Hardtop Opera Glass Refurbishment

[mytc05]

Looking at options for refurbishing the hardtop opera window glass with the TC emblem. I know I've seen a few things over the years about this, but wanted to check with fellow owners to hear input and sucess or failure stories. From what I understand, separating the two panes of glass destroys the film with the emblem that rests between. The glass on mine has the common bubbling between the glass. So, wanted to see, has anyone salvaged and reused the emblem laminate between? If not, has anyone found a replacement film with the emblem that is a convincing replica replacement? Does anyone do this regularly as a service they offer for fellow TC owners?

[Hemi Dude]

Separating the two panes of glass DOES NOT necessarily destroy the 'emblem'. The emblem is permanently attached to the inner glass, so you don't even have to reinstall the outer glass.

[Nile]

I have done 4 windows successfully - it takes maybe 5 minutes.  Spray some "goo gone" or similar product around the outside edges.  Let it seep in for a couple of minutes, then use a couple of plastic spreaders to pull the outer window off. Then just clean the glass.   As Hemi said, the emblem is attached to the inner glass so it remains undamaged.  I've just left the outer glass off.

[Mikele]

What's the reverse trick to get then in?

[Nile]

I haven't bothered putting the outer glass back, partly because it might be a challenge to get the right amount of goop between the windows, but mainly because I'm lazy.

[Hemi Dude]

9 hours ago, Mikele said:

What's the reverse trick to get then in?

Have you removed the outer glass already?

[Mikele]

14 hours ago, Hemi Dude said:

Have you removed the outer glass already?

Not yet. I ll do it only if I know I can get it safely back in 🙂

[Hemi Dude]

Oh, ok. Then I can be of no help. I left the outer glass off on my TC.

[Hemi Dude]

On 2/28/2022 at 6:36 AM, Mikele said:

Not yet. I ll do it only if I know I can get it safely back in 🙂

OK, you have not responded since you wrote this (above)  So what is so important about re-installing the outer 'stick-on' glass? I have driven my TC for at least 2 decades without that outer glass.

You don't need it!  

    

      Right side                Left side  (less garage light)   This is after 20+ years of exposure.

 

[Hemi Dude]

    

      Right side                Left side  (less garage light)   This is after 20+ years of exposure.

Edited March 10, 2022 by Hemi Dude (see edit history)

[mytc05]

Hi all,

Going to have the body shop get the windows redone on my replacement hardtop, and just wanting to check back to verify about best practices to refurbish these windows without running the emblems. What is the best way to separate the two panes without damaging the pentatrdent emblem? I've heard Goo-gone, razor blades, etc. What have y'all found is safest? I'm guessing I should have it sent to a glass specialist to re-bond the two panes together to seal it back up without bubbling? And just to confirm, does the interior glass pane stay in place, or is it best to remove both to do this? And the film with the logo is sealed to the interior pane with the exterior pane glued down on top of it, or is the film sealed to the exterior pane? Sorry for the questions, but he's nervous to do this. So, I want to make sure I have the right info to guide him (or a glass specialist if we go that route). Thank you for any info y'all can provide!

[ghostymosty]

Definitely leave the inner pane attached to the hardtop. You will destroy the trim that holds the headliner up when you remove it, wasn't designed to come back off. I'm attaching pics of an 89 model year top just in case the shop insists on taking the whole glass out. I got one sides glass completely separated but that black goo just stuck back together in time for the glass to reattach in one spot and then it cracked. Much simpler to just be careful of paint and remove the outer glass by itself. Someone on this or the facebook group makes those emblems in case your's gets messed up.