Removal of aluminium windows

[mibosa]

I am in the process of removing the aluminium windows from my 1966 Viscount Ambassador to polish them prior to painting the inside of the van.  All except one of the windows if coming out easy, so much so that even when attempting to pry it out with a screwdriver the only result is bending the actual aluminium frame.  I am therefore seeking advice on how to overcome this problem.  One of the previous owners appears to have used some type of adhesive or sealant which is just not budging under the slightest of pressure.  I would like to be able to remove the window without any further distortion of the aluminium window framework or having to source a replacement window.   

Regards, Bob

  

[leeron]

Just a suggestion, Try soaking petrol around the edges between the sheet and the window frame then working/stabbing a thin metal spatula in between the sheet and frame.
Petrol, I have found helps soften and seperate silicone from lots of surfaces better than any of the solutions in a jar or bottle off the shelf.
check the inside window sill surround and remove if possible to get a look from the other side.
Otherwise if she doesn't leak, Does it really need to come out?

Leon

[mibosa]

Thank you for your response Leon. I am prepared to try anything to separate the two surfaces and your suggestion of using petrol would not damage either surface. I would like the window to come out just so that the windows and their aluminium surround were not installed when I paint the inside, but obviously if it will not come out easily, or at all, then it may well just have to stay in. Unfortunately, it is the window on the door side and near the kitchen table and I would have just preferred it to be out to achieve the best possible paint finish. Regards, Bob.

[leeron]

If you can get the inner sill surround off easily, and can see they have used a hard setting glue like liquid nails or the like and had to take the window out no-matter what... then I would slide the glass frame off the van frame and try using a heat gun on the frame to soften the grip.

you could polish the frame in situ before painting and carefully mask up?

This might be a good example to the DIY to use a butyl mastic, caulk mastic strip or sponge seal strip instead.... of whatever they used.

[mibosa]

Thanks Leon, good advice and I feel more confident now to tackle this task. Regards, Bob.

[Observatory]

Hi Bob,

I found 2 paint scrapers wedged in about a hand width apart of each other and then gentle prying alternately did the trick on a couple of my stubborn windows. 

All the best with it
Pete

[mibosa]

Hi Pete, thanks for that tip. I might do as Leon suggested in an effort to 'break-down' the adhesive or sealant which has previously been used and then use as you suggested to pry the two surfaces apart. All the other windows have pushed out so easily and this is just the opposite.

Regards,

Bob

[pergs]

Bob,

try using an oscilating multi-tool with a paint scraper attachment. I use mine for almost all things. The scraper attachment will not mark the frame.

regards

Pergs

[mibosa]

Thanks Pergs, I have responded to a PM from Leeron advising him that this afternoon I sprayed a few times around the window with petrol and will let it soak overnight and try it again in the morning. Regards, Bob.

[Georgie66]

Hi Mibosa, just wondering how you got on with the windows all those years ago. I'm having the same trouble with one of my windows and would just like to know if anything worked for you? Cheers