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I probably made a mistake, but I took the rear window trim off my 1980. In doing so, I found several clips that were broken, and snapped a few more getting it off. Now I would like to replace some of those clips so the trim piece is held in place. It looks to me like you have to take the back window out in order to replace the clips. It doesn't look like there is enough room to get the clips in the holes with the window in place.
I did the same thing, purchased all new clips and had a glass company come to my garage to remove the window and install them. I did read where someone said they replaced the clips, without removing the window.
I managed to replace 5 or 6 of my clips without taking the glass out. I did have to trim off a bit of the glue that holds the glass in place and there was one clip that I still couldn't get access to. I can't remember now whether I drilled out the centre piece that locks the clips in place or just knocked them right through with a punch. I think it was the latter.
I agree with ukjohn, too. The clips shown by vendors have a pin that expands the nubbin on the back of the clip that retains in the body/ pinchweld. Poke that pin/ mandrel out, into the body, and the clip is loose to pick up. Then insert the new clip and carefully push the pin flush with the clip. Carefully cut out the urethane if it’s in the way. Just be careful of the tempered glass edge, oops is boom into thousands of pieces.
Wire for glass removal prolly isn’t a task to be your first break into the glass business. But it’s an option for removal.
I've run louvers on my '80 since it was two years old. My louvers are the 3 piece all aluminum style that completely rely on the rear window trim to hold them on. 40 years took their toll on the trim clips.
This year I had all the clips replaced. Cost me $140. Money very well spent. Have a professional do it. They said there is a chance of breaking the window if it has to come out. Big Money! Have a pro do it.
I took the louvers off my car and that was the root of the same issues. Cracked the plastic trying to clean them up, so I'm just taking them off. Broke some more clips while trying to get the trim off to repaint it. I am in agreement about taking it to a pro. Just gotta get on the schedule somewhere.
Nice looking car Tony.
Thanks. I love my louvers on both cars. Changes the look and a ton cooler to ride in. The louvers on my maroon car are different and not as hard on the trim. But they don't look as nice.
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1980 rear window molding clips
