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Topic: Windshield and Rear Window Trim restore - DIY?? (Read 1213 times) previous topic - next topic

Windshield and Rear Window Trim restore - DIY??

Hey everybody - I've been searching for info on removing/repainting the metal trim that goes around the windshield and rear windows of my '87 Cougar, but haven't found anything.  Mine are still in great shape, but the black paint is just starting to come off/fade, so it just needs sprayed.  I asked a small town body guy about it once, and he said he wouldn't touch it - he would rather have a glass guy do it to be sure that the trim didn't get bent up in removal.  I was thinking about removing the trim myself and just spray-painting it, but this encounter has me worried that I'll bend it all up in the process.

Has anyone removed/replaced this metal trim?  Were you able to keep from bending/kinking it in the process?  Did you purchase any special tools that helped?  Or would I just be better off leaving this job to the professionals?

Thanks!

Windshield and Rear Window Trim restore - DIY??

Reply #1 –
I was afraid of removing the trim as well. What I did, was painstakingly mask around all the pieces with green masking tape wiped down the trim with lacquer thinner and apply SIM trim paint. The result was impressive especially since my trim was stainless to start with.  Since your trim is already black, you would have no problem.
84 COUGAR/90 HO, 1.7RRs, performer RPM,700DP, equal length shorties, stainless EXH ,T-5,Hurst pro-billet, KC clutch, 8.8/ 4.10s, line-lok, bla ,bla, bla.
71 COMET/289,351w heads, 12.5 TRWs, 750DP, Liberty TL, 9"/6.00s, 11.9x @112 , bla,bla,bla.

Never shoot your mouth off, unless your brain is loaded! ....I may get older, but I'll never grow up!....If you're not laughing, you're not living!  :laughing:

Windshield and Rear Window Trim restore - DIY??

Reply #2 –
^ This. It's a pain but it's worth the effort if you don't want to remove the trim.

Otherwise, an auto glass repair shop should be able to pop the trim pieces out for you, for minimal charge. Same for reinstalling them. There is a special removal tool that's kinda scary to use...that's why I always let the glass shop do the removal for me.

Windshield and Rear Window Trim restore - DIY??

Reply #3 –
In a few weeks my Thunderbird is getting painted. The window trim is the one trim item I'm letting the body shop remove. I don't want to screw the pieces up as they are pretty much made of unobtanium now.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.