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Quintanamobay Samba Member
Joined: May 07, 2018 Posts: 86 Location: Phoenix
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Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 4:00 pm Post subject: Tips on removing dry rotted window seals? |
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Does anyone have any tips on removing old dry rotted window seals without breaking the window? My utility knife seems to struggle to cut that old rubber. |
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SGKent Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2007 Posts: 41031 Location: Citrus Heights CA (Near Sacramento)
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Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 4:05 pm Post subject: Re: Tips on removing dry rotted window seals? |
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new blade maybe. Try cutting the inside as it will usually be softer. Make sure someone is there to catch it when you push _________________ “Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin |
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busdaddy Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 51003 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 4:12 pm Post subject: Re: Tips on removing dry rotted window seals? |
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Last AZ bus I did the outer sides of the seals were absolutely petrified, but the inner lip was still soft enough to cut. Try to cut along the top of the pinchweld, putting the knife down between the glass and seal risks scratching the paint in the window openings, although I'll bet there's a surprise lurking under there anyways. _________________ Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
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Quintanamobay Samba Member
Joined: May 07, 2018 Posts: 86 Location: Phoenix
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Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 4:37 pm Post subject: Re: Tips on removing dry rotted window seals? |
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busdaddy wrote: |
Last AZ bus I did the outer sides of the seals were absolutely petrified, but the inner lip was still soft enough to cut. Try to cut along the top of the pinchweld, putting the knife down between the glass and seal risks scratching the paint in the window openings, although I'll bet there's a surprise lurking under there anyways. |
petrified Is a very accurate description for both the inside and out. What surprise could be lurking in there?
Do you know if any chemicals I can put on it to soften it up? |
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busdaddy Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 51003 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 4:49 pm Post subject: Re: Tips on removing dry rotted window seals? |
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I can't think of anything that will soften it without removing paint too, unless you want to wait weeks or months, maybe a heat gun on a smallish area and attack with the knife before it cools?. The inner lip is your best option, expect the paint to be lifted along the bottom horizontal edges of the window opening, if it's a desert bus it may not be too rusty, but count on more work than just cleaning and waxing before putting the windows back in. _________________ Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
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Manfred58sc Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2009 Posts: 3372
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Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 5:04 pm Post subject: Re: Tips on removing dry rotted window seals? |
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I've had good luck with "Contractors Solvent", its citrus based and 4-5 applications with a rag over 2 days softens it up. It won't hurt OG paint, not sure what it does to other paint types. Irwin utility blades are the best. _________________ Fat chick owner/operator |
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KentABQ Samba Member
Joined: September 11, 2016 Posts: 2406 Location: Albuquerque NM
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Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2021 5:46 am Post subject: Re: Tips on removing dry rotted window seals? |
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Try using a linoleum knife...
https://www.lowes.com/pd/IRWIN-3-4-in-1-Blade-Utility-Knife/1003172494
It has a much stiffer blade and a curve. It's worked well for me. _________________ -Kent-
1976 Riviera, 1.8l FI chrome yellow VAN - "Chloe"
"I must say, how can you be in a bad mood driving this vehicle full of vibrant color.
Cars of today are so bland in comparison. It's like driving a celebration!" ---WildIdea
Bus ownership via emoticons:
---williamM |
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Wasted youth Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2012 Posts: 5134 Location: California's Hot and Smoggy Central Valley
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Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2021 11:14 am Post subject: Re: Tips on removing dry rotted window seals? |
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I have used a putty knife on the outside to lever the seal away from the glass by slipping the broad blade of the knife between glass and rubber, then leaning it downward. It allowed me to grab the rubber with needle nose pliers and start pulling it outward, breaking it off in chunks. |
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