Casement windows imprisoned by rod iron?

Question

I am renovating an old house which was built sometime during the 50's. I believe the windows (http://www.lakeshorehomeimprovements.com/images/casementWindowL.jpg) throughout the house are original because of the amount of paint that has accumulated on them. Because of the paint and my urge to repaint I would like to remove the old operators (the mechanisms that swing the windows open and closed) and either clean or replace them.

They look similar to this http://www.crlaurence.com.au/productimages/5/5007LHAL_14469.gif

The arm locks into a track at the bottom of the window. I have been informed by a couple hardware stores that the only way to remove them is by swinging the windows all the way open so that the opperator can slide free of the track on the window. So here is my problem. All of my windows have rod iron security bars covering them on the outside, which is the way the windows open. Is there anyway to remove the operators without taking off the rod iron?

Answer 1

No way to do that.  You are going to have to take the bars off.