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1969 Mustang Window Frame Installation

These New Quarter-Window Frame Reproductions Are Easier To Install Than You Might Think
From the June, 2006 issue of Mustang Monthly
By Miles Cook
Photography by Miles Cook
Mump 0606 Frame 01Z
Now available as a high-quality... 
   
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Mump 0606 Frame 01Z
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.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Remove Bottom
After removing the bottom... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Remove Bottom
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.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Interior Trim
Once all the screws are out... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Interior Trim
Once all the screws are out (about nine total), this large interior-trim panel comes off easily.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Open Window
Open the window before unbolting... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Open Window
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.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Bracket
The shaft is part of the frame,... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Bracket
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.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Remove Fasteners
Directly on the inside of... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Remove Fasteners
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...
Mump 0606 Frame 06Z
...remove them, at which point... 
   
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Mump 0606 Frame 06Z
...remove them, at which point we can remove the window from the car.
Mump 0606 Frame 07Z
Once the bolts are out, this... 
   
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Mump 0606 Frame 07Z
Once the bolts are out, this bracket is easily separated from the window-frame shaft and removed from the car.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Bracket Out
With the bracket out, the... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Bracket Out
With the bracket out, the window frame can be pulled forward and separated from the top pivot shaft as shown here.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Remove Glass Frame
Once separated from the top... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Remove Glass Frame
Once separated from the top part of the window opening, the glass and frame are easily removed from the car.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Heat Frame
With the window removed from... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Heat Frame
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.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Tap Frame
While the metal is hot, securely... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Tap Frame
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.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Seperated Glass Frame
After only a few seconds of... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Seperated Glass Frame
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.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames New Gasket
Once the old frame is off... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames New Gasket
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.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames New Gasket
Place the new gasket on the... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames New Gasket
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.
1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Press Glass Frame
While the gasket is wet, line... 
   
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1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Window Frames Press Glass Frame
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.

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