aluminum windshield trim - install with glass in the car?

worn · worn's Garage

My windshield rubber started to come loose on the 1980 SC. I got it all back around the pinch weld, but in doing so have removed the metal trim that goes into the rubber. I had the idea that the trim helped to lock everything in place and couldn't remember the order of installation when I put a new windshield in a few years ago.

That is where I am: do I have to pull the glass all the way out in order to install the trim?

Thanks!

john walker's workshop · 10-23-2021, 03:53 PM

You got it.

worn · worn's Garage

Maybe, but I don’t want it. Will the glass fall out spontaneously without the trim? I am contemplating doing a respray but would like to finish the break in mileage before the snow flies, and the salt. I envy you in WA. Used to love the October gales.

911obgyn · 911obgyn's Garage

Glass should not fall out you can push from the inside a bit and see how loose it is.

Anglocanadian · 10-24-2021, 07:16 AM

I picked up an idea on the forum for using window screen rubber spline.
I greased it up and pushed it into the slot with a plastic trim tool, it spreads the seal out for a tighter fit.

alexandervdr · 10-24-2021, 10:29 PM

I just replaced my windscreen on my 86 . In my experience the metal trim is more than 'trim'. Especially in the corners it makes sure the rubber seal is pushed out against the body frame for a good fit without gaps. But I agree its a pita to get it right...

Walt Fricke · 10-25-2021, 06:01 PM

The windshield glass will generally stay in without the trim (which, as noted, is impossible or nearly so to install with the windshield in the car). Been there. You can find a T shaped rubber trim (Safelite?) which can be installed later, and suffices if you, like me, like the black trim look. And the suggestion that there are other rubber shapes from other purposes which can be pushed into the slot to expand the main rubber piece sound like a good idea also, and if properly dimensioned should work as well as the stock trim. The stock trim is a bear to put in (at least if you don't do this stuff for a living) with the glass on a pair of sawhorses as it is.

bgyglfr · 10-26-2021, 07:52 AM

This is how I did mine. Time consuming but it worked.
https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/794258-window-trim-install.html