Re-installation of C2 windshield mouldings

[67HEAVEN]

1967 coupe:

For the two main lower mouldings (front windshield), what are the tricks for a successful installation?

Getting the lower corners down flush appears to be the main problem. Do we start with the lower corners and work out towards both ends from there?

Does the passenger side moulding "slide over" the driver's side moulding (at the centre) during installation, or does the passenger side piece get banged down over the driver's side after both pieces are installed?

 

[JohnZ]

I telescope them together first at the center (centre? ), and work the corners first; if you seat the center first, it's VERY difficult to change the center overlap when you get to the corners, as the center is already trapped in the clips. Completely surround the opening with wide masking tape right up to the edge; if you don't, Mr. Murphy is watching and will cause you to scratch the paint.

 

[67HEAVEN]

Thanks John.

Now I need to know how to get the passenger side (front) off again. It's not on just right. When I removed them four years ago, I didn't care about the paint. Now?

 

[67HEAVEN]

I just heard from Fuelie. He's got the tool I need.

 

[67HEAVEN]

The final piece is always the hardest, right?

Before we resort to a sledge hammer on the upper cross-windshield reveal moulding, anone got any tricks.

Our problem seems to be the clip just before the outer radius begins (on both passenger and driver's sides). That's the clip that sits approximately above the steering column.

A new weatherstrip and all new clips and screws makes it very difficult to press the moulding in far enough for the clips to grab.

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[BarryK]

Bob

please keep us updated on this.
In another 2 weeks or so we should hopefully be at that step ourselves on the reassembly of my car and I also have all new clips, screws, gaskets, etc for when the glass goes back in. The SS trim molding is also new and I have concerns how well the new repro moldings are going to fit rather than the original ones.
did you have the same problem on the rear window as you are having on the windshield moldings or haven't you gotten to that step yet?

 

[67HEAVEN]

Bob

please keep us updated on this.
In another 2 weeks or so we should hopefully be at that step ourselves on the reassembly of my car and I also have all new clips, screws, gaskets, etc for when the glass goes back in. The SS trim molding is also new and I have concerns how well the new repro moldings are going to fit rather than the original ones.
did you have the same problem on the rear window as you are having on the windshield moldings or haven't you gotten to that step yet?

Barry,

The rears went on fairly easily. The front is much harder.

In all cases, the mouldings are the original ones.......the screws and clips are all new. The front weatherstrip is new but, as you know, the rear has no weatherstrip.

No doubt, the fresh, puffy weatherstrip up front is part of the problem.

The "upper" front reveal moulding rhymes with witch. ad

 

[BarryK]

Bob

glad to hear the rears went on easily at least. you are probably correct that it's the new weatherstrip causing the problem in the front.

I would have preferred to have stayed with the original molding on mine, but obvious removal and reinstalls of my front moldings in particular had them in only fair shape. They looked cosmedically OK and could have used just a good polishing to shine them up again, but they were also bent in places from someone trying to force them into place with a hammer from what they looked like. Not too bad, but bad enough that I figured for what it would cost to have them repaired I might as well buy new ones. I kept them "just in case" and as long as the new ones fit ok I figure I can eventually ebay my old ones.

 

[67HEAVEN]

Well, the upper front piece is still not on. ad


Bigger hammer?

 

[BarryK]

all i can say is be very careful!

as mentioned previously, I had to replace my molding pieces because of dents and flattened areas that look exactly like they were there from someone trying to force them into place with some kind of hammer or mallet and they got carried away.

Their stupidity or carelessness ended up costing ME a load of bucks for the new pieces - not to mention other areas of the car I had to deal with similar problems.

 

[Z28Canuck]

Well, the upper front piece is still not on. ad


Bigger hammer?

Is there a chance Kurt would stop by to advise you before trying more force. There might just be a trick to it that he can easily answer with his expertise!

 

[67HEAVEN]

Is there a chance Kurt would stop by to advise you before trying more force. There might just be a trick to it that he can easily answer with his expertise!

The call just went in to 911.

 

[Z28Canuck]

The call just went in to 911.

Great! I'm sure if anyone knows Kurt does! Just the back trim makes an incredible visual difference. It finishes it off and ties all the chrome together. It'll be nice to see those last pieces on the front windshield. Hard to believe the car can look even better! Talk to you later.

 

[67HEAVEN]

Turns out Kurt was unavailable this evening.