I am getting ready to paint my '89 RS and am in the middle of prepping it. I am removing alll trim etc... to avoid any tape line/overspray. I want to remove the trim piece around the top of the windshield. Is it safe to pull it out? If so how hard is it to get back in? I know on some cars the gaskets support and mounts the glass, and removing it can crack the glass. I thought on 3rd gens its it more for looks and secondary water seal. I've been told conflicting info on this.

Any first hand knowledge?

 

I replaced a window on my '92 RS and basically it is there for looks and water protection. It doesn't support the window at all. They use a glue/caulk type stuff that seals the window to the metal of the car. As far as removing it...it may well crack the glass, as it did that to one car I tried removing it from (a parts car). It really depends on how good of shape your window is in. The other problem is that it may not be very easy to replace, I doubt it will just stick in there and stay with any assurity. You may have to put some sort of glue in there to tack it down (not alot, but some). Hope this helps

 

you should really just go one step further and have the windshield removed. then sand that area it sits in down to bare meal. I did it on my 85 iroc and there was a little surface rust that came off easily but would've been pretty bad in a few years. Just have a glass shop come out and take it out. They should put a new seal around the glass when they put it back in. shouldn't be too expensive, and, IMO definately worth the money to have it done. Then