Rear window trim removed by window tinter
 

Hi guys,
I recently had my windows re-tinted. They did a great job, except they removed the aluminum trim in the rear window molding. They were unable to get it back in. Actually they got half of it back in, and were working on it when I picked up the car. I figured I could get the other half in myself.
So far I have been unsuccessful.
How can I get the trim back in place? Any tricks?
I have searched the forum, but I am looking for a way that does not involve glass removal.
Thanks in advance,
John McKenzie
(Dave)

I don't know of a way to install it without removing the glass first, It's pretty delicate.

I can't imagine why the window tinters removed it. If you remove the glass, have them re-tint the glass while it is out.

JR

Window out for sure. What a bunch of goofs.

If they didn't have the window out when they took the trim out your trim is probably bent beyond use.

Yep, my bet is they removed the rear window to tint, reinstalled the window without the trim--a procedure that is common with most other cars--and tried to install it after the fact. Can't be done. You need to return the car to the installers and have them redo the install correctly.

Actually, based on their record so far, I'd take it to an upholstery shop that does headliners, have them remove the glass and retint it before they install.
Also, if you actually use your defroster, I'd test before installing.
It is easily damaged removing the tint.

Thanks for the advice.
The tint shop is going to have a local Porsche air cooled expert pull the rear window and reinstall the trim, then the window.
Just so you understand their problem, I will pass on their explanation:
Modern cars have a black border manufactured into most of the windows. This increases the margin for error of cut and fit greatly on the window tint film. Our cars have no such border so they were trying to make the tint large enough that it can be just tucked under the weatherstrip, and have no gap visible whatsoever. They form the film on the exterior of the window by tucking just under the rubber, and in the course of doing so, the trim popped out. They thought it would go back in at the end, but it did not go back in.
I'm sure this represents inexperience with these cars, but I'm also sure they represent less than 1% of their business. Their work is indeed beautiful, and I'm convinced they will make it right for me.
Regards,
Dave

If the trim was installed correctly, it would not have just popped out. Hopefully it is still straight enough to use.

When the shop puts the window back in, make sure they route the defroster wires correctly.

Good luck,
JR

I suggest that you insert yourself into the discussion with the "air cooled expert" and determine their level of experience installing roped in windows. It's not brain surgery, but there is a specific technique to getting the trim snapped into the seal so it doesn't "just pop out" the next time. Alot of mechanical shops outsource this to window specialists.

That doesn't just pop out. Somebody took it out.

Yeah. I wasn't there. I suspect they moved one of the gap covers, and started to lift up the trim, thinking "we'll take this out, then put it back when we're done".
Just my theory. I don't know exactly what they were thinking.
Dave

Yikes. I had to learn how to install the trim and entire window when I was living in South Canada (northern New York) . Very small town and no one with the knowledge to perform this task. I had a glass installer think they could put in the trim after the glass. Luckily I got to them before they broke something.

It truly is a pain in the behind and not easy to get the trim in the window rubber. BUT, once that hurdle is cleared installing the window is not very difficult.

I agree with others that your trim may be beyond use if they just pulled it out. Good luck.

Here are a couple of threads on window installs that may be helpful

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/781053-rear-window-seals.html

Thanks very much. My tinter has connected me to a very experienced glass guy who works on 356's and 911's. They will work on the car Monday.
Dave