Junkyard tips

[Steve Cole]

Going to the junkyard, what is the easiest/safest way to remove windshield stainless trim?

Thanks

[BlueBullet]

Good sharp utility knife. Cut rubber pop window out and remove trim. Not sure otherwise if you can remove window.

[Grumpy old man]

sit on the seat , place both feet on top edge of windshield and push , wear safety glasses and gloves ,yes it will crack the glass work your way around the edge and it will push out . this is the reason they stopped flip forward seats without some type of latch and changed to a glue in windshield in 73 . people were getting launched thru the windshield in a crash. it used to happen a lot .

[ls1nova71]

Cut the gasket on the inside of the truck, then push the windshield out. Just pushing the windshield out without cutting the gasket is asking for the trim to get bent.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure they didn't start gluing windshields in trucks until '88 or so.....

[Ironangel]

If you want to save the windshield, and I would...Cut the gasket on the inside and push the glass out gently. Once the windshield is out, remove the gasket and trim, piece of cake. Windshield cracked already, same method minus the "gently"...

[davepl]

I popped mine out of my own truck (trying not to scratch anything) but cutting the rubber. There's no rush, cut it well. Cut away from yourself. don't pull hard on a razor knife that's pointed at your chest :-)

[truckster]

Originally Posted by ls1nova71

Cut the gasket on the inside of the truck, then push the windshield out. Just pushing the windshield out without cutting the gasket is asking for the trim to get bent.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure they didn't start gluing windshields in trucks until '88 or so.....

You're mostly correct. The 73-87 models used a two-part rubber gasket, that consisted of a rubber gasket and a locking strip; the locking strip was often covered in chrome-colored Mylar. In the mid-80s GM began using urethane in conjunction with the rubber gasket to meet new FMVSS requirements. Those are still relatively easy to remove, but require that you break the urethane bond with a hook tool before attempting to remove the windshield.

I agree that cutting the gasket near its bend on the pinchweld is the best way to remove the windshield and trim without damaging either.

[mike16]

if you want the trim then focus on that, often times you must sacrifice one to get the other. the gasket is done for son. with plenty of sharp blades, cut away the rubber and soak everything with liquid dish washing soap. who know? you may get lucky and save the windshield. but you still got to get it out of the yard, get it home and store it.

Betwix cup and lip lies many a slip