78-82 Rear Window + Clips Removal
 

I searched through the archives but I don't see a great set of instructions on how to R + R the window and the clips. I have 2 broken clips and have heard that the best way is to remove the window to replace the clips. Sounds like a couple of guys have done it while leaving the glass in place but sounds like its a PITA. Please share any good tips that you have on this as I'm scared to break the rear window.
thanks

I hope someone has some good direction/help on this... I had my rear window removed and all of the clips changed out... I did not have the guy re-install the trim because I wanted to shine is up first... Anyway... I moved to another state before I finally got around to re-installing the trim & the darn thing will not snap on no matter what I try...

Probably a dumb question but is it possible to install the clips backwards???? Which way is the "Hook" supposed to face?

I don't know about removing the clips, but here's a picture of the clip and tool to remove the trim.... hope you can get some info from it.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/IMG_0349.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/IMG_0350.jpg

You will need these......


http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/ProductDetails.aspx?pid={682ac695-a28d-4e56-853d-244b1931904e}&gid={c071f097-e4fa-42f4-9778-60540e2ceb11}&GroupName=Rear+Window+Mold ings&pname=78-82+Rear+Window+Molding+Plastic+Clip&Refe rer=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=&


These clips don't hold the glass in just the trim around the window. I believe the glass is held in by a butyl adhesive?

The factory clips were installed prior to the rear window being installed in the car. They were held in place with a expander stud as shown in the picture below. The stud, when pushed through the clip expanded the back of the clip in the same fashion a dry wall anchor works.

The rear window was held in place with a seal exactly like that of the windshield from the factory. This seal was nothing special and is readily available. New installations these days are done with Urethane over the old beading kit, but personally I like the old stuff better.

To replace broken clips correctly on your car you would need to remove all the rear window trim, cut out the back glass (piano wire will work) and then replace the clips.

I can only think of one way to repair a broken clip and if you only have a few this might work. Remove the moldings from the car to expose the broken clip, remove the old clip by cutting it out with a pair of side cutters and then epoxy a new one in place.

The clips are plastic and as long as you scuff the backside of the clip around the installed area it you should be fine. Combined with the fact that you only have a few clips that are bad, your moldings should not stress the clip enough to pull it off. If your clips are down in the factory seal, you do could cut some of this away if needed. When finished, re-seal this area and install the moldings.

IMHO,

Willcox Inc.

http://willcoxcorvette.com/images/re...ip%2078-82.jpg

I have had all the clips replaced on my 1980. The old clips can be
removed by using a wire clippers to cut them flush with the body.
Then use an ice pick to push the remainder of the clip into the
body. Some can be removed by slipping a nail puller under them and pry them out.
The new clips just push into the holes in the body. Some
of the clips maybe far enough away from the edge of the rear
window that they can be accessed without removing the window.
To replace them all the rear window will need to be removed.
Two years ago I had a glass installer come to my house, remove
the window, r & r the clips and install the window. It cost $80
and I provided the clips.

Sounds like money well spent.

Anyone else done this job?

Thanks to the OP for bringing this up as I have 3 or 4 broken, including a couple of critical ones near the passenger's side lower corner.

I'd agree that was likely money well spent by mark79,80.

:cheers: