Hardtop Glass

[ochre 72]

I'm beginning the process of repairing and painting my double wall hardtop. My searches have come up empty on how to remove the glass from the sides and the hatch. Anyone have any links or tips?
Thanks

[1rippen6]

If you are replacing the seals, a razor knife works great.

[ochre 72]

Originally Posted by 1rippen6

If you are replacing the seals, a razor knife works great.

Sounds smart and simple. Thanks.

[DeadheadNM]

Just a heads-up. I've heard some suppliers are out of various top seals. I'd love for this to be incorrect but you might want to have replacement seals in hand before cutting into the old ones.

[truckster]

If you find you do need to save them, soak them with warm, soapy water. Do it several times over the course of a couple of days. That will soften the old rubber.

To remove the glass, you'll need a buddy on the outside. Starting at the top corner with the top rear, push out as you work the rubber over the flange. There's no locking strip or anything like that, so it's really not very complicated.

[ochre 72]

Originally Posted by 1rippen6

If you are replacing the seals, a razor knife works great.

Worked great! Thanks for the tip. Got lucky and all 3 came out with no broken glass.

[ochre 72]

Originally Posted by truckster

If you find you do need to save them, soak them with warm, soapy water. Do it several times over the course of a couple of days. That will soften the old rubber.

To remove the glass, you'll need a buddy on the outside. Starting at the top corner with the top rear, push out as you work the rubber over the flange. There's no locking strip or anything like that, so it's really not very complicated.

Thanks! Ill use that when it goes back together.

[ochre 72]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Just a heads-up. I've heard some suppliers are out of various top seals. I'd love for this to be incorrect but you might want to have replacement seals in hand before cutting into the old ones.

Thanks! I took your advice and ordered everything. Everything showed to be in stock. Little bit of sticker shock when at checkout though. Should be used to it by now.

[ochre 72]

Anyone have a source for a new hatch handle?

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by ochre 72

Anyone have a source for a new hatch handle?

Motor City K5 has some repros listed on their website. These appear very similar to a handle offered at my local Fleet Farm that's USA made and only $10

[ochre 72]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Motor City K5 has some repros listed on their website. These appear very similar to a handle offered at my local Fleet Farm that's USA made and only $10

Thank you! I checked the fleet farm website and used their part# v7640 in a google search. One came up on Amazon with free shipping for $16. Looks like the one I have.
Ordered one to see how it fits.

[DeadheadNM]

Good deal. Let us know how it works.

[ochre 72]

The handle is very similar. Lesser quality but shines, has a lock and looks close enough for my needs.
I measured the distance between the screw holes and are same. Also the shaft diameter is the same.
Will need to be cut to proper length and hole drilled for the retaining pin.
My hatch is completely gutted so I have no way to test fit right now.
I found a website to order a spring for the handle also. Mine is broken. It required me to take at least 6-7 measurements. Will update if it works or not.