Removing plastic garage door window inserts?

[zip95864]

Hey there guys, I dont like the look of this "sunrise" pattern on the garage door ---- can I just remove this plastic or is it serving a purpose?

Would prefer just glass.

Photo from Google Streetview:

 

[rquackenbush]

The plastic part you're talking about taking off is likely holding the glass in place. Usually it's two big pieces - one on the inside and one on the outside. You might be able to dremel off the excess, but you're probably better off getting fresh plastic bits.

 

[AZ Pete]

Can't speak about yours, but our neighborhood has doors with a number of designs. We opted for plain windows, the difference seems to be that our windows just don't have the inserts. Try removing one, I bet your plexiglass window stays in the frame with the sunburst insert removed.

 

[zip95864]

Thanks, I guess I'll take a look tonight.

 

[AndyL]

snaps in and out... tug on a corner - and the whole thing will start to come out...

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'm thinking I looked at ours a few months back. It looked like the panels were screwed on but I don't know for sure. It's going to vary from door to door and manufacturer to manufacturer.

The best option would be to send an email to the door manufacturer. Most places will responded back to you in a day or two.

 

[pattenp]

I have that same window style. The sunray panel can be removed. You need to remove the outer frame by removing the mounting screws from the inside. I was going to remove mine but the door I have has the foam core insulation and the frame is virtually glued in place because of the foam. So it was too much of a hassle to get the frames out. Plus the wife wasn't agreeable.

 

[zip95864]

So I took a look last night,

From the inside the layers go like this:

trim clip
glass
sunburst piece
outer trim

I pulled the trim clip pieces off, then the glass, then the sunburst insert:

My wife came home and I showed her what I did and she said, "I kind of like that sunburst" ---- I replied no you don't it looks tacky.

Will finish the rest over the next few nights...

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[AZ Pete]

She'll like the new look, when you get all of the inserts out. You will also get more light into the garage.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I wonder how long it would take my wife to notice if I took ours out of the garage doors ?