Author Topic: Removing windshield trim  (Read 1478 times)

Offline Travis72

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Removing windshield trim
« on: June 10, 2007 - 11:05:07 AM »
Does anyone have any tips or tricks for removing the windshield trim without damaging anything?  I'm planning on getting a trim removal tool, just wondering what's the best method for using it.

Thanks,
Travis
72 Cuda




Offline Tropicalcats

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Re: Removing windshield trim
« Reply #1 on: June 10, 2007 - 11:23:54 AM »
Be very careful. Use the tool and go very slow.
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Offline MoparCar

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Re: Removing windshield trim
« Reply #2 on: June 11, 2007 - 07:04:40 AM »
Travis,
It's a real challenge to get some of those clips "undone" without damaging the trim. My fronts went well, but the back had enough black hardened windshield sealant ??? in them to hold the trim on as well! I think the back took about two hours for me to get off without damage, the front about a half hour.

Basically if you can find a loose spot or gap where you have a bit more room to start you need to run the tool in and hook the trim clip while holding a slight amount of upward pressure on the trim so it will come loose when the clip is released. It's almost like a scraping action...without scraping the windshield or trim. Sometimes it takes a few times to get the tool to hook the clip. Luckily the trim is stainless so it does let you pull out on the trim a bit without damaging it if you're careful. Sometimes it takes a quick "snapping" action with the tool once you have a little upward pressure on the trim.

You will need the tool.

I may have a few pics of the clip at home which would help understand the process (maybe someone has pics now?). I can post those when I'm at home if you need.

Wes


Offline cudafishin

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Re: Removing windshield trim
« Reply #3 on: June 11, 2007 - 08:24:43 AM »
Removed my windshield and back glass trim this weekend.  My tool of choice was a small putty knife.

Once I found the location of the clip, I pushed on it from the outside edge (not the glass side).  I had to wiggle the putty knife until it popped loose.  Just be careful.  Don't pull on the trim to hard or bend anything, except the clip underneath.

The trim came off the Cuda perfectly-- absolutely no damage and no broken clips!


Offline HP2

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Re: Removing windshield trim
« Reply #4 on: June 11, 2007 - 11:23:15 AM »
I've also had good results using a cotter key removal tool. It basically looks like an ice pick with the first inch of the point bent at 90 degrees to the shaft. Sile it under the trim, hook the point into the retainer, give little twist and pull up on the trim.

Offline Lunchbox

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Re: Removing windshield trim
« Reply #5 on: June 11, 2007 - 03:24:42 PM »
We sharpened the tips of our trim tool a little bit and that helped a lot. I also placed masking tape on the windsheild to help protect from scratches.

Lunch

Offline Travis72

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Re: Removing windshield trim
« Reply #6 on: June 16, 2007 - 04:06:14 PM »
Thanks all for the advice.  I was able to remove the windshield trim pretty easily.  It helped that about half the clips were already loose.   :o  I'm thinking the back window might be harder.

Travis
72 Cuda

Offline MoparCar

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Re: Removing windshield trim
« Reply #7 on: June 17, 2007 - 12:10:33 PM »
On the same note as windshield trim, I'm missing a couple of the small "studs" that the clips snap on to. How are these replaced? They appear to be maybe spot welded on? Do they make screw in ones?

Thanks, Wes