Thanks to others on PFF, I was able to remove my GT quarter windows quickly, easily and without damage to the paint or the windows. I salvaged the quarter windows from my 88GT for use on my project 86GT. The 88 will get new. I’m posting this so others can refer to the process in the future.
GT quarter windows remove very easily, in about five minutes each, using a specific fishing line (60# test or stronger Spider line, available at Wal-Mart, etc.). The heavy test is woven and, when used properly, virtually "saws" through the tape that secures the window to the car without paint damage and without breaking the window.
The key to successful removal is the Spider line. Make a 4' section of line w/ improvised handles at each end. Start at the rear of the Lexan quarter glass, slipping the line behind the Lexan, one handle above and one handle below. With a medium speed, up and down "sawing action," the Spider line cuts the mounting tape while emploting slight pulling pressure toward the front of the car. After cutting the first 6-8", apply duct tape to the window and top of the fastback to keep the window from falling. Proceed w/ cutting. Within about 3" of the door jamb, add a second piece of duct tape from the roof to the window to hold the window from falling. Then, slip the upper line behind the top curved-in portion of the quarter window, and "saw" with both handles below the Lexan exerting downward pressure.
Misc. tips: sawing too fast creates heat, thus deteriorating the fishing line and causing the severed mounting tape to fuse back together.
WD-40 combined w/ a dull scraper blade does a reasonable job of removing the tape & residue; although patience is required. Greased Lightning cleans away the WD-40 preparing the BODY surface for mounting the replacement window. The same process works on the salvaged Lexan, but the scraper MAY remove spots of the black paint on the back side of the window. Touch up is easy using black enamel and an artist brush. Hold it up to a back-light source to see the spots that need touch up.
Future Glue mended a previously broken corner on one of my Lexan windows and only the appearence of a crack remains.
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Patrick Slater
88GT T-Top
86GT nearly perfect
86GT restoration project
