removing windshield molding

[EVIL]

Is there a specific way to remove the molding around the windshield so as not to damage it? I have a water leak coming down over the ECM when it rains and i'm trying to cover all bases.

D

 

[6E-GN]

You need to get the trim removal tool.

 

[1984 t-type]

Go ahead and order yourself a set of new clips while you're at it, you're bound to break a couple of them

 

[EVIL]

Thank you

 

[Grumpy]

Go ahead and order yourself a set of new clips while you're at it, you're bound to break a couple of them

usually don't break em with the right tool

 

[usetaboost]

first time doing it I think I broke two. Go out to the junkyard and get some practice, LOL! Once you figure it out it isnt too hard. If it was me I'd just swing by a glass shop and have them pull it off and check the windshield for leaks

 

[84BuickGNYorkPA]

Check for cracked paint in the "drip rail" above the passenger's door window, if your paint is cracked in this area, it will make the computer wet, ask me how I know.... the water forms a drop and runs down the A pillar over the trim and bullseye right on the ECM. Have to take the trim off above the door and look for a water stain/surface rust.

Chuck

 

[EVIL]

WOW! Great advice and tips guys.

thank you
D

 

[Bruce Urie]

Try this link....one of our members showed us the pictures and step by step procedure. Saved me, and I'm sure, a lot of others some needless headaches. Real nice set of pictures and easy to follow.

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/show-car-restoration-body-repair/314901-window-trim.html

Plus, if you scroll down further, there's a link showing where you can get the "busted" plastic trim holders. But, like Grumpy said, if you use the right tool, you won't break them. (however, this never works for me, tool or no right tool...somehow I'll bust it.)

Bruce '87 Grand National

 

[EVIL]

The help that this site offers is superb.

So, who's gonna come by and remove these for me now?

thanks again
D

 

[johnplogii]

I work with auto glass for living. Last year we put an xfi in a friends car & I realized the car had a leak. After removing & re-installing the windshield it was still getting wet on the pass side floor. Upon further inspection I found a crack in the seam sealer below the base of the w/s on the pass side bottom corner. Sealing that fixed it completely. Remove the cowl on the bottom & check this area.

To check if your w/s is leaking, the best way I have found is to take the mouldings off of the outside, spray the outside with a foamy glass cleaner, then blow compressed air around the perimeter on the inside. It will be very obvious when you find a leak.

 

[Bruce Urie]

The help that this site offers is superb.

So, who's gonna come by and remove these for me now?

thanks again
D

Damn....I was, but just missed the plane and no refunds...sorry.

Bruce '87 Grand National

 

[EVIL]

Bruce you should have called I was waiting at the airport for hours!

Thanks johnplogii i will check the seam sealer below the base of the w/s on the pass side bottom corner. thanks.

I did remove the moldings today and here is how i did it.
I could not find the tool anywhere so i improvised. I used a 12 gauge copper wire and shaped it to be able to grab the clips.

When i had grasp of a clip i gently pulled on the wire while also gently pulling the molding in the opposite direction and they popped right out without any of the clips breaking

here are some pictures of my procedure

thanks again guys!

 

[hiboom]

leak

if your ac is still in tack your ac housing next to your firewall has a rubber flap down at the bottom of the housing it gets full of debree over the years and plugs the drain hole in the bottom of housing and water will run on the inside of the pass kick panel and carpet.mite check that also. when you remove your trim keep your tool flat slide it under the trim till you catch the clip try not to twist the tool to much keep it flat if you nick the edge of the glass it can crack,old glass becomes bridle over time

 

[EVIL]

By the way, the copper wire was strong enough to pull the clip and yet did not scratch the glass. I just took my time. The wire was just hanging around and i decided to use. It did work quite well.

D

 

[digitfast]

thanks for the tutoring

i need 87 front and rear windshield trim
pm me if you got one

 

[Bruce Urie]

By the way, the copper wire was strong enough to pull the clip and yet did not scratch the glass. I just took my time. The wire was just hanging around and i decided to use. It did work quite well.

D

Pretty inovative job with that wire....good idea. I'll keep that idea in mind. Would have never thought of that...I bought the trim tool, but wasn't expensive. But good job there.

Bruce '87 Grand National

 

[1984 t-type]

You never said if you broke any clips, I'm just curious. But that's a great tool you came up with like they say necessity is the mother of invention. I broke 3 of mines when I took the trim off to be powder coated, after the first one broke I didn't even bother being gentle anymore.

 

[EVIL]

Check for cracked paint in the "drip rail" above the passenger's door window, if your paint is cracked in this area, it will make the computer wet, ask me how I know.... the water forms a drop and runs down the A pillar over the trim and bullseye right on the ECM. Have to take the trim off above the door and look for a water stain/surface rust.

Chuck

i did notice a hole in the paint in the drip rail above the passenger's door window right above the a pillar that looks like a direct shot to the ecm.

The windshield looked good but i will do the water test. I've been really busy.

I DID NOT break any clips. the copper wire worked so good that when the clips were fully pulled on any additional pulling would start bending the wire just enough. Almost like a safety to not break the clips.

Like i said, when the clip was fully compressed i pulled on the trim in the opposite direction and it popped right up real easy.

it was a great invention but i would never have thought of it without everyone's help.

Thanks again guys.

D