VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Upholstery - Interiors & Glass Hardtop Chrome Window Frames

What is the best way to remove the chrome frames from the front door glass & rear quarter glass on a 1950 Belair Hardtop?

When they were "fresh" soaking in mineral sprits would soften the material. Now, 65 years later it may be too hardened to work but worth a try.

If I can clean up the frames, I might not have to take them apart. Are the frames made of steel that was chrome plated or stainless steel?

Chevy's of the Forties sells a reproduction window frame for the door glass. May be a cheaper alternative to re-chroming.

The are chrome plated.

Thank You.

The shop I used to replace the glass in my 51 hardtop door window said they have a "channel driver tool" but even then it's a 50/50 proposition on success without damaging the glass. He also suggested a glue removal type product (such as GOO-GONE) to soak the tape holding the glass.

Thanks, I'll give that a try as well.

I was able to remove all the glass from the metal frames WITHOUT breaking one single piece of glass. I started on an extra rear quarter window that was already cracked. Both mineral spirits and Goo Gone worked well. I ended up using the Goo Gone because the bottle was easier to squirt the liquid right where I needed it to be. I used two very technical tools to accomplish this - a small Ford tool (hammer) and a wood shim cut down. I soaked the glass and let it set for about 10 minutes. I disassembled all the screws while the glass soaked in the G/G. I clamped the glass to my bench using some Luan plywood, a thick piece of rubber and a big "C" clamp. I slowing tapped with the wood shim from one end to the other. The radio just happened to be playing the Eagles "Take It Easy", so I did. After some time, you could see the molding begin to move. Because the side window and the vent window frames have angles to them, you cannot be to aggressive because you might just crack the metal frame in the corner. It was a great day in my very cold garage.

Thanks for the update and report of success. I will need to do the same on my 51 so it's good to know it can be done without disaster.