Windshield Trim Removal
 

I’ve seen three methods for removing the windshield metal Trim. Just looking for opinions on the best way from those that have done this.

1. Wayne’s Book - pry out trim with a screwdriver...carefully.

2. You Tube - guy cuts the gasket on the outside of the windshield and removes from car and then removes trim from gasket off the car.

3. Bentley Manual - cut the gasket on the inside of the car and then remove trim similar to Item 2.

Thoughts?

I have had great luck with sliding the little cover aside, and placing a thin strong nylon rope/string under the end of the trim and with an end on both sides of the trim pulling the string along the top of the trim to slip it out of its track. It will allow the trim to maintain its shape. Works wonderfully.

I had good results cutting it out from the outside. Metal trim shape was not compromised using this method

Bill

I've used PVC cutter with excellent results.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1579216541.jpg

Plastic trim removers is what the glass guys pried out on mine

if you want to reuse it again, couldn't you just force the glass out with the seal and trim intact by pushing the glass from the inside? I don't think they are in there that tightly.

I’m curious what’s the reason to take the trim out with the glass and seal still in the car? I’m not trying to be a jagbag asking that. I’m honestly curious what your intent is in taking out only the trim

I’m with pompadori on this one if we’re talking about replacing the seal anyway. An old seal loses its grip on the car body frame and often times you can EASILY push out the windshield from the inside of the car. However if the seal is still tight and the glass is firm in the body, I’d be cutting it with a utility knife.

Sure you can get the trim out with the tricks the other guys have mentioned. But how do you get it back in the seal with the glass still in the car? I’ve found that you bend the heck out of the trim trying to force it into the seal groove with the glass in the car. That trim is soooooooo easy to form, bend, dent, etc. I HATE IT!!!!!!! :D

KTL - I think the OP will be removing the windshield to replace a dash, so he is asking how to remove the trim without bending it, which makes it a pain to re-install.

If you're going to replace the windshield seal (and you probably should if it hasn't been done recently), just cut it from the outside. That way there's no chance of bending the trim or breaking the glass. Here's why:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/686953-why-windshield-trim-should-regular-maintenance-item.html

Try sanding pits out, polishing and anodizing it again. :)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1579299414.jpg

I agree with this. If you take your windshield out might as well use the occasion to put a new seal in

Bill

If the pictures at the link don't keep you awake at night, you're not paying attention.

+1. It’s what I did on rear window. Used a box cutter o the seal. Reuse of new trim though in my case from second try install

Thank for the replies. I’m removing the windshield to replace the dash. The seal is pretty new (maybe 7 yrs old). It was replaced when the car was painted.

I tried prying some of it up with plastic trim removers. I can see how you can bend it out of shape easily.

I think I’m going to try the cutting the seal method.


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THIS WORKS WELL!


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I think trying to save the seal is false economy, even if the seal is fairly new. That’s excellent the rope trick worked great to remove the trim. But I still think cutting the seal is wise if you want to preserve the glass, since your seal is relatively new and a tight fit.

It’s not hard to break the windshield when pushing it out in a tight fitting situation. I know removal of the trim allows the seal to deform more as you push out the glass. But I’d err on the cautious side to avoid breaking the glass

Admittedly I’m biased since I’ve seen seals reused with poor results (looks fine but has massive wind noise and water leaks) and therefore I think it’s best to use a new seal any time the glass has been installed for a long time. I get that a new seal can be reused during installation because that’s how the 911-experienced pros do it right, fitting the windshield multiple times (if necessary) to get the corners right by packing them with dum dum

Totally agree. I was NOT saving the seal. I’ve already started cutting. I’ve got it half cut out so far.

Next question is which seal to buy. Assuming genuine Porsche is best over OEM or URO.


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