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Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

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Old 05-02-2010, 09:08 AM
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Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Hey guys, we've got some rust on the vert where the windshield sits, how do we get that black trim off? It's like half an inch wide and goes all the way around the windshield.
Old 05-02-2010, 10:34 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

I believe that just pushes in, pulls out. If the car has been repainted the paint might be on the edge of the molding though so be careful not to pull off some paint with it. Edit; this is for the hardtops, not sure if the convertible has the same setup.
Old 05-02-2010, 11:55 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

I have the same issue. I was thinking of warming it a little with a heat gun and trying to carefully remove it.
Old 07-14-2010, 07:29 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

I grabbed mine at the bottom and it pulled it out. Done in 7 seconds.
Old 07-14-2010, 09:43 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Maybe slide a razor or something similar around as you do it incase it was repainted or someone put sealent from it leaking. Other than that, you should be fine to just pull it out.
Old 07-14-2010, 11:54 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

mine was pulling out on my last setup; it should just come right out but the heat gun's a good idea. this piece could have become brittle over the years and warming will help to make it more flexible
Old 06-13-2012, 09:54 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Where can I purchase a new one besides Classic Ind.??
Old 06-14-2012, 06:10 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Modern Day Muscle has them.
http://moderndaymuscle.com/inc/sdetail/199/575
If you are not concerned about it looking original, just go to a glass shop and get some. The glass shops use a replacement that is about an inch wide. It will only cost you a few bucks.
Old 06-15-2012, 12:17 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

i pulled mine out for a repaint and thats the end of it....they do not go back in well.....

bought a replacement for a few bucks on ebay...brand new and in the box (GM NOS part)....
Old 06-15-2012, 05:53 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

I just had a new replacement windshield installed with a new seal.I seen them use a reciprocating type scrapper tool to remove the old one.To remove a windshield that's been on a car for years,is no easy task(unless you don't care if you brake it)leave it to the pros.
Old 06-16-2012, 03:13 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

some replacement moldings actually wrap around the edge of the windshield. I noticed that when I replaced the windshield in my IROC. the molding was the wider style and already installed on the glass before the tech out it in.
Old 06-17-2012, 09:51 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

The trim strip Just pulls out, it's rubber with a little metal in it. If It's not the original glass it may be impossible to pull out if it's glued in with the glass sealer. I removed one yesterday , i had to break the glass out and cut it out from the inside edge. Trim strip was unremovable, completely bonded into the sealer.
Old 07-09-2012, 05:28 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

I've been to a couple different glass places around here. They don't carry the style molding that came off my car. What they sell now is the style that goes around the windshield before it is installed. I don't want to spend money to R+R the glass or risk breaking it. I could get the newer style molding but I don't know how well it will "push" into the groove or how well it will seal. I don't want it separating in a couple of months or oozing the sealer that I would have to use. Any ideas?
Old 07-09-2012, 06:28 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Originally Posted by lonesomeloser
I've been to a couple different glass places around here. They don't carry the style molding that came off my car. What they sell now is the style that goes around the windshield before it is installed. I don't want to spend money to R+R the glass or risk breaking it. I could get the newer style molding but I don't know how well it will "push" into the groove or how well it will seal. I don't want it separating in a couple of months or oozing the sealer that I would have to use. Any ideas?
I recently had a local pro (not SafeLite... LOCAL) replace the windshield on my RS as it was cracked. Asked him about prettifying my wife's Z. She has no trim piece, and the PO caulked the crap out of the gap all the way around w/ black sealant. Still leaks too, LOL. He quoted me $75 to remove the windshield, remove all the sealant, clean it up, and replace the windshield properly with a new trim piece. Moral: Call a local glass guy and ask him what it would cost. Couldn't hurt!
Old 07-09-2012, 09:20 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Originally Posted by MadCelt
I recently had a local pro (not SafeLite... LOCAL) replace the windshield on my RS as it was cracked. Asked him about prettifying my wife's Z. She has no trim piece, and the PO caulked the crap out of the gap all the way around w/ black sealant. Still leaks too, LOL. He quoted me $75 to remove the windshield, remove all the sealant, clean it up, and replace the windshield properly with a new trim piece. Moral: Call a local glass guy and ask him what it would cost. Couldn't hurt!
I called 2 local places. They want $150-175 for R+R. I am hoping to find cheaper than that.
Old 07-10-2012, 06:33 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Originally Posted by lonesomeloser
I called 2 local places. They want $150-175 for R+R. I am hoping to find cheaper than that.
That quote is high because,the odds of that window cracking is high,most likely the windshield is going to crack when they remove it to do the job right.Get a quote on a new windshield with a new seal.I did and it only cost $180.00.
Old 07-10-2012, 09:56 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Originally Posted by lonesomeloser
I called 2 local places. They want $150-175 for R+R. I am hoping to find cheaper than that.
Holy *****. I paid that for my new windshield install. INCLUDING the windshield.
Old 07-10-2012, 10:23 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

I just can't figure out why nobody has the proper replacement trim. Even if they redesigned the trim to fit around the windshield to ease installation, they should have a smaller one that more closely resembles the one that originally came on the car.
Old 07-10-2012, 05:40 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Found it! http://www.pontiacparts.net/Firebird/default.htm Went ahead and bought a roll. $18 shipped.
Old 07-10-2012, 05:53 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Originally Posted by lonesomeloser
Found it! http://www.pontiacparts.net/Firebird/default.htm Went ahead and bought a roll. $18 shipped.
I didn't see it there. What is it listed under?
Old 07-10-2012, 06:05 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

I found it. No illustrations though. How much did it run you with shipping?
Old 07-10-2012, 06:43 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Originally Posted by 82tarecaro
I found it. No illustrations though. How much did it run you with shipping?

$18 shipped. I called them and the guy opened up the roll and described it.
Old 07-10-2012, 08:05 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Is it NOS?
Old 07-10-2012, 09:30 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Originally Posted by 82tarecaro
Is it NOS?

I have no idea. I didn't ask.
Old 07-10-2012, 09:43 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Originally Posted by 1ADan
mine was pulling out on my last setup; it should just come right out but the heat gun's a good idea. this piece could have become brittle over the years and warming will help to make it more flexible
1ADan,
Do you have it??
Old 07-10-2012, 10:41 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Why all the hate on safelight?
Old 07-11-2012, 06:17 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Originally Posted by lonesomeloser
I have no idea. I didn't ask.
OK - post up some pics when you get it. If it looks good I am going to buy a few of them.
Old 07-11-2012, 06:58 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Another thing to consider is the new windshields already have the "wedge" on them for the rear view mirror. I cant speak for all the 3rd gens, but when the MSE was restored, the OEM mirror would not fit on the wedge. Took it to several glass shops to try and get an adapter or a solution, and the only options were to use a newer mirror or try and remove the wedge and put the old one back on. Problem with that is the glass places said a high probability of cracking or breaking the front windshield. So unfortunately, the car does not have the OEM rear view mirror, but a stock appearing NAPA replacement.
Old 07-13-2012, 05:59 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Not the best picture, but you can see the barbs.

Old 07-13-2012, 06:00 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Old 07-13-2012, 06:48 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

That looks good. How much was on the roll? I am going to order a couple of them to have. You never know when something might happen to the windshield.
Old 07-13-2012, 06:52 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

I didn't measure the exact length, but I had at least a foot left over.
Old 07-13-2012, 06:56 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

OK thanks for the info. Nice find.
Old 07-15-2012, 01:11 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Happy to hear about this.

I have the aforementioned old seal with tons of extra caulking that still leaks also. What a damned nightmare!

THANK YOU FOR THIS THREAD!
Old 07-17-2012, 10:47 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Camaro Central also sells this seal. Looks like on the bag it is manufactured by muscle car industries. Only 8.95 through them. i havn't installed mine yet but does look like a exact match. http://www.camarocentral.com/product_p/wea-252.htm
Old 07-17-2012, 10:48 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

It does say 85-92. Not sure what difference the 82-84 might have had
Old 07-17-2012, 10:57 AM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

They should be the same.
Old 07-18-2012, 07:38 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Originally Posted by lonesomeloser
I didn't measure the exact length, but I had at least a foot left over.
Did your leak stop??
Old 07-18-2012, 08:06 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

Originally Posted by mantaguy
Did your leak stop??

?? I didn't have a leak. I pulled the old, faded, brittle one out when I painted the car recently.
Old 07-19-2012, 02:18 PM
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Re: Trim ring around windshield? How to remove it?

That's good!!I thought you had a leaky windshield.
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