Help - Cavity closer nailed to old wood windows

[FFS_Dave]

Hi - I'm replacing old wooden windows in a 1980's build and i have 2 points i need help with.

I noticed cavity closers were fitted and factored in when measuring the replacements. What i didnt expect was said cavity closers to be nailed to the windows every few inches (and obvs plastered in after the cavity).

First window is now out but what a pig of job

I've cut nails off - cavity closers are not the best shape so window packers dont fit the best due to shape.

Questions
1. Is there a better way to removed windows other than cutting top and bottoms out and using a pry bar to remove nailed on wooden frame from cavivty closer .. thought maybe pry a little off and multi tool off but nailed on both sides of closer ‍

2. Do i leave full length cavity closer in place and fit window over them .. but spacers/packers wont sit flush OR cut the closers back to 5 mm and fit as normal? What is the correct thing to do .. not fastest/easiest. Dont want to reduce role of closers.

Any other thoughts .. first of a few to do!

Added pics - hope they help.

 

[yorksbuilder]

Is there a better way to removed windows other than cutting top and bottoms out and using a pry bar to remove nailed on wooden frame from cavivty closer

Run an angle grinder blade down the edge of frames and cut all the nails. Keep the closers in place and install new windows with appropriate packers and foam