Winshield Trim
 

Doing my first windshield replace and I've been beaten. :(

My original windshield trim was painted over so I sprung for some new trim from our host.

I just spent the last couple of hours trying to get the trimmed seal to go on the windshield.

What I did:

I put the new trim in the windshield rubber seal and let let it sit for a few days.
today I was trying to put the seal on the new windshield, a little soapy water on the edge to help the seal slide on the glass.

I had the problem of the trim popping out of the rubber, probably due to not being "perfect", even when new. There aren't any kinks in it though and it looks pretty good. It just didn't want to stay in the seal with the slightest movement.

A buddy gave me the seal a while ago, I'm not sure if it's OEM or not..

Can it make a big difference?

Any tips getting the trimmed seal onto the windshield throw them at me. I've used about every tip I could find here.

I'm almost ready to go the vinyl tubing route like this. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/196250-windshield-trim-necessary.html

Thought the seal went on the window first, then the trim, then windshield into car.

Todd

Tried it both ways. Trim in the seal first, then on the window and tried
seal on the Window, then trim.

Rubber first, then the trim, then install. The trick to the trim is getting it all the way into the rubber groove. I use wet silicone spray and use the heel of my hand to seat the trim, and squeeze firmly. Run your fingers along both sides of the trim when you think it's in and if there's any gap, work it in until it's flush. At that point it stays in.

Like JW says, first install the rubber gasket onto the glass. The trim goes in next by peeling the rubber channel down and away from the glass then press the trim into the channel, working a couple of inches at a time using the heel of the hand. Once the metal trim is in pull the windshield into place with the rope from inside the car. You'll need help outside to press the windshield in as the rope is pulled out.

Can the windshield trim be installed after the windshield has been installed?

No way! If you're careful and have long arms, you can keep pressure on the outside while you pull the string across the bottom on one side then the other, most of the way up each side, pat the glass in and down, then across the top. I do it, so you could.

unless you are very adept at it a helper is mandatory. I had to assist the installer my insurance company sent over to replace my windshield some years ago. since then ive been on the dumb end again, outside while a seasoned guy pulled all the stings from the inside to install a windshield.

ive also since pulled in a couple quarter window with a helper as the string puller... call an installer to help you...