1969 Mustang Window Frame Installation

Now available as a high-quality reproduction, these quarter-window frames from Virginia Classic Mustang include the window-setting rubber gaskets that go between the frame and the window. Also shown are a pair of grommets that fit on the interior trim panel around the shaft attached to the bottom of the frames.

Vintage Mustangs are one of the most popular collectible cars in the world, and that means parts are readily available. Used, NOS (New Old Stock), and reproduction bits and pieces are widely obtainable to restore or generally improve just about any '65-'73 Mustang, from the most plain-Jane six-cylinder coupe on up to a K-code convertible, Boss 429, or Super Cobra Jet Mach 1.

And while the parts-availability picture is good, it seemingly gets better on a daily basis. A typical case in point are these quarter-window frames for '69-'70 fastbacks. Five years ago, you would have been hard pressed to find a set of these in good, used condition or as still-in-the-box NOS components. Now they're available as nicely finished reproductions from Virginia Classic Mustang, PN ER-5122.

Even more good news: They are relatively easy to install. Removing the glass is not a big deal, and with the informative instructions, removing the old frames and installing the new ones on the glass is also easier than we thought. Proper tools are key, and the two main things you need are the right-sized block of wood and a small propane torch to heat up the old frames.

We completed one side on our '69 fastback, with photos, in less than an hour, including removal of the rear-seat bottom and interior-trim panel to gain access to the two bolts that hold the glass in place.

After removing the bottom cushion of the back seat (push it towards the rear of the car to unlock the seat from the clips holding the frame in place), remove the screws that hold the interior-trim panel in place as shown.	Once all the screws are out (about nine total), this large interior-trim panel comes off easily.	Open the window before unbolting it since it will eventually come completely out of the car. These windows don't open that far, but they pivot far enough to facilitate easy removal.
The shaft is part of the frame, and you can see the bracket that we'll remove in the next few steps. It also separates from the shaft.	Directly on the inside of the window are two bolts. These are the only fasteners that need to be removed to get the window out. Unbolt and...	...remove them, at which point we can remove the window from the car.
Once the bolts are out, this bracket is easily separated from the window-frame shaft and removed from the car.	With the bracket out, the window frame can be pulled forward and separated from the top pivot shaft as shown here.	Once separated from the top part of the window opening, the glass and frame are easily removed from the car.
With the window removed from the car and on the workbench, evenly heat the old frame with a small propane torch. You don't have to turn the metal red; just heat it enough to soften the old rubber and glue.	While the metal is hot, securely hold the glass on a flat surface or hang it on the window attaching clip as shown here. Gently tap the frame using a small block of wood and a hammer to push the metal frame away from the glass edge. A 2x4-inch piece of wood about four or five inches long will work well. Work your way from one edge to the other, and be careful not to hit the glass with the hammer. It's OK if the wood touches the glass while the frame is being tapped out.	After only a few seconds of tapping on the block of wood (and in turn, the frame), we had the frame and the glass easily separated.
Once the old frame is off the glass, clean the leftover old gasket from the glass before installing the new gasket. Use some sort of solvent, such as carburetor cleaner or a small amount of gasoline on a dry rag, to break down the old rubber, and clean the glass. You could also scrape the glass with a razor blade, but be careful to not scratch the glass.	Place the new gasket on the glass, making sure the edges line up. Use a liquid that will evaporate, such as denatured alcohol, to wet and lubricate the new gasket, but nothing that will break down and deteriorate the new rubber.	While the gasket is wet, line it up with the frame, and firmly press the glass into the frame. Some tapping with the hammer and block of wood might be required to get the glass completely in the frame. Once assembled, reinstall the glass in the car by putting it in place, reattaching the bracket to the pivot shaft, and bolting the bracket back in place. Complete the installation procedure by reinstalling the interior trim panel and rear-seat bottom cushion.