Windshield trim problem

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May 19, 2011 | 12:46 PM

indydoug

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Racer

Joined: May 2011

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From: Indianapolis

Windshield trim problem

Working through the problems on my new 1980, and need some advise.

The exterior windshield trim has gaps along the left and right pillars. At the bottom of the windshield there is no gap, but the separation is close to 1/4" at the top:

Is this trim supposed to seal out water? Should I use a sealant to fill the gap, or does the trim need to be removed and repositioned? Hopefully the windshield will not need to be removed - but I realize that is a possibility as well. If you have removed/replaced this trim, please make a recommendation.

Thanks!

May 19, 2011 | 01:27 PM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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Quote:

Originally Posted by indydoug

...Is this trim supposed to seal out water?...

Not really. It's there for appearance purposes. Almost all water sealing for the windshield is the butyl compound it sets in.

Quote:

...Should I use a sealant to fill the gap,,,

Is your car leaking?

May 19, 2011 | 02:23 PM

indydoug

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Racer

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From: Indianapolis

We got caught in a downpour in the 650-mile drive home, and did not see any leaks (around the windshield, that is). I'll know more when I pull the carpet in a few months. I'm inclined to leave the windshield alone, and either adjust the trim or add some sort of sealant as a "filler" for the gap.

May 19, 2011 | 04:34 PM

kaiserbud

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From: TEXAS - you mean there are other states?

Justa quick comment.... if the windshield is 'set-in' too far, could that be causing a portion of the problem.?

May 19, 2011 | 04:47 PM

Roco71

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Joined: Jul 2009

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From: Vero Beach FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaiserbud

Justa quick comment.... if the windshield is 'set-in' too far, could that be causing a portion of the problem.?

My guess is that whoever replaced the windshield did not “dry fit” the trim before setting the glass. Spacer blocks are used when setting the glass in place to keep it at the correct height with the trim. That’s why you dry fit the windshield before setting it. I would not seal the gap with any sealer it has a tendency to trap water and will promote rust.

May 20, 2011 | 06:45 AM

indydoug

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From: Indianapolis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roco71

...I would not seal the gap with any sealer it has a tendency to trap water and will promote rust.

Thanks for the feedback - that was one of my concerns.

Is it worth trying to form the trim differently, or would I be wasting my time?

May 20, 2011 | 08:06 AM

Roco71

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From: Vero Beach FL

If it really bothers you then you might want to look at having the windshield reset or replaced or at least looked at by a pro.

May 20, 2011 | 11:18 AM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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Quote:

Originally Posted by indydoug

...Is it worth trying to form the trim differently...

No. The trim is stainless and there is not much fitting leeway on the installation. Purchase the assembly instruction manual (AIM) and take a look at the factory installation of the trim and the windsheild.