69 T-Top Roof Support Trim Removal

[Michael C.]

In this forum I've found much information on the topic of t-top support trim and windshield trim removal, but didn't find any specifically for the 69 (mine is a Sept version). Knowing that our cars can have many subtle (and not-so-subtle) production changes, I'd like to hear from some voices of experience or specific knowledge of a 69 (but all tips will be appreciated). I need to remove the center support trim to get it refinished (butchered by painter years ago).

Can someone tell me just what items need to be removed (and in what order) to free up the center trim? I already have the interior "plastic" pieces removed. Whether or not the two corner moldings need removal to access the center trim, I need to remove them to have them refinished or replaced. I know there are countless "hidden" clips or other fasteners and I don't want to destroy anything. The previous postings I've read frighten me with regard to cracking the windshield. Mine is the original and I sure don't want to injury it.

Thanks,
Mike

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 T-Top Roof Support Trim Removal

Hi Mike,
I'll reply based on my experience with the trim on my 71. I believe much of it will apply to your 69 too.
There are 6 horizontal trim components; (2 chrome plated windshield header corner castings, 2 chrome plated halo castings, the large T shaped stainless steel trim piece (I believe it was flash chromed over the polished stainless), and the long thin piece of stainless steel trim right at the top of the windshield).
There are also 4 vertical components; each a-pillar has a black painted weather strip retainer and a piece of stainless windshield trim.
In order to remove the large T shaped piece of trim the long thin piece of trim must first be removed. The windshield header corner castings and the halo castings can remain in place. The rub is that if the trim was installed correctly the ends of the long thin piece are concealed/trapped under the tops of the vertical pieces. So the a-pillar trim needs to come off before the large piece can be removed.
I wouldn't attempt to do this without studying the appropriate pages in the 69 Assembly Instruction Manual first. The right pages will show you where the screws, rivets, and clips are all located.
The caution about damaging the glass comes into play when the windshield header corner castings are removed. There are 2 screws on each casting that the top of the windshield glass partially conceal. When people try to get at those screws with the glass in place the shaft of the screwdriver can too easily 'nick' the edge of the glass which can start a crack. It REALLY happens.
Do you have a 69 Assembly Manual to look at?
Regards,
Alan

[Michael C.]

Re: 69 T-Top Roof Support Trim Removal

Alan,
Thanks a bunch for the detailed info. I do have the 69 AIM. I did look at it, but I didn't find it especially helpful with regard to the necessary order of steps. You've helped clear that up.

Tuesday I'm leaving (from south La.) for Corvettes at Carlisle (via Bowling Green) and was hoping to be able to remove the parts so I could drop them off at a Tenn. refinishing shop. You've confirmed I should wait until I have lots of time.
Mike

[Michael D.]

Re: 69 T-Top Roof Support Trim Removal

...69 (mine is a Sept version)...

Keep in mind, the 1969 model year included two Septembers: 1968 and 1969.

[Michael C.]

Re: 69 T-Top Roof Support Trim Removal

Thanks Michael, I wasn't aware of that. Mine was completed on 9/7/69.