Windshield replacement 2016+

[bloc]

Just had my front windshield replaced yesterday at glass America with my BYO OEM glass. The installer who was very experienced recommended that I purchase the oem top mounding, as he said the decorative piece fits way better. We didn’t have it, so he used his aftermarket moulding, which he had to manually tape on. I have one wavy area, but it is barely noticeable. The oem side moldings can be reused, and we were able to reuse everything under the rear view mirror which includes the cameras and rain sensor.

So basically the next time source OEM glass and that top moulding and you should be good.

What kind of trim did they put along the top on yours? If they use the bubble molding that protrudes above the glass and roof level, it might whistle on the freeway, even though it is round and seems aerodynamic enough. Ask me how I know.

The stock stuff is all recessed below the planes of the windshield panel and roof.

 

[Kieranz]

What kind of trim did they put along the top on yours? If they use the bubble molding that protrudes above the glass and roof level, it might whistle on the freeway, even though it is round and seems aerodynamic enough. Ask me how I know.

The stock stuff is all recessed below the planes of the windshield panel and roof.

Reveal aftermarket trim. It is fully recessed and doesn’t make any highway noise. Having an experienced installer is essential.

 

[VailMtnOG]

Reveal aftermarket trim. It is fully recessed and doesn’t make any highway noise. Having an experienced installer is essential.

Had my 21 HE windshield replaced Friday at Caliber in Castle Rock CO. Just noticed this morning that there is a small ‘gap’ at the top of the windshield. Would seem like this was something that had a trim piece installed, but for the life of me, can’t remember if there was a trim piece in this gap prior, or if this was how it was pre-replacement. Some pics attached. Would appreciate any pics of what you all think ‘right’ is. Frustrated that this might take yet another visit.

 

[Underdog]

Here's a pic of the top on mine. Im post #41 of this thread and had my window replaced back in May '23. Uniform all the way across and theres rubber that fills the void between glass and roof.

 

[Kieranz]

Had my 21 HE windshield replaced Friday at Caliber in Castle Rock CO. Just noticed this morning that there is a small ‘gap’ at the top of the windshield. Would seem like this was something that had a trim piece installed, but for the life of me, can’t remember if there was a trim piece in this gap prior, or if this was how it was pre-replacement. Some pics attached. Would appreciate any pics of what you all think ‘right’ is. Frustrated that this might take yet another visit.

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Had my 21 HE windshield replaced Friday at Caliber in Castle Rock CO. Just noticed this morning that there is a small ‘gap’ at the top of the windshield. Would seem like this was something that had a trim piece installed, but for the life of me, can’t remember if there was a trim piece in this gap prior, or if this was how it was pre-replacement.

just took a quick peek at both of my trucks. And I just noticed my black truck doesn’t have the moulding installed after replacement. That windshield was replaced 3 years ago and hasn’t had any issues. The white truck had it installed (aftermarket). I do recall the installer say that the moulding is purely cosmetic. And doesn’t impact any real weather sealing.

I don’t think they’ll be able to install the moulding after the fact. They’ll likely need to fully get new glass and reinstall the windshield. As I said, I didn’t even notice I was missing it on my black truck until just now.

 

[bloc]

@VailMtnOG they installed your panel too far down. Looks like the trim is there but because the panel is too low it isn't making good contact with the vehicle body to prevent stuff getting into the gap. I'd assume your VIN tag isn't centered in the little window to view it either.

I do recall the installer say that the moulding is purely cosmetic. And doesn’t impact any real weather sealing.

Technically it doesn't impact weather sealing directly, the urethane bead under the panel does that, but the rubber trim does keep organic matter out of the gap that would eventually decompose and lead to corrosion. Or salt spray from driving on roads where that's a thing.

If it weren't important for some reason toyota wouldn't have put it in there.

 

[TeCKis300]

I just got a new windshield on my '09 and asked the same question. This was with a new top seal. Looks like it's normal and as designed.

 

[VailMtnOG]

@VailMtnOG they installed your panel too far down. Looks like the trim is there but because the panel is too low it isn't making good contact with the vehicle body to prevent stuff getting into the gap. I'd assume your VIN tag isn't centered in the little window to view it either.

'Shonuff @bloc - VIN window is off by about half the width of the window. Which, if it was centered, would make the gap at the top look about right... <sigh>

Now - do I leave it, or bitch about it to the installer. If functionally fine, probably makes sense to live with it. Typically garaged, in dry climate (Denver) mainly, and little salt & little organic schmutz would get in the gap at the top. Thats the case for "just leave it."

But, now everytime I look at it, will bug me just a bit. Thats the case for "Fix it right.."

Thanks to everyone for help - and next time, a question to the installer SHOULD be, "Make sure its properly located so the VIN window is the same. If you don't, I will insist you do it again and correctly."

 

[bloc]

'Shonuff @bloc - VIN window is off by about half the width of the window. Which, if it was centered, would make the gap at the top look about right... <sigh>

Now - do I leave it, or bitch about it to the installer. If functionally fine, probably makes sense to live with it. Typically garaged, in dry climate (Denver) mainly, and little salt & little organic schmutz would get in the gap at the top. Thats the case for "just leave it."

But, now everytime I look at it, will bug me just a bit. Thats the case for "Fix it right.."

Thanks to everyone for help - and next time, a question to the installer SHOULD be, "Make sure its properly located so the VIN window is the same. If you don't, I will insist you do it again and correctly."

If it’s weather tight now, you know it’s at least not going to leak.

If the installer is salty that his poor work got noticed and had to redo the job, maybe in a rush or only caring about the things you pointed out as bad, you’re taking a risk it won’t be weather tight later.

Personally I’d leave it, and just put more work into hosing out that area when I wash it.