MY PROCESS FOR
TOTALLLY ELIMINATING RUST-PROMOTING WINDSHIELD TRIM - NO CHROME NOR RUBBER TRIM THAT TRAPS MOISTURE AND DIRT.
FALL OF 2016:
Adhesive of previous replacement was not sticking to the spray paint- repaired surfaces. This time I did a thorough prep.
As you can see, the rusted spots are were clips for the stupid chrome trim trapped dirt and moisture. That is why I detest the chrome trim with a passion!
This time I used POR-15 Starter Kit:
I removed all finish and most rust on the pinch weld and its sidewalls with a steel-brush.
Steel brush does not completely remove loose (brown) rust (merely glazes over it and makes it seems like you had hit bare metal) so I used tiny grinding wheels (part of Dremel-style kit) that I attached to my drill. This removed all the loose, brown rust, and I was left with tiny spots of
grey metal where there was pitting. I think POR-15 would take care of sealing that.
I used POR degreaser and then Metal Prep, then applied 3 coats of POR-15 (waited for each coat to get tacky before applying next coat). I was too busy to take picture of the POR'ed pinch weld and wall, but here's one already with bead of Sika brand windshield adhesive on it...
A picture of bead being applied to bottom pinch weld. Bead is pretty thick so I hope that helps with sealing.
Glass now installed:
Adhesive squeeze-out completely fills underneath edge of the glass.
NEXT STEPS:
Prime the POR-treated area inside the gap, feather the POR and paint on the lip, then repaint.
FALL of 2020:
Adventures got in the way, so ALMOST 4 YEARS LATER (LOL!) I FINALLY HAD THE CHANCE TO FILL GAP AROUND THE WINDSHIELD WITH BLACK SILICONE.
Lessons Learned:
1) Paint the POR-15 as soon as cured to protect it from the elements, AND
2) When applying silicon sealant, squeegee it right away - before it forms a "skin"
See below.
POR-15 HAD DETERIORATED AND SOME EXPOSED METAL HAD RUSTED SO I HAD TO PREP AND PAINT THE
METAL AGAIN. I MASKED THE GLASS AND THE URETHANE ADHESIVE SO SILICONE WOULD BOND DIRECTLY TO IT.
POR-15 HAD DETERIORATED AND SOME EXPOSED METAL HAD RUSTED SO I HAD TO PREP AND PAINT THE
METAL AGAIN. I MASKED THE GLASS AND THE URETHANE ADHESIVE SO SILICONE WOULD BOND DIRECTLY TO IT.
POR-15 HAD DETERIORATED AND SOME EXPOSED METAL HAD RUSTED SO I HAD TO PREP AND PAINT THE
METAL AGAIN. I MASKED THE GLASS AND THE URETHANE ADHESIVE SO SILICONE WOULD BOND DIRECTLY TO IT.
Since there is no longer a trim to hold down / finish the rear edge of cowl cover I did the following: