RAD4Runner
Senior Member
Windshield Replacement and Trim Delete
The Problem:
See how much debris it collects?
Rust is worst around this clip (Perhaps because there is a thin gap between the clip and the body that traps water):
Clip above is near top corners and bottom corners:
For some reason, the areas near this type of clip are not as bad (as you can see, gap between this and body is bigger, less likely to trap water):
The clips on bottom that hold the trim look like this:
Note that white clip above does not touch windshield. On second thought this might actually hold the rear edge of cowl cover in place. Too late for me to check because I already threw this way, thinking it's for the chrome trim
... Oh well.
The windshield rests on two of this white clip below, so this is probably structural. Needed to keep windshield in position when installing:
Update 20140304:
Safelite has this kind of trim. Although I want to seal with silicone this type trim is good because it will protect edge of glass from accidental stresses. My glass cracked after I pulled chrome trim and dug clips out. BE CAREFUL!
Would install like this:
As you can see, probably needs to be installed on glass before glass is attached, therefore would only work If glass were removed (like in my case).
This is how I would fill gap with silicone:
Mark where 'flap" contacts body (around windshield).
Mask with masking tape for cleaner silicone coverage, and ease in removing of excess silicone.
Lift "flap/wing" up and out with finger, Inject silicone bead to fill all gaps.
Inject silicone to fill gap.
Or, to keep it simple although not pretty, cut wing/flap off with X-Axto knife, then fill gap with silicone.
Plan is getting more mature...
I want my windshield installed like a Corolla's rear window... No trim to retain moisture and catch debris. Easy to clean.
A trim attached only to edge of glass, but not touching body/paint like in sketch above ^^^ is still an option to protect glass edge from accidental stresses.
The Problem:
- Chrome trim collects debris, catches and retains water, and worse yet, saltwater from ocean sports equipment.
- Water prevented from draining or evaporation by being absorbed by debris and hidden behind the chrome trim soaks area around windshield. This hastens rusting, possibly by galvanic corrosion: 2 Different metals in an electrolyte (like saltwater or water with debris dissolved in it)
See how much debris it collects?
Rust is worst around this clip (Perhaps because there is a thin gap between the clip and the body that traps water):
Clip above is near top corners and bottom corners:
For some reason, the areas near this type of clip are not as bad (as you can see, gap between this and body is bigger, less likely to trap water):
The clips on bottom that hold the trim look like this:
Note that white clip above does not touch windshield. On second thought this might actually hold the rear edge of cowl cover in place. Too late for me to check because I already threw this way, thinking it's for the chrome trim
... Oh well.The windshield rests on two of this white clip below, so this is probably structural. Needed to keep windshield in position when installing:
Update 20140304:
Safelite has this kind of trim. Although I want to seal with silicone this type trim is good because it will protect edge of glass from accidental stresses. My glass cracked after I pulled chrome trim and dug clips out. BE CAREFUL!
Would install like this:
As you can see, probably needs to be installed on glass before glass is attached, therefore would only work If glass were removed (like in my case).
This is how I would fill gap with silicone:
Mark where 'flap" contacts body (around windshield).
Mask with masking tape for cleaner silicone coverage, and ease in removing of excess silicone.
Lift "flap/wing" up and out with finger, Inject silicone bead to fill all gaps.
Inject silicone to fill gap.
Or, to keep it simple although not pretty, cut wing/flap off with X-Axto knife, then fill gap with silicone.
Plan is getting more mature...
I want my windshield installed like a Corolla's rear window... No trim to retain moisture and catch debris. Easy to clean.
A trim attached only to edge of glass, but not touching body/paint like in sketch above ^^^ is still an option to protect glass edge from accidental stresses.
hoto:
