An improved base shoe for use with panel installation and removal systems. The improved base shoe includes dovetail grooves for use with a safety-seal, weather seal, wherein the safety-seal, weather seal must be installed prior to installing a glass panel. The improved base shoe features a recess for use with taper plates having a continuous projection along an upper surface. The base shoe and taper plates are configured so as to provide a prying surface between the projection on the taper plates and a wall of the base shoe.