Replacing trim around windshield??

Gary Knox

Gary Knox

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The anodized Al trim around my '74's windshield is pretty scratched and has areas where the anodizing is gone. IF I can get this out, and have a good set of Al trim to install, CAN IT BE DONE without removing the windshield?

There are no water leaks at all in the windshield, so I'm a bit leary of removing and re-installing, even with a new seal.

Thanks for any guidance on how this can be done - IF it can be done!!!

My other option is to remove the remaining anodizing and sand/polish the aluminum.

Gary--
 
Gary, my understanding is that you cannot remove or replace the metal trim in the gasket unless the gasket is out of the car ... which means removal of the windshield. i hope i am wrong and somebody chimes in and educates both of us.
 
Yeah I share Scott's understandig as well, maybe, just maybe you would be able to remove it with the windshield in place, but I fear that you will bend the trim while doing so. And getting it back in with the windshield in place is as far as I've heard impossible.
 
I was able to remove the back AL without an issue but planned on replacing the gasket. I use WD40 to aid the project. Some believe WD40 is a no no with rubber ( breaks it down) but I have had no issues. My question would be...if you get it out ok, can you get it back in? All posts talk of placing the AL in the seal then placing the glass and not to place the AL after the glass is in place.
 
Gary Knox said:
CAN IT BE DONE without removing the windshield?
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The one word answer is "no".

That isn't to say that no one has ever done it. That isn't to say that bavbob didn't remove the back AL without an issue using WD40. I'm just saying that it isn't a good idea, especially if you are concerned about cosmetics.

The trim is made from dead soft aluminum, so it's easy to bend / kink / scratch. Maybe with enough muscle and lubricant you can get it out and back in with the glass in place. But how will it look when you are done?
 
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Many thanks to all of you for the counsel - I really appreciate it. Your input is exactly what I'd expected. Now I've gotta' decide which route to take in trying to improve the appearance of those Al pieces.
 
Gary, removing the glass is not as scary as it seems. I've done front and back more than once. Definitely can't remove/replace the trim without bending it permanently unless the glass is out.
 
Has anyone sand/polished aluminum trim around windshield? I have my windshields out and could polish them but I am afraid polish alu won’t last long... Already polished waistline trim and I am skeptic how long it will remain shiny
 
RTHLSS1 said:
Has anyone sand/polished aluminum trim around windshield? I have my windshields out and could polish them but I am afraid polish alu won’t last long... Already polished waistline trim and I am skeptic how long it will remain shiny
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Put on a ceramic coating, either have it done by a proffesional, or do it yourself. Lots of DIY videos on youtube.
 
RTHLSS1 said:
Already polished waistline trim and I am skeptic how long it will shiny
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Polishing the aluminum trim removes the protective anodized layer. The raw aluminum will begin to oxidize pretty quickly if not protected with wax, clear coat, etc... I've seen folks who have polished their trim and wax it and the end product looks good... but it is something you must maintain. Another option is to have it polished and then have it powder-coated clear.

Back to the subject.... if I'm reading correctly, the seal is placed on the glass, then the lock strip/trim has to be installed in the seal, then it is all installed into the windshield frame, using the rope method? I ask, because I will be at this point very soon.

Thanks,

Ed
 
zinz said:
Polishing the aluminum trim removes the protective anodized layer. The raw aluminum will begin to oxidize pretty quickly if not protected with wax, clear coat, etc... I've seen folks who have polished their trim and wax it and the end product looks good... but it is something you must maintain. Another option is to have it polished and then have it powder-coated clear.

Back to the subject.... if I'm reading correctly, the seal is placed on the glass, then the lock strip/trim has to be installed in the seal, then it is all installed into the windshield frame, using the rope method? I ask, because I will be at this point very soon.

Thanks,

Ed
Click to expand...

Yep. Not a "rope," but a nylon (or similar) string. Be careful it doesn't cut into the seal.
 
You know, you could just try to "let this one go" and focus on something else. I mean, no leaks, just some cosmetic weakness that you can see, ummm, perhaps attack something else. Just my opinion, of course, but I have learned that sometimes, I focus on stuff others do not see until I physically point it out. So many other ways to "improve/upgrade " my Coupe. I have learned to pick my spots. Best of luck Gary! Mike
 
Gary, i would find a spare set to buy and refinish ... then pull the windshield when you are ready. otherwise you might have your windshield out for 6 weeks waiting for the trim to be polished / coated. then sell the one you take out so that somebody else can do the same.
 
rsporsche said:
Gary, i would find a spare set to buy and refinish ... then pull the windshield when you are ready. otherwise you might have your windshield out for 6 weeks waiting for the trim to be polished / coated. then sell the one you take out so that somebody else can do the same.
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@GK-E30M3 has a set.
 
Mine were in a similar condition by the sounds of it.
While the car was pulled down I sent them off to a local anodiser who dipped them to remove the old finish, which is actually anodising.
He then re-finished them and they went back in the car fine with a new rubber.
Take a look at my car on my build thread if you want to see the finished product.
Was way cheaper than replacing new from W&N.
 
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