Best way to remove glass channels?

[700rpm]

I am looking for suggestions as to the best way to remove the channels from the bottom of my Tudor windows. They are in pretty good shape; that is, not all rusty-crusty. But I want to preserve the original plate glass for patterns.

Thanks.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

I lay a 2 x 4 against the upper lip of the channel then tap it off using a hammer. Never broke a glass this way, but I haven't done a lot.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

Maybe just warming it with a heat gun would work along with the piano wire?

 

[SoCal_Alden]

I replaced the passenger window channel on my pickup a couple of weeks ago using the same glass. I softened up the old channel sealant by dizzling acetone on the glass - both sides and within 5 minutes i was able to hand remove the metal channel and tehn take a razor blade to remove the remainder of the gummy sealant.

 

[RockHillWill]

I have used the methon mentioned by Tom and it has worked for me as well.

 

[700rpm]

Thanks everyone.