Trim at top of windscreen

[Si T]

The piece of trim at the top of my windscreen is hanging off (a pretty common problem I am told). Apparently, the windscreen needs to be taken out and one of the risks is that it breaks while being removed.

I have spoken to my insurance company (Admiral) and they say that it will be covered under the windscreen cover part of the policy even if it is in the course of being removed. This is good news and should cut the potential cost.

I was going to get a local garage to do the work (non TVR dealer/specialist). They have suggested that I get a new piece of trim. The existing trim is not in bad shape although the back of it is covered in the original glue plus additionasl glue that has been used in attempts to stick it back up in the past.

Does anyone know how easy it is to get hold of a replacement piece of trim? If so, how long does it take to arrive? I am keen to use the old piece if it will take a while to get a new bit as it looks rubbish at the moment and want to get it sorted in time for Le Mans. Will the old piece be ok?

[ads]

If the trim is not broken then it can be put back in without removing the windscreen. My local Autoglass done mine FOC.

[Si T]

Thanks for the advice. How bad had yours got when Autoglass fixed it? I only ask as mine has come away from the passanger side right across to just right of the rear view mirror. I am not sure how they would be able to hold in in place to re-glue it without removing the windscreen (the local garage has tried in the past but has quickly become unstuck again.

[Griffter]

Are you talking about the rubber sealing strip or the leather trim on the inside? The rubber strip is done with the windscreen in - at least mine was.

[Si T]

It is the leather(?) trim on the inside

[glassman]

Most windscreens have a trim, or moulding, fitted to the edge before (or after) installation; this varies from car to car.

Yes, technically, the windscreen should be removed to ensure the trim is fitted correctly and that the glass is in the right place. TVR Chimaeras have a goalpost rubber trim that lips over the frame that the windscreen is bonded to. It's not the cleverest of designs and the repalcement process is tricky, but, to promote a better purchase and fitting, as the rubber is fitted (after installing windscreen) a small amount of glue is applied to the inside of the rubber before it is pushed flush to the glass.

Provided the screen is correctly alligned, this seems like a simple case of cleaning the rubber and contact areas, reactivating any existing glue, preparing the rubber and re-applying some glue (polyurethane is best).

Fitting these windscreens is a job that most installers don't relish; removing and refitting exposes the installer to such risks of damaging the glass in some way, but this is dependent on the previous installation.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Paul.