if these are the original sail panels there is already a piece of fishing line installed--just pull on it to cut through the tape--but the line is really brittle after all this time--park it in the sun to help loosen push gently from behind and start from the top---I "peeled" mine out without the wire that way--careful--the window can crack--but with patience worked the top edge then around the back and was able to see the line of tape on the bottom--a small pocket knife got that
Dean...just to set expectations...plan on destroying them if you remove them...not many original GT sail panels are removed without spidering, cracking or just completely breaking. They can be removed without being destroyed and there are things already mentioned that can hedge your bets, but what I just stated is the common out come.
Dean...just to set expectations...plan on destroying them if you remove them...not many original GT sail panels are removed without spidering, cracking or just completely breaking. They can be removed without being destroyed and there are things already mentioned that can hedge your bets, but what I just stated is the common out come.
WHAT HE SAID!
I have gotten them off but more got destroyed than were recovered by far.
Expect them to break so little movements and patience. No hurry.
Blow dryer helps a lot
[This message has been edited by pokeyfiero (edited 06-28-2014).]
Usually by this age, the nylon line that is installed on the backside of the OEM windows has already rotted to the point it will break when pulled on. After removing the grill and the inner sail panel trim, if you can manage to get a piece of piano or guitar string inserted down between the back side of the window and exiting to the outside of the body, you can make a garrotte and use it to saw the application tape loose. Resist the inclination to pull outward on the wire, but keep it as straight as possible, sawing back and forth, working around the window. Having a helper hold the window when nearing completion might help preserve them.
Not saying it cant be done, but Ive never seen anyone get them out without breaking. They almost always have microscopic hairline cracks in the centers. I dont try, I just knock it out with a hammer and peel out whats left.
Find yourself a screen printing company and see if they will sell you some black acrylic ink and a little reducer. Flat black will work and be a little easier to brush on. It doesn't matter that it's flat finish. It will look glossy when looking through the window. You'll want to brush the ink on with a wide tip brush. You'll have to fake the dots with a fine tip brush.
Are they OEM windows or aftermarket? Using things like peanut butter or cooking oils and rubbing hard with your thumb can remove the old tape from the window without affecting the paint or plexi. Let the oil soak in for a while before rubbing. Most solvents will harm one or the other. After using oil based products, a good washing with dish detergent will clean them enough for repainting.
The OEM windows would have a slight outward curve front to rear and top to bottom. The edges would be smooth and rounded and the window would be pretty rigid. The aftermarket windows are usually thinner, flexible, and have a flat appearance when they're on the car.
I've removed over a dozen of these off of 86-88 GTs never broke or damaged one yet ..... I use the blue or green whip cord from an electric Whipper Snipper. Does NOT scratch the panel either because the cord is plastic ...... takin your time is the secret ...
