How do you remove the metal pieces surrounding the windshield?  Just take out the screws and pry them off?  Mine looks like it has never been off and I want to check the rust situation.  Got the interior trim pieces off and the side weatherstrip.  Kind of afraid to pry too hard as dont want to damage these valuable and visible pieces or break the windshield.  Can the header piece be removed without removing the glass?  None of this is in the Haynes manual.  Need to remove the sides, corners and header.  71 'vert.

Thanks

Neil

Neil,

I just replaced my windshield (twice due to a crack) and there is a definite system! First remove the weather stripping on the windshield sidepost. This can be done by putting a soapy solution down inside between the post and stripping from the top. If these are in good shape, carefully work them loose from the bottom to the top. They should slide out!   Once removed, you will see 3 screws holding the aluminum casing to the post, undo the screws, then starting from the top, use a wide screwdriver or crowbar and gently separate. You will see it’s actually two pieces per side. One holds the weather stripping and the other is the trim. Be careful not to hit the edge of the glass as this could cause damage to the windshield.

You’re right; if this has never been removed it will most likely have old sealer material all over it. I found “goof-off” removed most of it, a good buffing and it will shine like new.

As for the top trim, this is held in place by a series of tabs across the top front of the windshield. Starting at the top edge, gently move across the front separating the trim with a large flat screwdriver or wide crowbar.

I cleaned off the post, even sprayed with black – rust o’leum paint to prevent rust. I did not put any silicone on the trim when I installed it as I don’t plan to do a lot of driving in the rain…

Good luck, let me know if you have any questions!!!!!

Steve -

Thanks for your reply.  Got all the side pieces off.  What is the trick to getting the corners off?  I have mine loose enough to wiggle but it still wont come off.

The bad news is rust all down the left side pillar.  Might be just surface rust but it does not look good.

Thanks again
Neil

Neil,

 Are you trying to remove the chrome header molding or just the trim around the windshield?

If you are trying top remove  the header molding, there are Philips head screws in the front edge of the chrome corner pieces just above the windshield edge looking from the front (can't remember if one or two). They will most likely be covered with windshield sealant or  header mastic. Be careful as mine were so close to the windshield I cracked it. I have some pics that i may be able to show more detail if needed.

If you want to check for rust, when you remove the inside header molding you will be able to see 99% of any major damage to that area. As the water will lay in the header channel if not properly sealed, and eventually rust thru. Seems this is a big problem with them. There are replacement parts avail. if needed. Mine was p[retty bad but was able to salvage it. Just take your time. Don't ruin the chrome header molding as it's very $$$$. Get those front hard to see screws out and it will come off.

Good Luck

 

Ray

2 cruzn38509.4760069444

Neil also forgot to mention the three chrome pieces on top do kind of interlock (the corner pieces slide into the center piece).

Got the front strip and header trim off.  Top of the winshield frame is slightly rusty but looks salvageable. Right side frame is not too bad either but still need to check under the corners.  Left side is a mess.   How on earth do you get the 2 screws out on the front of the corner piece without removing the glass?  I think I have seen a 90 flat screwdriver somewhere but of coarse don't have one around when I need it.  I might be able to cut the heads off with a dremel.

It looks to me like I will have to remove the glass anyway.  Did you use wire and saw it off?

Thanks
Neil

If you have much rust you may have to pull the windshield, as that is a vulneraable spot to rust and it sounds like you have a bit of it. Is the seal between the  header and the glass a good one. Once I got into mine I had to pull the windshield, which was 10 years old and needed replacement anyway, so I did. Then I was able to do a better job of repairing the rust. Those screws are nearly impossible especially if the windshield is up high. I do know that one touch with the screwdriver blade and it will crack easily. Can't remember if you could turn it with a needle nose plier. They are not very long but they do thread into the chrome.

I cut out the top and sides with a long knife blade I did use the wire method on the bottom but need to be sure and protect the dash , especially in the bottom corners and making the turn . If there is only one bead of butyl along the bottom it won't be bad, but I have heard of some installers putting 2 beads.

There are other threads on this subject, especially about sealing the header chrome after you finish. I will admit I had a professional come and put the windshield back.. he charged me $45 so I figure it was worth it. Of course he wouldn't guarantee the glass because I had that, just the installation against leakage.

Glass is coming out.  I have the top and sides already cut.  I need to remove the wiper door and cut the bottum w a wire.  Lot of rust coming out while sawing so I am expecting the worst.  No way to remove those corner trim screws w/o taking out the glass. 

I have decided birdcage rust is like the prostate cancer of corvettes - everybody gets it eventually, nobody wants to check for it and its a PITA to fix.

Thanks for the input.

Neil

I have heard the same... and i was lucky, mine was repairable... maybe you will have some luck too... good luck...