1971 Convertible Front Windshield Trim Removal

[daveh]

Hi Guys,

Does anyone know the best way to remove the front windshield trim on a 71 Convertible.  I know how valuable it can be and I don't want to ruin it.  Pictures would be great.  Thanks

Dave

[anlauto]

Carefully 

[daveh]

HA HA HA   

[soundcontrol]

I ran in to this problem today. Searching for posts about it now, tried to remove the trim, read up on it, made a tool, but someone has glued all the chrome parts with that thick windshield glue, I can't find any clips for the inner smaller trim, I got the wide lower trim (goes around the wipers) off by heating it with a heatgun and prying at the same time, it was glued, don't think its supposed to be. I removed the 7 screws on the top wide trim but its not coming off. Daveh, did you get yours off, and how?


What can you expect from a car that had the fenders mounted with woodscrews and construction glue.... 

[AARuFAST]

I have the same issue with my 70 Barracuda Gran Cpe

[soundcontrol]

I have the same issue with my 70 Barracuda Gran Cpe

I looked in the service manual, and it says just to remove the 7 screws and remove the top trim moulding, but mine is stuck like a MF.
I'm gonna go buy one of those multi tools now, that kinda vibrates a blade, got that tip from a friend, maybe I can stick it in there and try to cut the black gunk.


Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in and help us....

[1 Wild R/T]

Assuming your replacing the glass, your best bet may be to bust the windshield & remove it, then you'll had access to the goo from the window channel... Is it ideal? No... But glass is cheap the trim isn't....  Yes the potential to cut yourself on broken glass is there, so be careful... But it may be your best option...

[71gogreen]

Try using Lacquer thinner in a squirt oil can to loosen the glue before prying off.

[daveh]

I found out that the goo seems to be normal.  The best way I found out was to spray some WD40 or equivalent in there and then let it sit.  Kind of like a rusted bolt.  Then use a heat gun to slowly pull it off. 

The trick is SLOW SLOW SLOW.  Take your time and heat the entire surrounding area not just one little spot at a time.  I can't stress enough to go slow or you will bend the trim.  Remember they don't make that trim any longer if you are lucky enough to find some it costs an arm and a leg.  Good luck. 

[soundcontrol]

Well, I was gonna save the windshied,....not anymore! Tried the small trim again this morning, and I cracked it. Just a tiny crack on the edge, about 1/2", but it will grow and I guess a crack can't be fixed as they do with the chipping. I will still try to remove it as good as I can, at least I can practice. Then I have a glassguy put a new one in.


I will follow the advice here and be REALLY careful and slow with the trim. Hopefully I'll make it without trouble.
The trim on the sides, is that attached with anything? Clips or hidden screws? I can't see any, and it also stuck.

[1 Wild R/T]

The trim that blends to the glass has to come out first, then the windshield has to come out then then top two pieces of trim come off after you remove the screws hidden by the windshield & finally the two side trim pieces are removed...

[soundcontrol]

The trim that blends to the glass has to come out first, then the windshield has to come out then then top two pieces of trim come off after you remove the screws hidden by the windshield & finally the two side trim pieces are removed...

Thats very good (new) info, I did not know there was screws hidden by the windshield for the 2 wide top pieces. I was trying to pry them off with the windshield in place. And the service manual does not mention screws there.Thank you!

[soundcontrol]

Success! The trim was the hardest, mostly held by the black glue, clips was no problem but due to overuse of the glue they were hard to find.


I got the windshield out very easy in 30 minutes by myself, used this tool: (Youtube video link)


https://youtu.be/PBQsSanFhiw


I'm sure heat and pianostrings will work also, (this in the first time I remove a windshield) but I can't imagine its being easier than with the multigrinder tool.


There was no hidden screws for the wide top trim though, (just 7 screws from the top) the edge was just stuck in the glue, once the windshield was gone and I could scrape of most of it I got them loose with no damage.


Too bad I made a small crack in the glass on my first, gonna check with the glass shop if it can be fixed.

[anlauto]

I just bought one of those tools last week
Glass shop can't fix you windshield

[340challconvert]

Thats very good (new) info, I did not know there was screws hidden by the windshield for the 2 wide top pieces. I was trying to pry them off with the windshield in place. And the service manual does not mention screws there. [size=78%]Thank you![/size][/size][size=78%] [/size]

Great Information  Thank you got posting
I will be replacing my windshield and this will help keep the chrome from being damaged