Could anyone tell me if the front and rear winshield weather stripping should be replaced before or after the body work and paint is done? Now that I got the engine bay and suspension done I feel like im on a roll and trying to get moving and have the car done by winter.
doing it before is a lot easier. just tape off the rubber and window. if you try to do it after you will probably scratch the paint. you may even want to put the chrome that surrounds the back window on too, most people have trouble with that.
I'd leave the chrome off. It's not worth the possibility of having to take 0000 steel wool to it later (experience speaking here.) You will spend HOURS trying to get it off.
Thanks guys, so I would have to take the chrome off then pull the window off and install the new weaterstripping? Is it tough to pull the winshield and rear window? what holds it in place, also how do you get the chrome off, I couldn;t get it off today.
Thanks guys, so I would have to take the chrome off then pull the window off and install the new weaterstripping? Is it tough to pull the winshield and rear window? what holds it in place, also how do you get the chrome off, I couldn;t get it off today.
Remove molding and check for rust, inspect gasket (rear only) and clean crud out. If gasket (rear) looks good and you don't have rust, then don't pull the windows.
You need the special window molding removal tool (try Napa) to slide under the molding and hold the clip open while you lift that section gently up. Then go to the next clip (finding each clip is a blind hunt and peck operation).
Note of caution: Be careful removing the rear window as replacements are not available.
To remove the rear window (from the outside) cut the gasket off with a utility knife following the perimeter of the window. (removal is the easy part on the rear window - installation is a bit tricky - I think oboe may have a write up on that part - plus I have to go to work)
The front window is held on with window adhesive (imagine rubber cement combined with tar). Remove with piano (I used guitar string) wire.
I'd let an auto glass shop remove the front and rear glass before the body work, so the window channels can be repaired, if necessary. The body shop can tape and paper the openings and you'll know that ALL the required body and paint was done. Then just take the car over to the glass shop and have the glass reinstalled. My local shop only charged $100 to remove both windows, the trim, store the glass and do the reinstall, and I provided the new seals and clips. The hassle factor alone was worth the $100 and its also a good opportunity to replace the headliner, if needed.