the window trim on the windshield and rear hatch on my Z was not installed on new glass rubber moldings ,looks ok (Cali look )but I am tempted to put the metal molding back,is this possible to do.......:stupid:

assuming your new moldings have the channel for the metal trim you can put it back. I did it myself with a plastic trim removal tool i bought at harbor freight and a ton of soapy water. take your time and try really hard not to break the rubber. Wear some latex gloves to keep your hands from getting soggy and cut up

they have the channels,the thought of breaking the rubber makes me hesitant in doing it.

it wont break in half or anything functional but yea if you stretch the rubber too much it will break and you will have a slit or burr around your trim. A glass shop would have more practice but they wont guarantee no rips in the seal.

it seems like risky territory...don't know if the rubber molding is oem quality , the metal trim that I am eyeing is used set,and my level of patience is low :disappoin

Edited April 12, 201212 yr by 72 OJ

assuming your new moldings have the channel for the metal trim you can put it back. I did it myself with a plastic trim removal tool i bought at harbor freight and a ton of soapy water. take your time and try really hard not to break the rubber. Wear some latex gloves to keep your hands from getting soggy and cut up

I used silicone "Tire Shine' and the plastic tool. Take your time and seat the trim glass side first, then work the rubber over the trim on the opposite side. Begin with the top piece, it is easy and straight. Next work either of the two vertical pieces making sure that it lines up with the curves of the seal at the bottom of the window - this will give you the proper gap for the elbow pieces. Finish with the elbows at the top corners and the little finisher at the bottom.

Patience is key. I tried about three times on a warm day with lots of soapy water and almost gave up. Once I finally got a piece started using a small stiff plastic scraper it finally fell into place. Make sure youre ss trim is not bent. You can see in my avitar that there is no trim on the rear hatch, it's there now and looks way better. Again once you get one piece started it becomes easer. Good luck.