After reading threads about replacing windshields on a C3, I have decided to hire a mobile company to install the new one, but I would like to do the prep work on the frame myself. The existed windshield is already spider cracked. Rather than paying them for two trips, what I would like to do is break the window more, to make it easier to remove myself, and do the cleanup and prep before having them come in to install. Does this make sense? Would the trim be easy to remove after pulling out the broken glass?
Also, are the pillar gaskets pretty easy to replace? Is that something I should do myself also before having the glass installed (or after?)?

 

What would it cost for them to come out and remove, and then come back again to install, did you ask them? I myself would think that would be wisest, to keep from bending any of the ss trim. Rather have the pros do it.... Good luck with whichever way you decide to go.

 

It's an extra $65 to come back. And, I'd prefer to do most of the work myself, just not installing the glass though. But I'm not sure yet how to remove the reveal trim. Is there any good step by step instructions on that? Would the AIM show, if I were to get that?

 

I removed all the trim.
Called the glass guys and had them come out and remove the glass.
Cleaned up the area and got the rubber spacers, had the dimensions for height.
Called them to come back and install glass, temp fit trim to see if the spacers were coreect, when it was they were done.
Then I installed all the trim.

If you don't test fit the trim AS THEY ARE INSTALLING then likely the glass will be too low and you will have big gaps between the glass and trim.

For what it's worth $65 is a good price for them to come back.

 

Could you please reply with the steps to remove the trim? I removed the screws from the plastic trim on the pillar, but it does not come off easily, and wondering what to do next. Thanks.

 

The side trim has sealer under it and it is messy. I would think with a heat gun you could warm the sealer up and then use a putty
knife to get the pillar trim off.
The top trim is held on with clips. You need to pick up the tool that is used to grab the clip to get the clip to release. you need to do
this one clip at a time while gently prying up on the upper trim to remove. Gently so you do not bend the trim.
Check the internet on how the tool works and for videos or pics on the removal.
Joe

 

It does make sense in that repairing any corrosion on the windshield frame is vital. That takes time and effort, so the $65 return fee isn't really that outrageous. Try to get some internal frame encapsulator inside the hollow parts of the frame while you have it exposed, you'll be glad you did.

 

An update: I got the side reveal trims off. This is a 1977 coupe, since other C3 may be different. The reveal trim is satin black painted, as it should be for 1977, probably stainless steel. I did not have to remove the pillar inside plastic trim after all. But in case you want to, I did find that they came off easily after the top plastic inside trim was removed (and the screws of course), and then I could just pull it off starting at the top. There was no velcro inside, as some other posts have mentioned.
The side reveal trim and door gasket come off after removing the 3 screws hidden inside the gasket. There are small holes in the gasket to access these. The screws on the left side came out easily, and the whole unit pulled off pretty easily, if pulled in the direction away from the windshield, or in the direction parallel to the open door. The right side I really had to struggle to get the screws out, but with persistence and penetrating oil and heat, finally did. #2 phillips is the correct size. Turns out the pillars are in very good condition from what I can see so far, perhaps only a square inch or two of surface rust. So the installer should be able to do this job in one trip. There was a lot of gunk/sealant inside this unit, which I cleaned out, cleaned the trim exterior carefully, lightly sanded (320) the paint chips, and sprayed with a can of black satin paint. They look gorgeous now. By the way, what do I use for the sealant when reinstalling?
I haven't removed the top reveal trim yet. Ordered a Lisle 35200 tool for $10, which should be here today. There is a lot of junk under the trim, I have not actually seen the clips yet, but hopefully with some cleanout and using the tool, will get that off soon.
I have tried 9 local mobile glass installers, and so far, have not been able to get someone to install. Either they don't do cars this old, or they won't use the dam/foam &/or spacers. Waiting to hear back from 2 more. I'm in Sciota, PA 18354, Pocono Mountains. Any recommendation? Perhaps I will end up having to remove the old glass and installing the new myself anyway, but I would prefer not to. Have never done it before, and I would be nervous about breaking the new glass.