Replacing window

[Oeanda]

I’m considering replacing this old and cracked window. Looks like regular auto-glass. It would be nice to save the outside trim but it’s hard to see how that could ever happen.

Saving the (identical) inside trim should be possible though right?
Would it make the most sense to just go ahead and smash the glass and hack/pry/destroy the outside trim, rather than even trying to pussyfoot around with it?

Thanks.

[tkeithlu]

They put it on there somehow, so you can get it off somehow. I do not recommend destructive force.

If there is no evidence of buried screw heads in the trim ring, it is likely glued in place. If that is the case, a cheap wood chisel and mallet are likely the best tool for your attack. Try to cut the glue under the trim ring, gently prying it off. If the chisel is too thick for the job, try sharpening a spatula blade and then using it.

Since you are going to replace the glass, attacking itfromthe glass side rather than the bulkhead side avoids marking the surface.

For the glass, you could choose tempered, such as automobile side windows, or laminated, as in windshields. I actually have two in my wheelhouse that are tempered, laminated, and 1/4 inch thick.

Good luck with it.

[Tetepare]

Try to slowly and carefully cut whatever bonds the nice frame and remove it. To get the window out push one end of a guitar string through the sealant, wrap both ends around a dowel, and two of you use the guitar string like a rope saw to separate window from sealant. That is, if it’s not screwed in, as said. The method depends on how it’s mounted.

[Oeanda]

Thanks guys. Well I’d been expecting people to say -just break it all. But if you think it’s worth trying, I will at least take a stab at it.

The inner profile of that moulding, presumably well gooped in, is going to make it pretty tenacious.

[Calif.Ted]

I can see a "bung" in the center of the straight sections, if you drill a small pilot hole to the screw beneath then drive a wood screw in it can act as a "bung puller". If it doesn't pull it starts the minor destructive process to removing the bung. Screws underneath are a start, but as my shop teacher used to say "The screws are just to hold it tight until the glue dries". So there is probably something with adhesive power under the frame also. Cutting under frame with wire, monofilament line, maybe plastic razor blades, dental picks etc can be used to break that bond perhaps.
Or assemble the teak moldings required to make a new frame and have at it with hammer and pry bar.

[tkeithlu]

Yeah, if that's the profile it is going to be a PITA.

[Oeanda]

When I posted it late last night I assumed that the design was obvious, but realized this morning that it’s not really apparent in the first photos. I figured I would find someone who has dealt with this before and would probably tell me to just cut to the chase and smash the thing apart. But you never know.

[Searles]

Multi tool flat blade should do it .⛵️⚓️