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.

The metal "backbone" remains, after digging out all of the old rubber, correct? And the new rubber clips onto that backbone?

I've got all of the old rubber out and I did take pics of the process, which I'll post when finished.

[SirAndy]

The metal "backbone" remains, after digging out all of the old rubber, correct? And the new rubber clips onto that backbone?

I've got all of the old rubber out and I did take pics of the process, which I'll post when finished.

The original seal should have had a metal insert embedded that clamps to the metal lip on the chassis.
After removing the old seal, all you should see a body painted metal lip the new seal will be fitted to.
The new seal should also have a metal insert embedded. It might not be visible but you should be able to feel it. If the new seal is all floppy and rubbery, it doesn't have the correct metal insert.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[drmitch]

The metal "backbone" remains, after digging out all of the old rubber, correct? And the new rubber clips onto that backbone?

I've got all of the old rubber out and I did take pics of the process, which I'll post when finished.

The original seal should have had a metal insert embedded that clamps to the metal lip on the chassis.
After removing the old seal, all you should see a body painted metal lip the new seal will be fitted to.
The new seal should also have a metal insert embedded. It might not be visible but you should be able to feel it. If the new seal is all floppy and rubbery, it doesn't have the correct metal insert.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

914Rubber's description: New reproduction of the seal that covers the gap between the windshield and dash pad vinyl. This part has been made out of a stiffer material which does not require a steel internal structure to stay in place. This can be installed without removing the windshield. 1 required per car.