Cosmetic rubber interior windshield trim, How to install? Options

[drmitch]

Good morning,

I've purchased a replacement interior cosmetic rubber seal that goes along the bottom of the windshield. I'm told that it's a simple installation, not requiring the removal of the windshield or dash, and perhaps a thirty-minute project. THAT SAID...I'd love to get a step by step account of how to do it, rather than figure it out by trial and error. Tips on getting the old, cracked seal out? Tips on getting the new seal seated and centered?

SMC's site says "It is installed by cutting the ends so the seal is slightly longer and over-centering it." I have no idea what that means.

Any shared experience would be appreciated. Thanks.

Mitch

[Chris914n6]

Removal- if yours is like mine was it's hard, will snap, and make an exploding mess.
Get a hook or something in the pass side and pull. The seal has a steel backbone so it should all come out. Using the pic get the remaining seal bits unstuck from the windshield glue.

New seal- you want an extra inch or two in length as rubber shrinks with heat and age. Start at both ends and press in til you get to the center.

[drmitch]

Removal- if yours is like mine was it's hard, will snap, and make an exploding mess.
Get a hook or something in the pass side and pull. The seal has a steel backbone so it should all come out. Using the pic get the remaining seal bits unstuck from the windshield glue.

New seal- you want an extra inch or two in length as rubber shrinks with heat and age. Start at both ends and press in til you get to the center.

Thank you! There's no glue or sealant required, correct? Just push it in? And yes, I anticipate mine will be like yours. It's cracked in multiple spots, so probably hardened and brittle.

[SirAndy]

There's no glue or sealant required, correct? Just push it in? And yes, I anticipate mine will be like yours. It's cracked in multiple spots, so probably hardened and brittle.

No glue on mine, just your typical rubber with a metal insert that is pushed over a metal lip.

However, for me the only way to get a clean install was during my windshield replacement. I was not able to fit a new seal until the windshield was out of the car.
I'm sure someone out there had more luck doing this with the windshield still installed, but for me that didn't work. Luckily, my windshield was already due for replacement anyways.
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