Windshield trim removal???
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 4
From: Hawthorne NJ
Windshield trim removal???
I'm going to paint my 65 coupe and I'm worried about removing the SS trim around the windshield and rear window. I'd rather leave it on if I'm going to get dents from removal or replacement.
Any advice? Thanks
Any advice? Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,345
Likes: 87
From: Northern MN
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17
If you are real careful you can get them off. Do you have a tool for taking the trim off. It looks something like this.
I prefer the one on the right side. But both will leave puckers if they aren't used correctly.
I prefer the one on the right side. But both will leave puckers if they aren't used correctly.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,882
Likes: 1,283
From: Horsham Pa
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Don't take it off unless you are going to remove the windows also, you can not changes the clips that hols the trim with the glass in place and all you need is one clip to bend or break and you will not get the trim back on flush. The rear window is not to bad but the front is very hard to do. It is up to you on how far you are going with this car, you can tape the trim easy on the winshield.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,585
Likes: 10
From: Hilton Head Island SC
Don't take it off unless you are going to remove the windows also, you can not changes the clips that hols the trim with the glass in place and all you need is one clip to bend or break and you will not get the trim back on flush. The rear window is not to bad but the front is very hard to do. It is up to you on how far you are going with this car, you can tape the trim easy on the winshield.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,073
Likes: 414
From: Maine
Show me how
Thanks
Jack
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: maryland
Just repainted my '65 and left the front one on. Previous owner had told me that when he replaced the front windshield years ago the installer used an adhesive as well as the clips to hold the trim on. His advice was the same as 65 pro vette. The back one was easily removed using the tools pictured above. I'm very happy with the results and any good painter should be able to tape off and cover the area correctly...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,000
Likes: 659
From: Puget Sound
Here ya go - http://www.stl-vettes.com/65Vette/wi...windshield.htm
The only way to paint it correctly is to remove the trim. Once you get the hang of it, it's quite easy. I've done it many times, no big deal.
Jim
The only way to paint it correctly is to remove the trim. Once you get the hang of it, it's quite easy. I've done it many times, no big deal.
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,215
Likes: 447
From: NJ Hockey beer league
Just repainted my '65 and left the front one on. Previous owner had told me that when he replaced the front windshield years ago the installer used an adhesive as well as the clips to hold the trim on. His advice was the same as 65 pro vette. The back one was easily removed using the tools pictured above. I'm very happy with the results and any good painter should be able to tape off and cover the area correctly...
That is the main problem with front windshield trim removal. Most of the replacement windshields these days are installed using urethane adhesive by the glass places. If the trim has that on the backside, leave it alone unless you are prepared to buy replacement moldings (available but NOT cheap). I left mine on in my 64 against the advise of the body shop, and was glad I did. Paint came out fine. 
Pilot Dan
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Central Arkansas
If you remove it (which allows you to polish it up if needed) be sure to protect your glass as the ends of the trim and the points on the trim removal tools can scratch the glass if you slip. A couple layers of wide masking tape on the glass next to the molding may save some grief.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,000
Likes: 659
From: Puget Sound
That is the main problem with front windshield trim removal. Most of the replacement windshields these days are installed using urethane adhesive by the glass places. If the trim has that on the backside, leave it alone unless you are prepared to buy replacement moldings (available but NOT cheap). I left mine on in my 64 against the advise of the body shop, and was glad I did. Paint came out fine. Pilot Dan If the moldings were glued on, definitely leave them in place. Bubba strikes again. Unfortunately, there is no way to mask them off so a paint line won't be visible. You may have to look close to see it, but I guarantee it will be there. It all depends on what you want as an end result. Good luck.
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,614
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From: North Carolina "life is good"
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Here ya go - http://www.stl-vettes.com/65Vette/wi...windshield.htm
The only way to paint it correctly is to remove the trim. Once you get the hang of it, it's quite easy. I've done it many times, no big deal.
Jim
The only way to paint it correctly is to remove the trim. Once you get the hang of it, it's quite easy. I've done it many times, no big deal.
Jim
Amazing details!
This went into my "save" file.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 6
From: Murfreesboro, TN
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 4
From: Hawthorne NJ
That is the main problem with front windshield trim removal. Most of the replacement windshields these days are installed using urethane adhesive by the glass places. If the trim has that on the backside, leave it alone unless you are prepared to buy replacement moldings (available but NOT cheap). I left mine on in my 64 against the advise of the body shop, and was glad I did. Paint came out fine. Pilot DanHas anyone done an outstanding repaint without removing the trim?
Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: maryland
Joseph P, As I stated earlier My car turned out excellent w/out removing them. My painter assured me you wouldn't see any paint lines and that he would be able to mist the paint into that tiny area between the trim and body. if I were to take a magnifying glass to the top of the windshield yes there probably is a line along there somewhere but unless you're that close i'm not sure the untrained eye would notice. but to each his own.If I can get a super close up shot I will send it in. My car was originally light blue before I went with this new color. Mark.
Last edited by 65mark; Mar 5, 2011 at 11:02 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 6
From: Murfreesboro, TN
If I had to replace the windshield I might be convinced, but I don't. I don't have to restore or replace the trim, it's original and perfect. The car has spent it's entire life(I've owned it since 67, original 29K mileage) in a garage, well maintained and cared for. I'd like the paintjob to be perfect, but it will kill me if the trim doesn't look as good as it does now. Maybe if the video worked on that site I would feel more comfortable.
Has anyone done an outstanding repaint without removing the trim?
Thanks
Has anyone done an outstanding repaint without removing the trim?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,073
Likes: 414
From: Maine
I agree
Joseph P, As I stated earlier My car turned out excellent w/out removing them. My painter assured me you wouldn't see any paint lines and that he would be able to mist the paint into that tiny area. if I were to take a magnifying glass to the top of the windshield yes there probably is a line but unless you're that close i'm not sure te untrained eye would notice. but to each his own.If I can get a super close up shot I will send it in. My car was originally light blue before I went with this new color. Mark.My problem now is a broken windshield that needs to be replaced, hit by rock in Park City , Utah
Jack
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 6
From: Murfreesboro, TN
Not saying it can't be done that way, but why not pull it and make the job perfect? You can tape off door handles and paint around them to but why would you on a midyear Corvette. And yes, I have seen very nice paint jobs with trim on, but I still would pull it if I were the one painting the car. I guess that's why I charged so much :o)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,345
Likes: 87
From: Northern MN
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17
If I had to replace the windshield I might be convinced, but I don't. I don't have to restore or replace the trim, it's original and perfect. The car has spent it's entire life(I've owned it since 67, original 29K mileage) in a garage, well maintained and cared for. I'd like the paintjob to be perfect, but it will kill me if the trim doesn't look as good as it does now. Maybe if the video worked on that site I would feel more comfortable.
Has anyone done an outstanding repaint without removing the trim?
Thanks
Has anyone done an outstanding repaint without removing the trim?
Thanks
If you've owned the car since 67 then there isn't glued in. All I can tell you about using the tool is to be real careful. I used the one on the right. The one on the left did not work for me. I pulled the upper corners out first. Then all I did was pull out a little on the upper corner of the lower moulding and slid the tool down until it hit the first clip. You should be able to feel when you contact it. It is a matter then of sliding the tool between the clip and the moulding which should unlock the clip. It is just a repeat process as you go along. The problem I ran into was where the two lower mouldings meet. I lifted to hard and cracked my moulding that covers the other one. I still have to replace it. The upper moulding is taken off the same way but should not be any problem at all. Hope this helps.
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,073
Likes: 414
From: Maine
Maybe you can do it
Not saying it can't be done that way, but why not pull it and make the job perfect? You can tape off door handles and paint around them to but why would you on a midyear Corvette. And yes, I have seen very nice paint jobs with trim on, but I still would pull it if I were the one painting the car. I guess that's why I charged so much :o)
all they read is the difficulty and mess ups. I am not talking about door handles, but the windshield trim. and not all can afford you
Jack
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 814
Likes: 6
From: Murfreesboro, TN
Do you guarantee the owner that you will be able to take off and put back the trim WITHOUT Damage. IF NOT , like some painters, THEN YOU CAN UNDERSTAND WHY SOME PEOPLE HESITATE TO DO IT.
all they read is the difficulty and mess ups. I am not talking about door handles, but the windshield trim. and not all can afford you
Jack
all they read is the difficulty and mess ups. I am not talking about door handles, but the windshield trim. and not all can afford you
Jack
Good Luck Jack and let us all know how it turns out for you okay. As usual, we all like pictures allot :O)
~m