Author Topic: Windshield trim help!!!!  (Read 4161 times)

Offline 73RallyeChallenger

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Windshield trim help!!!!
« on: May 17, 2012 - 09:01:16 PM »
I had my front and rear windshields installed this past week. I had the glass installer re-install the trim work around the front and rear windshields. The vinyl roof is from Legendary, trim clips are from Dante, the trim was proffesionally polished and is original, the rear quarters were replaced and are AMD, the front and rear windshields are brandnew and I think they are AMD. When I removed the trim there was no gap as seen in the photos. Myself and my body guy are stumped. The window installer is blaming the polisher for "manipulating the trim".

I should add that the gap is present on both sides of the rear window, but way more obvious on the RH side. The front windshield on the LH side also has a bit of a gap where you can see the clip. Actually the only vertical side that is perfect is the front RH side.

Does anyone know what is causing this, and can it be fixed. I'm thinking it might have something to do with the curvature of the glass?

Help!
73 Triple Black 340 Challenger
70 Plum Crazy T/A Challenger - work in progress (AGAR)




Offline 71340RT

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Re: Windshield trim help!!!!
« Reply #1 on: May 18, 2012 - 12:11:48 AM »
I put AMD quarters on my 73 challenger and have the same problem. My drivers side is the worst and my Challenger has no vinyl top so I see no way to fix mine without a repaint. It looks like the edge on mine does not go down straight which is why it is ok at the top and the bottom but not in between. I'm not sure what would be the best way to correct this issue now and I'm going to live with mine for now. I don't think the stainless steel trim could be the issue as it is some tough stuff for sure.


70 Plymouth Cuda 340 4-speed
71 Dodge Challenger RT 340 automatic
1973 Dodge Challenger 360 automatic EFI
2002 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
2003 Dodge Stratus RT coupe
2009 Challenger RT Classic B5 Blue
2014 Ram Express 5.7 Hemi 4X4

Offline NCtrueconservative

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Re: Windshield trim help!!!!
« Reply #2 on: May 18, 2012 - 12:29:32 AM »
similar problems on mine, front and back (new quarters back there too). Like ya said, just gotta live with it for now I guess! Can't really tell it unless you get real close anyway.  Good thing mine ain't no "Show" car  :stirpot:
1973 Dodge Challenger Rallye (pictured), 340, Slap Stick

1998 Dodge Ram, 5.2, Black, tinted windows, dual exhaust, blackout headlights, tailights

Offline Topcat

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Re: Windshield trim help!!!!
« Reply #3 on: May 18, 2012 - 12:37:40 AM »
Reproduction = Made in China.
Can you trust anything made there? I don't.

I had to cut my Goodmark quarter panel in the same area and modify it so that the trim would hug tight up towards the body. I only had one quarter panel to replace so I had the original to reference and compare.
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline GranCuda1970

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Re: Windshield trim help!!!!
« Reply #4 on: May 18, 2012 - 01:05:39 AM »
I don't either I have been burned too many times. Mexico parts are just as bad sometimes. Now I hunt for old or used stuff unless it is a made in the usa part.

Offline dutch

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Re: Windshield trim help!!!!
« Reply #5 on: May 18, 2012 - 03:33:17 AM »
looks like a body panel issue to me.  My cuda had quiet a bunch of lead in that area. Looks like there`s not enough on there to get a straight line.
*** Bart ***

Offline _Russ_

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Re: Windshield trim help!!!!
« Reply #6 on: May 18, 2012 - 04:21:58 AM »
Dutch has it. It's a sheet-metal issue. Only way to fix it is take off the vinyl top and straighten it with bondo/filler.

Very common mistake when vinyl tops are used. People assume the vinyl hides everything, and don't put the effort into properly gapping the necessary trim and hardware the way they would the rest of the car when prepping the bodywork.

Offline DMZ73

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Re: Windshield trim help!!!!
« Reply #7 on: May 19, 2012 - 11:26:03 PM »
I think it's a lot more simple than the bodywork.
I've seen this on my car on multiple test fits.
Sometimes the trim does not properly engage in the channel clip.
Carefully pull the trim with a trim tool and carefully reinstall.

Dan
One E body saved, 7 years and counting.

Offline dutch

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Re: Windshield trim help!!!!
« Reply #8 on: May 20, 2012 - 03:52:48 AM »
I sure hope so, but you can see the window channel bulge out an inch from the bottom and 3 inches from the top. That should be a straight line imo.....
*** Bart ***

Offline GranCuda1970

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Re: Windshield trim help!!!!
« Reply #9 on: May 20, 2012 - 06:10:49 AM »
Redneck answer:  Run a beed of black caulk down it will never know the differnce.

Offline 73RallyeChallenger

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Re: Windshield trim help!!!!
« Reply #10 on: May 20, 2012 - 09:55:38 AM »
I sure hope your right Dan. Honestly, in person and up close there does not appear to be a bulge like seen in the pic, I'm not sure if the angle of the photos in distorting the lines.  Here is a pic of the LH side of the rear windshield. Also, we are having an issue with the front windshield trim as well. There was no sheet metal replaced in this area, nor any body work done here, this area was solid.

We will try removing the front and rear trim in about 2-3 weeks, and re-installing.. I hope this corrects the problem, if not, the redneck answer might be our only option at this point, and then I will cover the rear windshield with some rear window louvers.

Stay tuned...
73 Triple Black 340 Challenger
70 Plum Crazy T/A Challenger - work in progress (AGAR)