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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Pulling out windows

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HudsonM1
1st Mate

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USA
41 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/20/2005 : 18:44:10

I went to pull out the cabin windows this past weekend to rebed them using the CD window gasket kit. After unscrewing the interior trim ring, I realized that the aluminum frame is so securely bonded to the exterior of the cabin that I can't budge it. I'm afraid I'll bend the frame if I run a putty knife or blade under it from the outside. Any suggestions for getting the window free from the old sealant would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Hudson
'81 SK/SR #2531

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2005 : 19:13:39

Hi Hudson,

If a sharp, thin putty knife doesn't work, you might try using a guitar string ... I haven't tried it myself, but others have reported that it works like a charm.

Good luck ... let us know how it turns out.

Edited by - on

Doug
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2005 : 19:57:39

It is a hard job. I used a few thin putty knives and spacers and slowly worked my way around. Had to use a lot of muscle. One of my windows had been re-bedded by the PO using 3M 5200. Taking that one out damaged the fiberglass and bent the frame. I ended up dumping the frames and putting on the smoked Acrylic windows.
Since then I've moved up to a C34, and the biggest problem is still the @#%&! windows, just more of them.

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StSimon
Captain

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USA
298 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2005 : 20:25:50

Wouldn't using a heat gun or something like Spirits or Acetone tend to soften the bed and aid in loosening the frames?

You probably wouldn't want to use the gun and the flammables at the same time

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2005 : 23:39:44

Careful application of heat will turn 5200 back into goo... but you have to be careful not to overheat the underlying gelcoat... or in this case the window gasketing/glass too.

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JaimeZX
1st Mate

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USA
34 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2005 : 02:47:54

I dunno if the windows are glass or plastic, but if they're plastic / plexiglass acetone will make them opaque. So be careful there. 8-O

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HudsonM1
1st Mate

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USA
41 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2005 : 18:46:15

Several good ideas here. Thanks to all. I'll let you know how it goes.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.