How to get better fit of windshield trim

[Chris E.]

The windshield and exterior stainless trim just went back in my 67 convertible. The fit is not very good. From 10 feet away, it looks fine, but when you get up close to it, there is a gap between the glass/sealant and the stainless trim of roughly 1/8" tp 1/4". The gap is not consistent all the way around, but rather it ebbs and flows from almost flush all the way out to 1/4" in places.

Thoughts on how I can make that fit tighter? (short of just filling the gap with windshield sealant)

[Bill W.]

Re: How to get better fit of windshield trim

Chris, What year are we talking about? Bill

[Chris E.]

Re: How to get better fit of windshield trim

Sorry, 67 convertible.

[Bill W.]

Re: How to get better fit of windshield trim

Chris,
I am having the same problem on my '66 coupe, I think I have solved mine but what I did won't work on a conv. Good luck, Bill

[William G.]

Re: How to get better fit of windshield trim

Are you sure that you have the stainless trim inserted on the correct side of the clips? I had the same problem with my 66 roadster. I cleaned out the clips of old crud and sealant . I realized that it was very easy to try to insert the stainless trim on the wrong side of the clip ,and that will not work well at all.
Then I assumed that I wanted as much friction as possible when entering the clips while inserting the trim but out of desperation I tried using a silicon grease inside the clips and that allowed the trim to slide into the clips more easily. If the clips are in good shape the clips will hold well. It is just the opposite from what you would suspect but it worked for me.

[Doug F.]

Re: How to get better fit of windshield trim

as was mentioned clips are important, repos break really easy, i've had much better luck with old rusty originals, also you don't mention the type of windshield, i have had fits lately with new windshields being oversize and not allowing the trim to slid into position, i have had to grind about 1/16 to and 1/8 off of 4 of the last 5 i've installed, when grinding is necessary i call in my trusty windshield guy, it is very easy to break one doing this chore. windshield replacement is a very frustrating job at the best, almost impossible with ill fitting repo parts, good luck

[Chris E.]

Re: How to get better fit of windshield trim

I'll take a look at the clips again, thanks guys.

The glass is a new repop date correct piece, tinted.

[Stewart L.]

Re: How to get better fit of windshield trim

Try putting the lower center moulding on first then sliding the windshield and weatherstrip in. You can slide the clips on then screw them in. Leave the outer clips on the first notch for attaching the outer mlds. This way may work better for you. The tolerance diff in the repo clips, glass and weatherstrip can make this a difficult job

[Chris E.]

Re: How to get better fit of windshield trim

I'm a little hesitant to pull the glass back out at this point. I'm was hoping for a solution where I could adjust it somehow....We'll see. Maybe I'll just fill in the gap with windshield sealant and call it good.

If I get a deduction because of the gap, it should be small. Also, the number of days this car is going to see rain for the rest of its life are few and far between.