Windshield Trim

[E's 81Vette]

All,

I'm posting this message because I am having difficulties removing the interior trim pieces from the left and right side of my windshield. All three screws have been removed but, the parts are "stuck" somehow. I'm not the original owner and I believe that the windshield was replaced at some point. I'm thinking that some type of adhesive or even "A" pillar rust might be my problem. Is there a trick to removing these pieces or has anyone run into this problem before?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Eric

 

[Tom Bryant]

I was hoping someone would have a good answer but I'll suggest a few things. Somtimes these moulding have a little lip that snaps on before the screws are put in. I would gently pry on the edges with a wide tool like a 3" putty knife. If it won't budge it could be that windshield sealer or some other type if product is holding it.

In that case a little heat may do the trick. If you have a heat gun or a good hair dryer try warming the moulding to soften the adhesive then gently pull it away from the pillar. If you use a regular heat gun keep it moving and don't get any one area too hot.

I really don't think that pillar rust would hold these plastic parts on very firmly but try tapping on the mouldings with a non-marring rubber mallet to break up any rust scale under them. Sometimes it seems as if it takes more force that it should to get these things off. Good luck and tell us what you found.

Tom

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Interior trim

Eric,

Did you take the header trim off as well? The two pillar covers will not come off until the header trim is removed (this also holds the T Top trim in place).

When I removed my windscreen, they were a little difficult to get out, but if you turn the top of the trim out from the pillar, it should start to come out. You can twist them a little without breaking the plastic. Once you have started to twist them, they should slide up from the dash.

Cheers

Tony

 

[GerryLP]

Eric,

Did you take the header trim off as well? The two pillar covers will not come off until the header trim is removed (this also holds the T Top trim in place).

When I removed my windscreen, they were a little difficult to get out, but if you turn the top of the trim out from the pillar, it should start to come out. You can twist them a little without breaking the plastic. Once you have started to twist them, they should slide up from the dash.

Cheers

Tony

Tony,

Thanks for the tip...I almost broke my pillars trim trying to figure out why it was not coming off. Thanks!