Posted by Craig Selvey on October 17, 1998 at 09:16:04:
In Reply to: Re: Headliner posted by David Blodgett on October 15, 1998 at 00:29:44:
I have found an easier way to remove the glass is just to simply cut the gasket with a utility knife. With all the stainless trim removed around the window, insert the blade of your sharp utility knike about a half an inch above the window into the gasket. If it only goes in a little, you are on top of the glass and need to move it a little farther in. If it goes all the way in, then it is just beyond the glass and in the proper spot. Once you have it there, just pull the knif all the way around the window. Now pull off the the part you just cut-off, get inside and push the window out, and your done.
I have done this by myself countless times and it takes less than five minutes and no flames required.
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: : To be done "properly" the front and rear 'windshields' should be removed. The "ends" of the headliner are glued to the 'pinchwelds' under the rubber seals for the glass, and the seals help to keep it in place. If you have help (pals to help with the glass) and lots of patience you can do it "at home". It might be worth at least finding out how much a shop would charge and decide from there...they have a LOT more experience at doing it and not breaking the glass in the process!!!
: : : Anybody got advise on headliner replacement for a 1969 1/2 Maverick. Mine is dry rotted and has fallen. Auto Krafters shows one it says is original material and pattern for $69 I think but I have been told I have to actually remove the front and rear windshield. A ford book I was reading just said remove the windshield trim but did not elabarate on how to do that. I've never done upholstry or windshield removal and wonder if I would be better off to price it out to a upholstry shop or if someone out there has done it and has a opinion...Thanks Kelly
: A windshield can be removed fairly easily with a blow torch on a low heat, and a few extra hands. I've done this with several cars. The trick is you don't want to do it on an extremely cold day, and when heating the edges of the glass, angle the torch towards the middle of the windshield. Be careful not to damage the paint. What you want to do is start at the middle of the upper side of the windshield, and heat the edge of it to soften the seal. While heating have two helpers inside the car to push out on the glass, but not too hard. Then slowly work your way across the top and down the sides. As you approach the bottom, be careful not to push the glass out too far, or you'll break the bottom off. Once the sides have seperated from the body, the bottom can be cut from the inside with a utility knife. Needless to say you'll need a new seal, but with a little patience I'll garauntee you won't break the glass.