Windshield Trim Question (1 Viewer)

[costalcat]

So I did a ton of searches here and on google and got a ton of information but I am still not getting one thing so I wanted to ask...

A few weeks back I started getting this rattle or noise that would come and go. I tracked it down to the driver side windshield trim. From the reading i have done I am guessing that the windshield was replaced by the PO. The job seems well done as i have no leaks or wind noise BUT there are definitely screws vs rivets in this piece of molding. I can feel them loose and backing out but I can't see them due to this piece of black rubber that runs over top of them.

I am just trying to figure out how to peel back that rubber so that I can either tighten these screws, replace them, or somehow address this rattle and potential leaking area..

everything i have read or seen assume one is replacing the windshield, I can't figured out how to get this piece of rubber off so I can get to the screws.. seems like it would be straightforward but I cant for the life of me figure how to do without ripping the rubber to get to those screws... errrrrrr

Does this makes sense? I can send a picture tomorrow in the daylight if necessary

 

[TXLX100]

It's a flat piece of trim that snaps into the bigger molding to cover the rivets. I'd try a plastic trim tool and start working it loose from the top or bottom.

 

[costalcat]

It's a flat piece of trim that snaps into the bigger molding to cover the rivets. I'd try a plastic trim tool and start working it loose from the top or bottom.

Thanks I will try it first thing tomorrow.

 

[bctlex]

It's a flat piece of trim that snaps into the bigger molding to cover the rivets. I'd try a plastic trim tool and start working it loose from the top or bottom.

@TXLX100 Thank you. I keep thinking that something is really wrong with the windshield because the gap seems to be too big. I definitely missing this plastic piece because I can see the rivets. I been looking at local dealers, hoping to see another LC so I can compare the windshield trim.

I hope this trim isnt too expensive. I keep finding "things" that need to be fixed

 

[TXLX100]

What gap are you referencing? The a-pillar molding on the windshield should fit snug down to the glass, but it does have a gap so that the rivets can be accessed. This is what it should look like:

 

[costalcat]

It's a flat piece of trim that snaps into the bigger molding to cover the rivets. I'd try a plastic trim tool and start working it loose from the top or bottom.

Thanks that helped . I was able to get that peice off. I definitely have screws and more than likely some rust developing underneath thus the reason the screws are backing out. I hand tightened them clean the channel sprayed some fluid film on the rusty heads and I'm going to silicon them for the time being. Is that entire piece removable do you know? Can I take it out address the issue underneath and reinstall with rivits or bigger screws? Definitely seems like something to address sooner rather than later....
Thanks again....

 

[bctlex]

What gap are you referencing? The a-pillar molding on the windshield should fit snug down to the glass, but it does have a gap so that the rivets can be accessed.

Found this image on internet, I believe I am missing piece no 3. Based on what you said, there should be a piece that is covering the rivets. On mine, I can see the rivets.

 

[TXLX100]

Thanks that helped . I was able to get that peice off. I definitely have screws and more than likely some rust developing underneath thus the reason the screws are backing out. I hand tightened them clean the channel sprayed some fluid film on the rusty heads and I'm going to silicon them for the time being. Is that entire piece removable do you know? Can I take it out address the issue underneath and reinstall with rivits or bigger screws? Definitely seems like something to address sooner rather than later....
Thanks again....

Yeah, I'd address sooner than later. I'd remove the screws (and don't reinstall) and molding and see what you are dealing with. You may have to go with some bigger rivets if the holes have been reamed out at all.

Found this image on internet, I believe I am missing piece no 3. Based on what you said, there should be a piece that is covering the rivets. On mine, I can see the rivets.

View attachment 1075815

Yeah, that looks like the piece that rides in the channel of the big molding, and covers the rivets.

 

[costalcat]

@TXLX100 Thanks for the information.

I was not able to get the entire trim piece off this week and since it is not in a garage I didn't want to get it half done. As a temporary measure I was able to pull all of the self tapping screws. Clean it up, shot some fluid film in the holes and let that dry sitting in the sun. Then I put some marine silicon around each hole and put in a stainless 10-32 machine screw. This snugged up well in all but one hole. It definitely is not rattling or moving at all now and should hold up temporarily. At this point I do have a small crack from a recent rock so I think I will get some time from my buddies shop and have the windshield pulled. While I have it inside I will deal with both side as I'm sure the other side was done the same way. Then I can have an installer come put a new one in.

If I go that route is there a list of parts that I can order or do I reuse the those pieces? Should I order an OEM gasket and such or just let the installer bring all of that?

Thanks again .....