windshield molding removal

[FB71]

Does anyone know how to remove the windshield molding without breaking the clips?

[bravekozak]

broken widshield

I replaced my broken windshield right on my driveway using good old resin impegnated butyl tape. But first, I had to get the trim off without damaging it or the clips. You must know where to position the tool on the clip to get it to release without breaking, It's an art. Practise at the junkyard first, and take off a few spares. If you don't want to break any in the future, then don't use urethane in a tube. Use windshield tape like I did. Good luck.

[FB71]

That's why I asked if anyone had any advise. I currently do not have time to get to a junkyard to practice. I need to remove the molding to paint properly.

Also, what tool did you use?

[bravekozak]

trim tool

This is what the tool looks like.

http://www.bwbronze.com/festiva/trim_tool.jpg

You need something like this made out of spring steel with a handle. The aluminum mouldings are very soft and will bend easily if you are not careful. Okay, so you don't have to go to a junkyard to practice. You can practice taking the trim off of any car on the street. Just don't get caught.

[CharlieZ]

When removing the windshield, after the trim, a.k.a reveal, is removed with a proper tool, do the clips come out before the glass or, are they hooked to the glass? My first attempt at the JY I broke all the clips before I broke the glass. The shop manual isn't clear on this and I don't know a glass man.
Thanks

[gottafesty]

FB71, you can get them at Carquest for 50 cents apiece or something like that. Just tell them you need the clips for a Mazda. The guy at the Carquest here just brought out a book of trim clips and we found it on the Mazda page. I never could get them out without breaking them. pm sent.

[bravekozak]

usually before

Unless the glass has slid down, pushing the tape onto the clips, or the window was replaced using urethane and getting it all over the clips, the clips should be free to snap into the groove of the rollformed moulding. Too bad you broke the tempered glass. Like I said before, it takes a lot of feel and some knowledge to do this delicate job properly.
Were you able to buy more clips at the dealership? They get brittle with time.

[TONYCASH]

I just had my winshield installed(new $150.00 installed) last week .Watched the guy do it all in 20 mins.He took the top corners off first,then pried on each side a little and slid his removal tool down each side.He looked down under the top edge that was lifted and positioned the tool where the clips were.This is all I know.Also,a BRAND NEW windshield on my 93 looks SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good.!!!!!Now the rest of the car has to catch up.

[FestYboy]

should have said something to me about that when i was down, could have had them off for you in a few minutes... i've had practice :p

[Safety Guy]

Ah, I'll need a new windshield for Twin soon. BIG crack up the middle. I bought a used replacement for $15 but it has a little crack in one corner which does not suit a fine low miles Festiva like Twin, so I guess I'll go new.

If $150 or so is an average price I'll have someone do it while I watch. Maybe the next replacement will be my job then.

Karl

[m715]

Windshield replacement is bargain basement right now. By the time you purchase all the material needed to do the job right, you can have one installed for you. I could rant on about that but....... BTW, make sure that your windshield is installed with a high quality uretane system. This glues the whole shell assembly together, and it makes a GREAT deal of difference!

Michael
GlassTech/Manager
24 Yrs in the business

[FB71]

thanks guys! I'll be starting paint on Snot soon, and I need to remove the molding to do a proper job, but didn't want to destroy anything I couldn't get replacements for. I think I've got it figured out, now. Thanks again!

[jglutz]

Jim...AZ....Parts America...Advance....sell a clip removal tool in the HELP brand section.
Slide it under the molding and drag along you feel a clip...Once engaged...a little tug and the clip and molding pop up....once all of the clips are popped up the molding will pull out. Take a close look...I'm not sure of the festiva...but typically the topp comes off first...then the sides...then the bottom.

The moldings bend...crease..very easily...be careful. The back of the HELP Blister pack has an illustration.

To secure the paint....try to remove as much of the urethane goop as possible...paint...and put some more goop over the paint to seal the edge of the paint. I will go look for my tool and post a pict.

[jglutz]

Found the tool...could not find the camera...this is an online pict of what I have...worked for me.



Might be one here on your way home.
http://http://tinyurl.com/5jfjqu

[festivaWES]

I have one of those too, but a perfer the 'ol hook tool or hose removal tool. The clips can still be bought new I'll dig some out tommorrow morning and post part number from o'rielleys. And yes use only eurathane, not buytl. On a hot day you could push the windshield out with your feet from the drivers seat. That the reasoning they changed to eurathane back in the 80's because of front crashes with ejected passengers.

Update to those who need a windshield at cost, i'm re-opening my side windshield job this friday. I should have my federal/state ID numbers so i can open a account at the local glass supplier. I was in Rockford, Ill for that wedding last week. If i would have ad it then, i would of bought 5-6 and left them with Kemp or Doug to dispurse of them. But my vacation is coming up on September and i was think of taking a couple days of to go to OH/ Ill area. that month.