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I’ve been browsing the forum for awhile and haven’t found the right thread for my question. I’ve purchased all new weatherstripping and hardware for the side posts as well as the upper reveal molding. Do I need to remove the stainless steel t-top trim as well as the windshield in order to install the new post weatherstripping?? I was hoping I could leave the windshield in place and just change out everything else.
From what I’ve read so far, I’ll need to remove the windshield in order to remove and install the upper reveal molding clips. Looks like a small amount of rust at screw hole locations but not much else. I plan on removing glass and cleaning and painting the birdcage before installing new hardware and glass. The current glass looks pretty old but is still in great shape. We’ll see if it holds up during removal. If it does, maybe I’ll clean it up and reuse it.
Theoretically you could excavate and remove the molding clips 'if' you could get a screwdriver on the retaining screws (or not). A guy ought to be able to remove the windshield with care and reuse it. You could ...or have a glass shop polish the old glass to make it look nicer and newer. But if there are a lot of pits in the old glass (and chance are there are more pits than you initially see), it might make more sense to price out new glass. It's not very expensive. It's been so long on the side A-pillar trim I can't remember which trim pieces need to come off or not. I'll let someone else answer those questions.
But the key factor on a-pillar trim is to make sure the new rubber product is as 'soft' as OEM rubber was. If not, the glass won't seal up very well.
you will break the windshield if you try to remove those screws. i personally do not like the aftermarket replacement clips. i think they are too tall and hold the trim up higher. and the problem is made worse if glass is replaced with newer, thinner glass and installer just throws it in and it is 1/4 inch lower. if glass has to come out, try to leave the clips in place. or CAREFULLY mark the holes. maybe even install screws when painting the pinchweld. that way the screw holes are not lost. and reuse every clip you can. and reinstall the glass yourself.