Windshield seal removal methods

[Mark Nunn]

I had laminated glass installed last winter in my Runabout. My lower windshield frame cracked during installation. It appears to have rusted from the inside. The crack goes about 3/4 of the way around the frame section.

The frame appears to have been welded at some point. Rather than rewelding, I got another frame from a friend that I will use. I am trying to decide how to remove the brittle old cowl seal from the replacement frame. I could use advice from anyone who has done this. This is the seal.

My two initial thoughts were to take a small round burr in a Dremel tool to grind the old seal. The tool's shaft needs to be smaller than the slit in the frame. I expect that could take days to accomplish.

Soften the rubber with acetone (or?) and dig the old seal out. Can anyone offer better advice?

[TXGOAT2]

Apply a thick coat of GoJo type hand cleaner every day for a few days. That will usually soften old rubber and rust.

[Professor Fate]

I recently used the pictured implements with great success. It just takes time to do one bit at a time. Put some music on and just work at it. Took me about 45 mins.
I did my '26 with great success.
Gotta hook behind it and pull along
the channelfrom underneath with the Orange handled pokers...
Use PB spray graphite to put the new one in. Does not leave a film that paint won't stick to.
Was an easy job. Just takes time. I used no solvents. Mild use of a heat gun on low may help, but only if no glass. Heat may crack your glass.

[Mark Nunn]

I chipped out most, but not all, of the seal with a screwdriver. I still have a lot of hardened rubber to get out. I was surprised to find about 6" of clean shiny rust-free surfaces in the bottom of the groove. I was not expecting that given the outside rust.