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well , by popular demand , ive been prompted to do a write up on windshield trim removal . i will need to update this thread with pics of the tool(s)you will need . so without further ado , here it is .
you will need a special tool that you should be able to get from a local parts store or if your handy with cutter/grinder you can make your own . the tool is shaped like an arrow ( ==> ) with a bend at the base of the handle "about 30*" it is refered to as a " gm/ford windshield molding clip release tool " or any variation of those words together , most commonly refered to as a "clip release tool" . i call it a "ford tool" as ford products are just about the only car i use it on . at the tip of the tool youll see that both sides have a sharp point that gets bigger towards the middle of the blade .
the bent flat part with the arrow shaped blade slides under the molding between the glass and molding , you will drag those sharp points of the arrow accross the body till you find a clip . the point will lodge on the clip hehind the clip and the body . "hint" (the closer the pionts are to the bottom of the molding/top of clip, the less damage you will do to the clip .) after the tool is caught by the clip pivit the handle like you are a windshield wiper but not a full sweep of travel , just a little , to releast the tention of the clip on the molding . you may need to apply a little leverage under the molding to get it over the top of the first clip . "tip"( its best to start in the bottom apillar molding or the top corner of the roof , as the 2 molding tie into each other , i start in the middle of the roof , but i do this every day)
the tip of the arrow acts as a fulcrum for the pivit action . it might take a couple tries to get them to release ("or a few some times. they are a real son-of-a-@#%&* , then its best to go to the clip on the other side and release it so it will apply tention for you
") repeat till all top and side molding clips are released . it takes a little practice but after you get the feel for it they come off real fast .
WORD OF CAUTION TO ALL WHO WILL TRY TO REMOVE YOU WINDSHIELD MOLDING IT IS VERY POSSIBLE AND EASY TO CRACK/CHIP/CLAM/BREAK YOUR WINDSHIELD TRYING TO REMOVED THE TRIM .
if you bend a clip out to the point it flops around and doesnt look like it will hold the molding in place , grab it with needle-nose pliers and pull striaght out "unless its touching the glass , then your screwed" rebend mount tab on clip and tap lightly back on to the mount post "i use a screwdriver handle end and tap till it hits the body "if the winshield is still in" then push with my thumb
this intire process takes me about 5-7 min , but you first timers will need about 30+ min .
getting the bottom plastic windshield moldings off is kinda a pain with out breaking the tabs on them . any words of advice you say .? first remove the cowl vent cover and use HI PREASURE WATER , to clean out the 20+ years of blowing/falling teraferma under/in/around the clips under the molding . usualy the garden hose with a good spayer will work just fine , after the cleaning under the molding is complete , you should be able to gently pry the molding away from the glass enough to see where the tab is locked into the clip (the clip for the lower molding is bigger/wider then the top/sides and requires more tention on the tool to get them to release) 2 methods ca be used to remove the lower molding , one is risky and could break the tabs , the other will have you cussing on the first one . risky way position the tip of the tool on top of the clip under the molding and pry up , witch in turn applies tension on the molding and clip in oppisite directions and opening the clip slightly . cussing way , go at the clips just like you did on the sides/top . you will need to pay mind as to who is arround during this trim removal , things can get ugly
well if you need any more of a in depth explination just post
you will need a special tool that you should be able to get from a local parts store or if your handy with cutter/grinder you can make your own . the tool is shaped like an arrow ( ==> ) with a bend at the base of the handle "about 30*" it is refered to as a " gm/ford windshield molding clip release tool " or any variation of those words together , most commonly refered to as a "clip release tool" . i call it a "ford tool" as ford products are just about the only car i use it on . at the tip of the tool youll see that both sides have a sharp point that gets bigger towards the middle of the blade .
the bent flat part with the arrow shaped blade slides under the molding between the glass and molding , you will drag those sharp points of the arrow accross the body till you find a clip . the point will lodge on the clip hehind the clip and the body . "hint" (the closer the pionts are to the bottom of the molding/top of clip, the less damage you will do to the clip .) after the tool is caught by the clip pivit the handle like you are a windshield wiper but not a full sweep of travel , just a little , to releast the tention of the clip on the molding . you may need to apply a little leverage under the molding to get it over the top of the first clip . "tip"( its best to start in the bottom apillar molding or the top corner of the roof , as the 2 molding tie into each other , i start in the middle of the roof , but i do this every day)
the tip of the arrow acts as a fulcrum for the pivit action . it might take a couple tries to get them to release ("or a few some times. they are a real son-of-a-@#%&* , then its best to go to the clip on the other side and release it so it will apply tention for you
") repeat till all top and side molding clips are released . it takes a little practice but after you get the feel for it they come off real fast . WORD OF CAUTION TO ALL WHO WILL TRY TO REMOVE YOU WINDSHIELD MOLDING IT IS VERY POSSIBLE AND EASY TO CRACK/CHIP/CLAM/BREAK YOUR WINDSHIELD TRYING TO REMOVED THE TRIM .
if you bend a clip out to the point it flops around and doesnt look like it will hold the molding in place , grab it with needle-nose pliers and pull striaght out "unless its touching the glass , then your screwed" rebend mount tab on clip and tap lightly back on to the mount post "i use a screwdriver handle end and tap till it hits the body "if the winshield is still in" then push with my thumb
this intire process takes me about 5-7 min , but you first timers will need about 30+ min .
getting the bottom plastic windshield moldings off is kinda a pain with out breaking the tabs on them . any words of advice you say .? first remove the cowl vent cover and use HI PREASURE WATER , to clean out the 20+ years of blowing/falling teraferma under/in/around the clips under the molding . usualy the garden hose with a good spayer will work just fine , after the cleaning under the molding is complete , you should be able to gently pry the molding away from the glass enough to see where the tab is locked into the clip (the clip for the lower molding is bigger/wider then the top/sides and requires more tention on the tool to get them to release) 2 methods ca be used to remove the lower molding , one is risky and could break the tabs , the other will have you cussing on the first one . risky way position the tip of the tool on top of the clip under the molding and pry up , witch in turn applies tension on the molding and clip in oppisite directions and opening the clip slightly . cussing way , go at the clips just like you did on the sides/top . you will need to pay mind as to who is arround during this trim removal , things can get ugly
well if you need any more of a in depth explination just post
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