Help with side window trim install

[88 Club Sport]

The car is coming together nicely but I ran into a problem yesterday that I need some help with.

After reading other posts, it sounds like the glass needs to go into the rubber and then the trim needs to be installed. The last step is roping the window in. However, I am having trouble getting the metal trim in. I tried with ArmorAll and even with padded vice grips to try and press the trim in with no luck.

Any tips on getting the metal trim into the rubber ? Thanks

[jrumiano]

The very first thing you need to do is make sure the trim lays flat on the glass (before you put the rubber on the window). if it's not flat, carefully bend it to match the contour of the glass. Once it lays flat, install the gasket on the glass and then begin installing the trim. Installing the trim takes practice and most likely you'll end up with sore thumbs and fingers when you're done. To start you need to grab the outer part of the rubber (with your fingers no tools!) and and open the channel that the trim sits in. As you open the channel use your other hand push the trim in a little at a time. Once you get it stared continue the process until it's installed in the gasket. One important thing to remember, you can't use the strong arm method installing the trim. Just take your time and be careful not to bend the trim while you install it.

Good luck.
John

[88 Club Sport]

Thanks John....I'll give it a try.

[Alan L]

I think the professionals have a tool they insert in the slot which widens it. They run the tool ahead of the trim. So, you need to improvise.
Alan

[88 Club Sport]

John,

I tried.....I really did but, I had no success. So, I took em to a glass shop. Two weeks later they called "come pick em up, we could not install the trim!" These darn things are stopping me getting the rollbar/seats installed and the doors on.

Tonight, I'm going to soak them in the bath....hot water and try one more time.....maybe even a glass or two of wine to assist

[the]

That's really odd. It should not be difficult. Is the rubber seal a factory seal? I wonder if you got a wrong part somehow, and it is not compatible with the metal trim. That seems like that must be the case, if even a pro glass shop couldn't do it.

[88 Club Sport]

It's the correct german rubber, brand new from Wayne.

The glass shop mentioned that it could be done but they did not have the time. I think it was a combo of them not being able to do it quickly like they thought and not wanting to do it for what they were changing me.

[john walker's workshop]

some glass shops are pretty worthless. i watched two guys trying to install a 911 windshield, that i can do in 20 minutes by myself, and it took them an hour and a lot of cussing and the trim ended up all wavy. hot soapy water for those, and patience. let the rubber sit in the hot water for a while. start at the curve and get that seated first. the trim needs to be completely in all the way around before installing the unit in the car or it will come out and you can't fix it when it's in the car. not one of my favorite jobs for sure.

[Alan L]

My whole windscreen lifted out about 20 km into a 300km trip - after just picking it up from the glass shop. Popped out from the corner to half way across at 120 km/hr.
Watching them try and put it back in, it was clear they had little idea - and yet that is their job.
In the end I suggested they try stringing it in the oppsoite way. It worked.
Alan