Tricks to get the windshield trim back in

[Weasel73240Z]

Anybody have any hints to getting that chrome windshield trim back in?

When my new windshield got put in (J. N. Phillips installed - $218 total) I hadn't finished polishing the trim. So I told the installer, "don't worry about it, I'll install it when its polished". Mistake.

I worked on it for about an hour yesterday, and didn't get a single piece in. :mad:

[Nissanman]

You'll need a special tool to spread the rubber slightly as you feed the stainless trim into it.

From memory it looks a bit like a 2 pronged fork but is plastic with a handle. It is "U" shaped and goes over the strip as it is laid on the weatherstrip.

You then pull it towards you, it spreads the rubber and you press the trim into the groove before the tool passes and the rubber springs back.

I saw it done years ago but what they use now is anybodies guess:ermm:

You could try asking the installer if you could borrow one or at least view what they use:nervous:.

[Weasel73240Z]

The installer was a friend of mine, so he left me a windshield installer tool (the long plastic "stick"). It sounds like I need a different tool for this job.

[Sailor Bob]

I took mine to a glass shop (Speedy auto Glass) - they told me it was simple and then proceeded to bend/crease the trim (one) and tore the rubber lip in several places. I was quite pissed + $40 charge.

[bob m]

I installed a new rubber on the windshield and tore it installing the trim. I had a glass man install a new rubber and he installed the gasket on the glass first, then installed the trim in the gasket and finally installed the assembly on the car. He did the same to the hatch glass as well. Since your glass is already installed you can try to install the trim but this guy took my glass out and started from scratch and said it was the best way to get the trim in right.

Bob M

[EScanlon]

Paul;

If you do indeed have access to a friend who does this commercially, I wouldn't try to "re-invent the wheel".

As Bob M pointed out, the procedure is to install Rubber on Glass, Trim into Rubber and then Assembly onto car.

Any other method, even with the tool that Graeme (Nissanman) mentions (and there are several trim tools for just this purpose), have a high probability of bending, scratching or marring the SS trim or worse tearing, ripping or gouging the rubber.

The basic problem is that the trim is not forgiving at all, and neither is the tool. Any incorrect movement with the tool and ZAP you have a bend, a kink or some other unacceptable problem. As a note, most trim tools require you to "saddle" the trim as the leading edge or rounded forks spread the rubber edges and then as the tool passes a given point the rubber now flips back over the SS trim. The problem is at that bend in the tool. There is a critical angle at which it will do the job smoothly ... as long as you are very patient, have lubricated the rubber AND the trim, and can hold the tool at the same angle for the complete piece. Any deviation from this and the tool itself can impart a bend or a scratch.

Here's a couple of links to show you the tools I'm referring to:

http://www.dominionsureseal.com/productsdetails.asp?id=36&catid=26

http://www.dominionsureseal.com/productsdetails.asp?id=34&catid=26

Here's a PDF with drawings that might better explain the tool. Pages 43-45 show the various types.

http://www.autobodysupplies.com/2_Tools2005.pdf

When you look a the tools take note that they're all "screwdriver" type tools. That means they're hand held and operated. That's where the patience AND skill come in.

But, if it were up to me? I'd pull the windshield and re-install the trim onto the rubber and then re-install the assembly. Remember, replacement trim is big $, and getting good rubber is also a PITA ... you do the math.

FWIW

E

[geezer]

I can't stress enough how important it is to complete the installation in one non-stop operation before the gasket which has been preheated cools down. Also, an appropriate lubricant must be used to make the rubber slippery as possible, to prevent any tears/damage to the rubber. Now keep in mind before going to this link where we discussed this before, Carl has a ton of experience with Zs and knows the best way to deal with the stainless trim on a Z. I have never tried his method yet, which I'm sure is a feasible method. I'm just a creature of habit and have always done it differently on other vehicles.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24864&highlight=isopar+tools

[Sailor Bob]

Hmmm... it is very important to lubricate the rubber befor insertion, spread the lips, then you have to slide the tool in slowly at just the right angle. Go slowly to start. If you deviate it could get kinky.

It sounds familiar somehow.

[geezer]

Hmmm... it is very important to lubricate the rubber befor insertion, spread the lips, then you have to slide the tool in slowly at just the right angle. Go slowly to start. If you deviate it could get kinky.

It sounds familiar somehow.

Somehow it just sounds better the way you explain it. Makes me want to do it more often!

[biddljj]

And care must be made to use the correct lubricant for the occasion. In my glass shop past we used waterless hand soap to lubricate the rubber. You don't want to hurt the girl with abrasive hand cleaner... But I'm sure you know that .....

zdisease