I am trying to replace those clips that hold the chrome trim around the front windshield and backglass. A couple are still in, but most have rotted off. Is it necessary to remove the windows to reinstall these clips. They are currently held in with screws, and it seems that I cannot get to them unless the glass is off. Is there an easier way to change these clips? And, if I need to remove the glass, do I just pull out all the nasty looking stuff around the black gasket?

 

Youwouldneed to remove the glass to replace a lot of them.

 

I was wondering the other day how to take the trim around the windows off then put it back on?

Have some touch up painting that I would like to do that would require removing the chrome trim.

 

VERY Freakin' carefully, that's how.

I can't imagine how I'm going to explain this.....

The trim gets "pried off". Preferably with a prying device that will spread the load over a larger area.... such as a 1" putty knife.... you wouldn't want to use a screwdriver as you'd likely damage the stainless steel trim. Once one piece is removed, the others become easier. Once you've done it a few times, the process becomes much simpler. If you've never done it before, I strongly recommend that you take your time and don't get frustrated.

The trim obviously has to be removed to remove the glass. The clips should be held onto the car from the factory with "studs". These studs sometimes break/rot off and screws are used as replacements. The glass would needto be removed to replace these clips.

Dave

 

I had the toughest time getting mine off, in fact one piece is still on. I had to gently pry the stainless trim up and use the tool that is supposed to make it easier. There was so much sealant that the tool could not be used the normal way.

Watch out for that sealant, it is messy as all dog $hit. Also, be careful not to track it into the house, unless you have a very forgiving wife or are single.

 

Do I just dig out the old sealant, and then the glass comes out? or are there other screws or hidden fasteners?

 

There should be a black rubber weatherstrip channel surrounding the glass. This channel, along with the sealant, seals the glass to the cars pinchweld opening. You normally would not want to re-use this $20 seal, so it's easier to remove the glass by cuttingthe outer lip off of the old channel. Once the outer lip is removed, it's just a matter of slowly working the glass loose from the rest of the channel/sealant.

Dave

 

IMO the repro clips that are sold today are not as firm and springy as the originals, and have a harder time grabbing and holding the trim. I had new repro clips from NPD and Mustangs Unlimited and ended up reusing the 36 or so original ones that came off the car. I've seen NOS clips on eBay though.