When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Really none. It is a good idea to remove the top section and the A piller trims so you can do a good job of cleaning up and repairing/ repainting the windshield frame.
you will need to remove the A piller weatherstrips however. To access the screws that retain the side windshield surround trim. There is a thin foam seal that goes between the weatherstrip channel and the windshield side trims that you will want to replace as well.
so, 2 new A piller weatherstrips. 2 new foam seals behind the weatherstrip channels. And then get the top outer windshield trim removed from the clips without bending it. If you bend it get a new one of those as well.
good luck.
When I did mine I also pulled the dash pad to gain really good access to the back of the lower windshield frame. If for no other reason then to inspect, clean and paint.
Apologies, I should have stated I was not replacing this myself. But already have the aftermarket A pillar trims off (am replacing them with some OEMs). So I will leave the trims off, as well as the header one, until after the replacement is completed. Now, on to find a windshield...... And that will wait until the front suspension bushings are replaced; finally found a shop I think I can trust to do a good job and knows their stuff.
As mentioned, interior wise, doesn't make too much difference, but you have the right idea of leaving those off until it is replaced.
I will say, exterior wise, if you're replacing the corner moldings (pieces shown below). Make sure and do that before the new windshield is installed. There is a screw in the front of them, that is difficult to access with the windshield in place and the it's very easy to crack the windshield trying to get them in. When I bought my car there was a crack down the driver side of the windshield, so I planned on replacing it. When I went to take the corner molding off the other side, I cracked it just like the driver side. So my assumption is a PO tried removing that piece driver side and cracked it originally. Since I was taking them off before removing the windshield, I did care that I caused another crack, but was glad to realize the risk before putting in the new windshield.
If you're having a shop install it, this will be on them, but the height that it is placed makes a difference. Too low and the wiper arm mechanism can hit and crack it at the bottom.
I had the windshield shop replace the windshield on this car before and was pretty happy with their work. I was thinking about getting new corner pieces, you have tipped me over the edge; I shall get them, mine are a bit pitted. Thanks
