HELP! I am about to get screwed! (1 Viewer)

[ClassyJalopy]

My truck is in the body shop to get the windshield pulled off and the metal edges prepped before a new one gets put in. There is some paint bubbling on the top driver's side corner hence the plan to have the body shop get it all taken care of before the new windshield goes in.

Now, I just spoke with the glass tech and was told that he is planning to put self-tapping screws in place of the rivets . He claims he has done several of these and it is impossible to put in the new rivets because there isn't much room for the rivet tool. When I insisted he put on new rivets and not the screws he offered to just glue the trim pieces instead of using screws or rivets.
I have read all the horror stories here and am trying to find some advice:
Is there an inexpensive rivet tool that I could buy for this job?
Is gluing the trim in place better than self-tapping screws is rivets aren't an option at all?

 

[tonyl13]

How about two side sticky tape. i used it on my emblems and some trim still holding after two years

 

[HoustonFj80]

Find a different installer or just put the trim pieces on yourself. Don't let him get near it with the self tapping screws.

I used a regular run of the mill rivet gun to install mine without much issue. I had the problem of previous installer using large sheet metal screws so I had to use a couple different sized rivets to make it all work. These are the oversized rivets I found that work and still have the plastic top hat:

Ford PN: W713819-S900 (4mm)
Toyota PN: 90269-06013 (4.8mm). You'll have to drill out the aluminum trim and file down the rivet head slightly to fit the trim channel.

 

[jLB]

This thread had a simple way of adapting a normal pop-rivet tool to do the job:

Couldn't take it any longer, it was time to take a look under my windshield trim

I bought my LC almost two years ago knowing the windshield had been replaced. Since I brought it home, the wind noise hasn't been excessive and there is no indication that water is leaking in through the a-pillar (though it's garaged while I'm home and at work). That said, the molding that...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Qtonic]

These are the oversized rivets I found that work and still have the plastic top hat:

Ford PN: W713819-S900 (4mm)
Toyota PN: 90269-06013 (4.8mm). You'll have to drill out the aluminum trim and file down the rivet head slightly to fit the trim channel.

Good info on those oversized plastic coated rivets. Just what I needed.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Find a different installer or just put the trim pieces on yourself. Don't let him get near it with the self tapping screws.

I used a regular run of the mill rivet gun to install mine without much issue. I had the problem of previous installer using large sheet metal screws so I had to use a couple different sized rivets to make it all work. These are the oversized rivets I found that work and still have the plastic top hat:

Ford PN: W713819-S900 (4mm)
Toyota PN: 90269-06013 (4.8mm). You'll have to drill out the aluminum trim and file down the rivet head slightly to fit the trim channel.

I am afraid I might have to put the trim on myself.
Thanks @jLB for the link. Reading @2001LC post, I am a little worried about the new windshield cracking when I put on the new rivets

 

[HoustonFj80]

Just put a piece of cardboard between the windshield and the rivet gun and you'll be fine.

 

[CloudCity]

Can you have the work done at Lexus so their techs can verify its all done properly, have access to correct parts, will step up if damage occurs? They would also use OEM glass.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Can you have the work done at Lexus so their techs can verify its all done properly, have access to correct parts, will step up if damage occurs? They would also use OEM glass.

I called the local Lexus dealer first. They outsource it to a local shop. But the bigger issue is my insurance wants to work only with Safelite to cover the expense of my windshield.

Latest news is that Safelite has taken the broken windshield off and managed to destroy the side trims in the process. The trims were actually installed with correct rivets (not screws). They are now ordering new trims and rivets.

Since the tech is just not willing to install rivets (claims he can't get the tool in there) I have told him to install the glass and I will install the trims with rivets myself. He is willing to let me do that but says if I break the glass or water leaks from the trim etc, they won't be able to cover it in the warranty.
This is not ideal for me and I am wondering if it is even advisable to attempt.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I have some good news. I stopped by the body shop and asked if they can install the rivets. They have the right riveting tool and suggested that the glass tech just borrow their tool.
Called the glass tech and they agreed to use the borrowed tool and put new rivets in

Hopefully they would do good job and I will never need to think about it again.
Here's a pic of the top corner that caused the leak in the first place.

 

[suprarx7nut]

I have some good news. I stopped by the body shop and asked if they can install the rivets. They have the right riveting tool and suggested that the glass tech just borrow their tool.
Called the glass tech and they agreed to use the borrowed tool and put new rivets in

Hopefully they would do good job and I will never need to think about it again.
Here's a pic of the top corner that caused the leak in the first place.
View attachment 2119757

Good news! Yikes. Nasty looking pic. Glad to hear the body shop helped get you all squared away.

 

[Pyrenees]

just for comparison, I also used a safelite shop that my insurance company recommended. They found out that the previous installer had glued the side trim on and they would have to destroy it to remove it. They installed new side trim correctly, and as far as I know they used rivets.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Yeah I think the FSM calls these side trims non-usable.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Just to close the loop on this: I was finally able to get the glass guy to borrow the correct rivet tool from the body shop and install the rivets correctly.

 

[Qtonic]

Ford PN: W713819-S900 (4mm)

I'm measuring the original Toyota rivets at about 4mm. Did you happen to compare them to verify that the Ford part is larger?

 

[ClassyJalopy]

FWIW Safelite guy was able to drill out the previous rivets with enlarging the holes and we didn't end up needing a larger size

 

[Qtonic]

Mine were already drilled out by the previous owner/installer. None are huge but they vary in size so I'm in a situation where I'm trying to mix and match to get each one as good as possible.

I was happy with my Safelite guy, though. We worked together and he could tell I was super cautious about ever part. I left the side garnishes to tackle myself and can't wait to get it finished finally.

 

[gatormark91]

Dip the end of the plastic coated rivet in 3M body sealer before you put it in the hole. Will seal up anything.