Author Topic: Removing rear screen and/or getting into/out of a transit van... (Read 2571 times)

Lina · « **on:** June 16, 2013, 01:27:40 PM »

Hi all,

In a successful attempt to get the car into the back of a transit:

We came across a slight flaw... the driver (me!) can't get out! We're going to try to reverse it in today, with the hope the driver can get out of the side door, but I'm not hopeful. The next option is to remove the rear screen before going in to the van, climb out that way, then replace the screen once the car's safely back out of the van again.
I'll need to repeat this at least one more time, so I won't be able to cut the seals or anything like that...
Is this a relatively easy thing to do? I've looked on here and most mention it's easier than the front windscreen, but no mention of any tips or tricks for doing it, or even how to do it.

Suggestions?

Lina

Bar Vitelli · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2013, 01:46:47 PM »

It's not possible to winch the car in is it? I've seen that done before where the van was fitted with a winch...Or climb out the side window? Or stay inside the car until you get to where you're going?

Bar Vitelli · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2013, 02:12:48 PM »

If the van is hired you could try for one with side doors instead? Shame you don't have a sunroof...

1973/126 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2013, 02:52:43 PM »

Lina we normally just push the car in without anyone driving it, but this might be a struggle for the 2,5 of you. The thing is you need to think about this possibility in case the car brakes down, which I hope it doesn`t!
A winch would be ideal, but those little electric ones are not great anyway and the proper ones are quiet expensive.
Not sure what else to suggest, longer ramps maybe so you can push the car in easier.
Taking the rear window out is a bit of a drastic measure

.

Bar Vitelli · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2013, 03:01:52 PM »

Is taking the drivers door off before you drive it in a better option so it's easier to get out once you are inside?

Lina · « **Reply #5 on:** June 16, 2013, 03:02:34 PM »

Hi bar, thanks for that. We do have a hand winch but we come up against a steering issue with that, so that's a last resort (with a 10 yr old driving!)
We own the van, so our next attempt will be to reverse it in so the drivers side will open on to the side door of the van, which MAY work.
Currently easing up the seal around the rear screen, but not entirely sure how it comes out yet. Anyone know?

1973/126 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 16, 2013, 03:27:11 PM »

I think even reversing it won`t solve your problem as the door will still be in the wrong place.

Maybe if you wind down the window you can steer it while someone is winching it up.

With the rear screen start from inside on one of the top corners and try to ease the seal of and gently push on the screen and just go along doing the same. You should feel it easing out. Make sure there is someone on the other side from the outside as you don`t want it to just fall out.
Normally it comes out quiet easy.

michaelodonnell500 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 16, 2013, 03:29:25 PM »

If Gently doesn't work, try using your foot! Best use trainers for this!
The first window is always the hardest as you worry about breaking it, but they are very easy to get out.

Bar Vitelli · « **Reply #8 on:** June 16, 2013, 04:48:44 PM »

Hi Lina, I've got an original Fiat 126 Service Manual for the early air cooled cars and page 701.18 shows you (with pictures and narrative) how to remove the rear glass...there's an electronbic copy in the Subscribers section on the site if you've not spotted it. Good luck!

Lina · « **Reply #9 on:** June 16, 2013, 04:53:54 PM »

Hey all, thanks for this! Sorry, I replied earlier via mobile and missed many of the comments!

Yes, pushing it is is not an option, so we have got a hand winch, just in case the car's not running when it goes in... We hope not too, but it's realistic to plan for it!

The next option is to reverse it in until the rear wheels are in i.e. the heavy bit, then push/winch it from there, possibly with Oscar steering, just a bit of a jump to get out. Then when we get off the ferry the other side, find a lamppost or tree and winch the front end out, climb in and drive the rest out.

Andrew's been amazing and built proper fitted ramps, so there's quite a step that will hold the car half in/out if we need to do it this way.

As for the rear window, I've cleared out all the toot from 32 years around the seal now, which might've been holding it in place, but I'm not very brave as to the pressure I need to put on it - using my feet sounds pretty drastic indeed!! I really can't break the screen now as I have no time to get it replaced really and I think the sound of plastic sheeting flapping in the wind for 2,500 miles might get on my nerves a tad...!!

Lina

dajwid · « **Reply #10 on:** June 16, 2013, 07:30:47 PM »

Lay on the roof to steer while it is winched / pushed in.

Lock the steering straight (rope) then just push it in.

DeVilleChris · « **Reply #11 on:** May 15, 2014, 08:15:46 PM »

Hi, I know this is a far back topic, just wondered what size transit this was as am looking at transport for a friend.

Thanks
Chris

Rusty's Uncle · « **Reply #12 on:** May 15, 2014, 08:20:21 PM »

Good heavens above , how big is your friend

DeVilleChris · « **Reply #13 on:** May 15, 2014, 10:36:31 PM »

Hahaha rusty ^^