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I replaced the rear window trim moulding on my 75 coupe, purchased a new one Top flight automotive with new screws. First one arrived cracked, they promptly replaced. Installed second one, no issues, did not overtighten the screws. A pain to loosen the side panels to tuck under. After a couple of drives noticed it cracked, see center of picture below. I do here some creaking at times driving whether related or not, t-tops always off. I also have a gap around the original side panels and the rear window trim. I attribute that to age?...
Anyway any thoughts on this, is it a common problem, any fixes?
That's what happen to mine also.
I believe its from poor alignment with the screw holes. Every single one should be perfect, but it's not. So it stresses the molding / frame.
What I ended up doing was I put a dab of GE Window & Door clear caulk (for houses) behind the screw hole of the frame. Then while its still wet, run the screw in.
Seems to take some of the tension off of the frame and gives it some cushion from vibration and maybe even some adhesion.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Oct 18, 2021 at 03:16 PM.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I'm going to assume it's common. And I know it's not age related.
I'm the original owner and mine's been cracked at the center screw hole for at least 40 years!
I just dremeled out the molding screw holes from the backside to widen the angle since they are long and slanted. Recess on front side still holds screw from falling through. Figure this gives more movement for the screws and relieves the stress. Looks like some clips on the body tabs grab the screws. A little crazy glue on the crack seems to be holding...
Quick update dremeling out did not seem to help. Looking at the repro molding think it may just be a poor fit. I unfortunately did not save my OE piece however think that may have fit better, less gap around the sides.
Coupe rear window moulding keeps cracking!
