cheap/easy/ not correct wndshld trim strip replacement

[haycait911]

PURISTS AVERT YOUR EYES!! I took out the windshield insert trim on my '73 to paint it last year, only to discover it DOES NOT go back in with shield in place. after stewing on replacing the seals and possible glass breakage in the process I finally came up with a temporary(?) solution to my problem. I found some rubber tubing of a correct diameter (turns out to be 6mm after some experimenting) and with a lot of WD40 and a plastic windshield tool inserted it into the shield trim rubber channel. spreads the trim out to about where it's supposed to be. NOT correct but a workable solution for now. FWIW. Don.

[Wil Ferch]

If the tubing takes a "set" over time ( becomes smaller diameter)...there might be trouble in store.

How 'bout black insulation, solid core wire for this ????

- Wil

[rw7810]

Where did you get the tubing?? I used a #8 or so electrical wire from Home Depot and it worked OK, but has a shiny exterior plastic coat that I wish it didn't. I like your find.

[IROC]

6mm. Committing that diameter to memory...

[jmshepard]

well done Don!

[haycait911]

the tubing may collapse over time but I do intend to replace the seals, maybe next winter. the tube I found only has a 1/16 ID so shouldn't change much. I found the tube at the local parts shop, think it might be vacuum tubing because of the very heavy wall. one of those 'temporary' fixes that tend to become rather long-term. thanks for the comments, Don.

[audi2.7t]

FYI... you can actually buy solid rubber lock beading in different diameters from auto glass suppliers....look for one that supplies/installs heavy truck windshields. Also, for a few bucks you can buy the tool to install it.

[DRACO A5OG]

Hey HayCait911,

Do you have a pic of your final work???

[haycait911]

sorry, sold that car. but worked fine and seemed to hold it's shape.

[DRACO A5OG]

Oh Congrats!

Thanks for a Great Thread!