1968 Type 3 window hinge not separating

[air-austin]

Good morning AS community!

We just got a shipment of replacement windows from VTS and we're planning on replacing at least the leakiest plexiglass window today with the curved glass.

I did some prepwork last night be removing the plexiglass and old weatherstripping from the frame. I followed the instructions that VTS provides regarding Type 3 window frame separation, but I haven't been able to separate the front piece. Here's a side profile of the hinge:



I've removed the screws from the inside of the frame:


Any ideas? It will make it a heck of a lot easier to clean the channel if I can get the hinge separated.

Also, I read about using Sikaflex 221 for bedding the windows but couldn't find any locally. I picked up a tube of Dow Corning 795. It's a structural silicone sealant. Does anyone have experience using it for windows?

Thanks for the help; I've been a forums lurker for a while -- thanks for the good advice so far. I'm looking forward to the day I'm contributing and not just learning...

Steve

[centennialman]

It looks like you may have a rivet in the center hole between the two screw holes?? If so, perhaps it needs to be drilled out.

[air-austin]

Ah, the holes and rivet at the top are where the Olympic rivets come through to hold the top of the hinge to the body. The screws I removed are down by the window arm assembly (the hole next to the screw head that is still present).

I'm not sure why there are holes between the rivet backs at the top; maybe the hinge was fully removed at some point?

[overlander63]

I haven't had the pleasure of removing one of those windows yet, but I do know the stuff that holds the frames is very sticky, and you may have to slide, say, a gasket scraper between the frame and the shell, and tap downward on it with a hammer to get things moving.
Again, I haven't taken one off, just relating how hard the adhesive is to get apart.

[air-austin]

Ok, I was able to separate the two hinge pieces with a stiff putty knife; good tip overlander63. I had tried a screwdriver earlier but it wasn't enough leverage. Also to note -- the piece that separates is on the inside, not the outside (which is clear from the profile photo, but the VTS description threw me off). Knowing that, the other windows should be a breeze.

Just put in two hours of cleaning the Philips catches, old weatherstrip area and clamping bar. After some lunch I'll be trimming the glass with the metal strips and bedding the window into the clamp bar.

I'll post photos once this first one is in so others can see how the clamp fits together.

Thanks again for the help!

Steve

[air-austin]

Alright, the glass is trimmed with the metal edging. This edging fits over the new 1/8 inch replacement glass. I bought the 5/32 inch clips from VTS to replace the old, rusted, smaller ones. I can't seem to slide the clip over the edging though! Anyone have any experience with this? I tried tapping the clip on with a rubber mallet but I'm worried about shattering the glass. I can get the clip on about halfway but I can't seat it against the edging. Thoughts?

Thanks,

Steve

[purman]

Have you tried bending the clip open a bit and then back? might help...

I have one window to do... front driver side.....But I'm gonna leave it till last.. Someone screwed plexiglass in the frame..

[air-austin]

I ended up slipping a square shaft screwdriver into the clip and hammering the steel to widen it a bit. I then squeezed the opening of the clip to narrow it to the right gap. This adjustment widened the clip to the right size and I was able to attach it to the window frame. I spread the adhesive and reattached the glass bar to let it dry overnight. I'll be anxious to see how well it all holds tomorrow (and clean up the adhesive from the glass a bit). I expect the other two windows to go a bit smoother now that I have the process down.

Thanks again for everyone's help!

Steve