Hi All,

I have broken a fixed side window and have managed to source a 2nd hand replacement, which is still fitted in the panel. Does anyone have removal and refitting instruction or guidance as it is not something I've attempted before.

Thanks

I replaced all the seals on mine a couple of years ago.

To remove the glass from the existing panel you need to remove the rubber 'filling strip' from the existing seal. This is the thin band of rubber that sits within the extrusion. It's a simple case of using a screwdriver to lever the end out and pulling around and out of the seal / extrusion. This makes the remaining seal which the window sits in looser and you should be able to carefully work / push the glass out.

I bought new seals from Seals Direct (google it). Refitting can be a bit awkward and ideally a two person job. I fitted the new extrusion around the aperture of the hard top and cuts to size. New seals are nice and flexible. I then pushed in one end of the glass into the extrusion and then with a plastic tool bought from Seals Direct I gradually worked the rubber extrusion around the glass. Once in its then a case of putting the rubber filling strip into the seal. Again I used like a small hand tool with a diamond shaped metal tip which as I pulled it through the seal it opened it up sufficiently to push the filling strip into the seal. This makes the seal / extrusion hold the glass securely in the window space.
Should be no need for any silicone sealant or similar as the extrusion itself fits tight onto the hard top when the filling strip is inserted.

If your insured then you could just use your insurance like a broken windscreen. The glass repairers can get any glass cut to size and fit for about £50 glass excess.

I was really surprised how thick the glass was in my fixed side windows....about 6mm and very heavy. I bought one of those suction handles you see screen fitters use which was very helpful.

What he said above but have a couple of bottles of washing up liquid handy. Undiluted it makes a good lubricant for helping to pop home the glass and seals.

Some bailer twine can be helpful to get the window back into the seal too if you reuse the old stiffer seals. Get one corner home then run the twine round the seal to pull the edges out.

I had to do this on a coach window (about 4'x5') that took two of us to hold it, two to pop it into the seals and all four of us to curse when the bugger popped back out!

Gents,

Thanks for the advice, I will see how it goes over the weekend, if my mate is free to help hold.

Does anyone have any advice on the door windows ? I have replaced these basically new DOOR top and new frame glass etc.. but when I slam the door the glass falls out.. its as If the panel is too big. Should I need to pack them out considerably ?

Advice on door windows. How have you fixed the glass ? the front non moving piece requires sealing in with a mastic. Have you fitted the runners with the small self tapping screws to hold them in to the door top ?

U can buy the screw in packets of 10 from Craddocks. Make sure they are the flat head type. They also sell channel strip in metre sections not expensive.

I never screw them in anymore ....just use Tigerflex/Sikaflex etc ....
not a fab idea to drill holes through new glazing strip/door top to accelerate water ingress and rust ;-)