Anything better for old gasket removal?

[OldVwHunters]

I'm on my first window removing the old rock hard rubber gasket. So far the best tool I have found is a wood chisel. Was just wondering if anyone has found something super spectacular for this job before I do four more windows, entry door, and the rear trunk. The wood chisel is working the best of all the other tools tried, so I will continue on unless there is something better. **Warning** If anyone tries using the wood chisel method, use extreme caution, as I remember slicing my arm open with one years ago.

[truckasaurus]

A piece of really hard plastic sanded to a sharp bevel like your chisel is great. I used to use old aircraft windows sliced up and bevelled to remove sealant etc. It doesn't scratch and stick into the window frames. After that I used heirloom paint stripper and or 3M adhesive remover.

[Bob Blarney]

For removing adhesives, I've found that VMP naphtha consistently gives the best result with little or no collateral damage. If the surfaces are safe and the adhesive especially sticky, try brake cleaner or starting fluid. But always remember to use personal protective gear (gloves, mask, etc) and extinguish anything that could start a fire. For crusted adhesives, soak by puttting a paper towel on, saturate with solvent, and put plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent evaporation.

[KK4YZ]

Bosch, Dremel and others make a tool that uses a vibrating blade that may be helpful IF the surface you're dealing with is flat. I have the Bosch cordless version. There are blades with teeth for cutting and blades with a non-serrated edge that are great for the kinds of things you're dealing with. I forgot the name ( multi tool or multi-max or something like it)

[OldVwHunters]

So here's what I ended up with after fighting all the eclipse nuts in St. Joseph today. A real thick made in the USA scraper with an oh so comfy handle, not razor sharp along the sides like the wood chisel, so feels much safer. Grandma's old butter knife for getting down in that sharp gully, and a nut pick for digging out around the rivets. For all remaining after that I got the Goof Off, how can you go wrong if the label has the word Miracle included, plus it felt like destiny since Goof Off is what some people at work call me. That Bosch pulsating blade thingy sounds kinda like a fun tool to get one day for sure. First window is done, and it wasn't nearly as bad of a job as I was expecting it to be. Big Thanks for all the ideas, and input.

[KK4YZ]

Cool. Better living through chemistry [emoji1] you better get those utensils cleaned up before grandma finds them missing!

[TheGreatleys]

I remove as much as possible with a fresh razor blade. Then soak in GooGone (the stuff in the steel tin) and scrub with a soft stainless steel wire brush, and repeat. Usually takes three or four passes, but works great. You'll end up with a brushed texture on the aluminum, but that's OK since it'll be behind the gasket anyway.

[Hikia]

Ohhhh this was my LEAST favorite thing to do!! But what saved me was a HEAT GUN!! I know it made this task MUCH easier. You can see the progress on my Instagram @AirstreamLoving

Good Luck!!