New windshield vs dash conundrum

[mepstein]

Like it was mentioned above, there are some very good install threads to read. Even if you don’t do it yourself, it will give you a good understanding about what needs to be done. Stay away from the guy who tells you to remove the dash to install the glass. That’s just wrong.

[catuck]

Originally Posted by mepstein

Like it was mentioned above, there are some very good install threads to read. Even if you don’t do it yourself, it will give you a good understanding about what needs to be done. Stay away from the guy who tells you to remove the dash to install the glass. That’s just wrong.

Thanks, I've read most of them and watched every youtube video I can find. I wasn't posting to ask how to install - but all of the advice is a huge bonus!! Thank you all!

One question - any advice on how to remove the trim once it's installed? The installers already installed the trim into the gasket, but I'm sure they didn't shape it to fit the window openings first. This is probably the bulk of the problems they were having.

When I removed the original trim years ago prior to the restoration, I bent the crap out of it. I'd like to try to pop the new trim out and reuse it. If anyone had a "trick" to do that... I may try soaking it with soapy water then carefully pry it out with plastic trim tools. Any other thoughts?

Thanks all!!

[zuch]

If the seal is soft, you might be able to sneak the glass out of the seal first, maybe in the middle of the bottom or top, or if you are really lucky, at a corner. That would make your life really easy. If not, you need to start at the center (unless a corner of the trim is already popped out). If you lift the trim gently from the center towards one corner, you should get enough slack at some point to get the glass out. Then removing the trim becomes an exercise in pull it gently trying not to bend it too much (some is inevitable). Don't lift the trim much, just enough to get the j-channel out of the rubber and no more. The trim is really soft. You will bend it some, but you will be able to bend it back. Try not to get any "twist" in your bends. If it just bends in the direction away from the window, it should go back into shape relatively easily.

[catuck]

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

[Otter74]

One of these might help:

https://www.lislecorp.com/specialty-tools/windshield-locking-strip-tool

Originally Posted by catuck

Thanks, I've read most of them and watched every youtube video I can find. I wasn't posting to ask how to install - but all of the advice is a huge bonus!! Thank you all!

One question - any advice on how to remove the trim once it's installed? The installers already installed the trim into the gasket, but I'm sure they didn't shape it to fit the window openings first. This is probably the bulk of the problems they were having.

When I removed the original trim years ago prior to the restoration, I bent the crap out of it. I'd like to try to pop the new trim out and reuse it. If anyone had a "trick" to do that... I may try soaking it with soapy water then carefully pry it out with plastic trim tools. Any other thoughts?

Thanks all!!

[blucille]

I don’t think the trim tool will help. It’s typically used on cars with plastic lock strips for installing the plastic into the rubber gasket.


To remove the metal trim, I’ve had best success gently twisting the rubber of the windshield seal, where it meets with the pinch seam of the chassis. The J shape of the lock trim, you’ll release the hook of the J. It should almost fall out.

[catuck]

Originally Posted by Otter74

One of these might help:

https://www.lislecorp.com/specialty-tools/windshield-locking-strip-tool

Interesting, thank you! Have you used one before? Looks like it would work if the opening in the tip is large enough.

[Otter74]

I bought one to replace some discolored window trim on my BMW, but I have not used it yet.