When installing the windshield ... Does the stainless steel trim get installed

before or after the windshield is in place? Last night a friend and I installed

the trim on the rear hatch with the window installed 1st. We had a hard time

getting it in no matter how much liquid soap we used. We used the plastic

windshield installation tool sold by VB. Took us about 1&1/2 hours to get that

installed. Did we do it in the wrong order??

- Jeff

I've been told that it is best installed on the seal before the glass is put in place. I have no experience with either method.

I leave my ss trim off for a cleaner look. I also shaved off the rubber that holds the trim on.

Putting the glass into the rear hatch was not a problem...that went in

easy with the seal on the window 1st. But the hard part was putting the ss

trim on. So when I put the windshield in do I do it the same way or do I put the trim in the seal ( with seal on the glass ) then install the window?

- Jeff

Putting the glass into the rear hatch was not a problem...that went in

easy with the seal on the window 1st. But the hard part was putting the ss

trim on. So when I put the windshield in do I do it the same way or do I put the trim in the seal ( with seal on the glass ) then install the window?

- Jeff

I've been told that it is best installed on the seal before the glass is put in place.

I have never tried it before installing the glass. Doesn't sound right for some reason. But I will agree that they are a PITA part to install.

Date: Sun, 18 Feb 2001 06:51:35 -0600

From: Carl Beck <beck@becksystems.com>

Subject: RE: <280> Windshield Seal Replacement

>> Also, is there one available that doesn't have the grooves for the

>> Stainless trim?

>Scott Bruning wrote:

>Nope. Can't buy it anymore. Sorry.

Hi Scott (everyone):

And in IMHO it is a good thing that a windshield gasket isn't available without the grooves for the stainless trim. The reason being that it's not "just" trim... it's a brace to keep the gasket from folding in the wrong direction and letting the windshield pop out. Due to the high-pressure area inside the first generation Z Cars - that windshield gasket is glued in place not to help seal it

but to keep it from popping out at high speed. The stainless trim is critical to maintaining the correct form in the gasket. If you are driving around with yours missing - don't drive above 80 MPH and for sure don't roll down a window ;-(...

I'd never disagree with Scott... but now that I've watched at least five professional glass installers do the front windshields on first generation Z's... and I've tried it myself ;-(... I will tell you this...

They all put the gasket on the windshield, then put the stainless trim in place in the gasket (while one can still flex it open).... next they wrapped the cord around the groove in the gasket (to pull the inner lip inside the car) - - then they put the glue on the outer edge of the gasket and popped it into the car.

When I ask them all about the process - they all said the same thing.. "if you wait to put the stainless trim on after you have the gasket and windshield in place on the car - you'll never get in on without bending the hell out of it - or tearing the outer lips of the gasket"... It's there to keep the outer edges of the gasket from flexing the wrong way - it doesn't prevent you from putting the

windshield in - it prevents the windshield from popping out.”

FWIW,

Carl

Hi Scott (everyone):

Glad you mentioned that "dishwashing liquid" - I forgot a "step" in

the process. Just before they sat the windshield on the car - they

sprayed the rubber gasket with soapy water to lubricate it and make

it slide/pop in easier.

good luck,

Carl

Carl Beck

Clearwater,FL

IZCC #260

Wow Carl .. Thanks !

- Jeff