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Removing Window Trim

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 3:34 pm
by LastCat
Hello,

I am in the process of painting my 93 AWD. I was wondering if anyone would have a few tips for removing the rear side window rubber trim, (the outside Trim around the Glass) see pic below.

I know I could tape around the trim, but I rather spend the time and remove the trim for a cleaner finish, to the paint job. No matter how hard you try, seems paint gets on the trim or it builds up around the edges. I rather remove it.

You guys have any tips? I was hoping just use a razor blade against the glass and try and cut the trim off, then after painting, just glue it back on, using fast set window sealer.

Is the trim a flat piece, or is it more of a "T" shape?

Thanks
Lastcat

Image

Re: Removing Window Trim

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 3:42 pm
by dunedog
remove the window and trim......the tricks are in getting it back in.
See if someone at a local bodyshop will give you some insight.

Re: Removing Window Trim

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 7:53 pm
by LastCat
dunedog wrote:remove the window and trim......the tricks are in getting it back in.
See if someone at a local bodyshop will give you some insight.
Oh thanks 8-[ . Now all I have to do is remove the window and trim. What about just the trim? Would you have a "How To"?

Don't really want to ask someone at a local body shop. Hoping someone here has BTDT. Anyone?

Bueller?.... Bueller?

LC

Re: Removing Window Trim

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 4:23 am
by dunedog
The trim is what holds the window in. It's a single molded piece of rubber.To remove it you HAVE to remove the window.

Re: Removing Window Trim

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 8:20 am
by Rebel
The trim is what holds the window in. It's a single molded piece of rubber.To remove it you HAVE to remove the window.
This could be possible on later models but not the case with my 89. You can't remove the trim wihtout destroying it. Guess it would be possible to cut and glue back on. After you cut with razor, glass is glued in just as your windshield is and requires some time to remove enough adhesive to remove glass. I have removed several pieces of side glass to install flipouts and broke the glass every time I tried to get it out. Of course, I was in a hurry and had no plans to use the glass I was removing so it may be possible to get it out in one piece. To do this you'll probably need a steel wire pushed thorugh adhesive after removing outside surface of trim and then work that wire around glass edge seperating glass from adhesvie.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Re: Removing Window Trim

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 8:30 am
by Logan
My window got busted and I went to a couple "you-pick-it" yards and was absolutely unable to get one out on my own. I ended up going to a "they pick it" yard and the guy actually went from the inside with a torch and melted the sealant from the inside out. The rubber actually us "U' shaped around the window edge. No damage to the rubber or the window. I'm sure there's an easier way though. Check with a Glass Company in your town.

Re: Removing Window Trim

Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 10:51 am
by LastCat
Thanks for the help, guys.

Lots of great info here. U shaped sounds about right. The torch and heat the sealant sounds like a great trick. It comes down to less hassle, by just leaving the window in, and I guess I am going to have to tape around the outside seal, and hope for the best.

Thanks again, I very much appreciate the help. :cheers:

Lastcat

Re: Removing Window Trim

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 4:25 am
by Mr Singh
Might find myself in a similar position soon..

Though i can't get access to the inside of the glass as there is a huge stereo in place and theres no access to the back of the glass.

I simply need to pop the side windows out.. guessing its going to need new rubbers for sure then?