro, Firebird, Mustangs and old Volkswagen but those are all pretty easy to figure out and new seals are everywhere.
The glass is urethane set, there is no gasket like the older cars. The outer moldings are not available new or repro. Some have converted to the earlier (78-80) aluminum moldings, which will require the moldings (4 per side + belt molding with bead, if desired) retaining clips, and either adding weld studs (usually with a unispotter) or securing them with self-sealing screws made for that purpose.
Blake gave you good advice...let a glass installer do it.
I cut my own out, but it's not my first rodeo, and I have the equipment to do so. After the last pair, I am seriously considering letting my glass guy at work do the next ones.
Blake gave you good advice...let a glass installer do it.
I cut my own out, but it's not my first rodeo, and I have the equipment to do so. After the last pair, I am seriously considering letting my glass guy at work do the next ones.
Sort of. I just removed the trim on my 83. The bottom piece is just a piece of molded rubber and the top and sides are plastic and rubber combined. They are all glued to the window. I used a soft scraper to get it off the glass and once I had it started I just pulled it off. Once its bent I dont think it can be reused but I might be wrong. I didnt try to straighten it because I was able to find a set of the earlier aluminum trim. If you do a search on here for "wagon quarter glass mouldings" you'll get an idea of what it looks like once the trim is off. The stuff I bought wasnt in great shape. Too messed up to polish so I had it glass beaded and Im having it painted the same color as the car.
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