How Do U Get Tube Type Glue To Release Windshield

[69NovaYenko]

In process of restoring a built Jo-Han kit. My issue is the glue (most likely tube type glue) is tenaciously resisting any attempts to get it to release the windshield from the body. This is the older style of glass that has two clear strips that attach to the roof interior and two locating post on the underside of the truck deck. I do not wish to damage the glass nor damage the body. The bond appears to be incredibly strong after all these years. Any and all suggestions are welcomed. .

[Danno]

Try soaking the body in tap water for awhile (1/2 hour or so), then put it in the freezer.  This process often pops the parts apart.

 

 

[Ace-Garageguy]

The tube stuff is a solvent type glue, and if they used a big ol' blob of it, you won't get it off without damage. It will have actually 'welded' the parts together, and you can not break the bond.

I used to do gluebomb restos almost exclusively, and finally just got tired of trying to correct all the 5-year-old-chimp work that had been done previously.

A good indicator of WAY too much glue on a glass-to-roof bond is wiggly bodywork on the outside of the roof where the glue has softened it.

This poor little '32 Ford was so well stuck together that I had no alternative but to cut it apart.

 

Edited May 15, 2016 by Ace-Garageguy

[Snake45]

It might not be possible to get the glass out. I can usually do it, but I've also seen some that defy my best and most careful efforts.

In those cases, all you can do is work with it in situ. Polish it up in place, mask it off, proceed as normal, unmask.

The only other alternative is to Dremel it out, but you need to have replacement glass on hand for that. (Or have the skillz to scratchbuild it.)

[Mike Kucaba]

I've had success with tube glue releasing by just soaking in Super Cean. Could take a long time though short of that SMALL amounts of liquid glue sparingly applied has worked as had mineral sprits applied in the same way and allowed to soak in. These remedies are not for the faint of heart.

[dshue76]

I've used all the above in the past and usually have good luck. Another method is to soak it in hot tap water and try to work a sharp tool between the parts.

Or work at the joint in the same manner as scribbing a panel line except use the sharp side of the blade. Being very careful of course.

Edited May 16, 2016 by dshue76

[ChrisBcritter]

I've had some luck using a photo etch saw blade and a lot of patience; on a '62 Chevy convertible I managed to remove the glass without destroying the frame or the cowl. Glass got a bit scratched but it needed polishing anyway; next time I'd put tape over it.

[thatz4u]

I have used a Q-tip & mineral spirits to unglue parts, FYI work slowly & carefully in well vented area...

[69NovaYenko]

Thanks for all the suggestions one and all.

[StevenGuthmiller]

Where is it glued?

Is it glued around the window frames, or are just the "stretchers" glued to the roof?

If it's just glued to the roof, just cut out the stretchers & take the windshield & back glass out separately.

Then you can either leave the stretchers in place, or grind them out with a Dremel.

I usually have pretty good luck removing glass from old kits & have done it this way numerous times.

But I'm usually very careful about buying any built-ups that have even an indication of glue around the A pillars or vent posts.

They can be next to impossible to remove if they're heavily glued at those points.

 

Steve