Windshield trim question...

[Calfdemon]

I am torn on whether to put the chrome window trim back on my truck or go with the trimless rubber when I put my crew cab back together. I have always liked the black rubber look on my 72, but I will be running the bigger chrome west coast mirrors on the crew, and the trim it had looks pretty good with those mirrors.

I removed the trim and it is pretty much in perfect condition. My question is if I buy the window rubber with the groove, how hard is it to re-apply the trim? Is there a trick to it or a method that makes it easier? I can see it being a pain once the window is in to get the trim back in that groove, and if the trim gets damaged while trying to do it, then I have window rubber with a groove in it instead of the solid black rubber.

So is it worth re-using the trim or should I just go with the trimless rubber?

Thanks in advance...

[Calfdemon]

BUMP

There has to be someone here who has changed out their windshield rubber and put their trim back on, right? Anyone with any input on how easy or hard it is to deal with the trim?

Just waiting on ordering my new window rubber until I am better informed as to what Im getting into...

[BobbyFord]

I have not removed or installed windshield trim but I would probably use silicone spray to aid in the re-installation of the trim

[jthulan]

The chrome trim helps lock everything in place. I have installed both, the chromed surround is a little easier to install the glass as it is a little more "flexible". The last step is to install the actual chrome piece as it is seperate from the black rubber part. Use liberal amounts of windex. place rubber on glass and by using a platic [censored] spatula, or by using the "string method", install on flange of the truck. reapply windex and start with chrome trim. I find it easier to start center top and by slowly working the chrome under one of the lips until all the way around. Using a [censored] spatula (or wooden tool) work the other side of the chrome trim under the other lip. This locks everything in place. Work slowly and keep everything well lubed and it is not really that hard.

I hope this helps.


I apologize. I got to thinking and so I checked my records. The chrome trimed surround I did was from a different year and was smaller and designed differently.

[Calfdemon]

Thanks for the info so far...

My plan is to remove my windshield myself when I am ready to paint the truck. I already took the trim off which is perfectly straight, and the rubber is so old and rotted that it is pretty much just falling out.

Everyone has told me to have the front windshield professionally installed, so I will do that once I paint my truck. I am just worried about my ability to get the trim back on once the windshield is in. On one hand, it would be a lot easier to just get the trimless rubber and not have to worry about it, but on the other hand, it would be a shame to waste the perfect trim. I appreciate the info on re-installing the trim and I may just give it a shot. I just know that it is not the easiest thing to take off (I have done it twice now), so can only imagine how hard it will be to try and get that metal tab into the rubber groove properly. Because of this fear, I am still on the fence as to whether I should try or not.

As for the back window, I have done that numerous times and will just do that again myself. Its 2 person and piece of rope job.

[70_F100]

The front is installed just like the rear.

Put the gasket on the windshield, install the trim in the gasket, install the whole assembly at the same time.

[Calfdemon]

So you are saying to put the trim on the front window BEFORE it gets popped into place? I have been told to have the front window professionally installed due to it needing to me more weatherproof than the other windows and the need to use sealant. I was also told this because the front window is more fragile than the rear and has a higher chance of cracking or breaking.

But if it goes in the same way with soapy water and the rope to pull the rubber over the lip, then I am pretty sure I can do it myself. I have the windshield adhesive as well, so I guess I can give it a shot.

But to clarify, put the rubber on the glass, then put the trim in the rubber, and THEN put the window in the truck?

Thanks again for the input!!

[70_F100]

That's the way the guy installed mine about 6 years ago.

[terry1167]

I haven't had to install the trim into the gasket....yet, but plan to do so once I get my bump painted. However, I know that I have seen some threads that indicate that you should install the trim into the new gastket BEFORE installing the entire gasket into the windshield opening. Gdod luck and keep us posted on your success!

[forrestbump]

X's on installing the trim into the gasket BEFORE installing the windshield in your truck. With the windshield installed, the groove that holds the stainless trim is all but closed shut. You'll break or crack the windshield trying to install the trim after the fact.

[Doug Comer]

IMHO the trim MUST be installed in the trim and then the whole windshield installed, trim and all.
Doug

[hazelnut]

I installed the back window with trim in my truck and used the LMC rubber. Going to order rubbers from dennis carpenter before i install the front and replace the rear one.