Windshield Frame removal question

[robfg67]

I'm about to start an auto bodyrepair/full truck repaint project and I need to carefully remove the windshield frame and reinstall it after the paint job.

 

Has anyone done this before? Do I need a special tool? Worst case scenario-I can practice on Cherokees in the JY.

[fiatslug87]

They do make a trim removal tool, http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/prod ... val%2Ctool

I've used a 5-in-1 paint tool to get mine off. You have to feel for the clips then push them towards the inside of the window and pop off the trim.

[robfg67]

Would this flat bar work or does it need that arrow-shaped head? It is very thin.

 

http://www.hardwareandtools.com/invt/6470678?ref=gbase

[robfg67]

I just watched this YouTube video and now realize why the tool needs to hooked:

 

[Wildman]

That video shows a metal molding clip, the Jeep uses a plastic molding clip, like These

 

You can just "gently" pry off the molding, and re-use the clips, the plastic clips are locked into a "stud" around the glass and most are "stuck" into the urethane sealant.

 

Yes, This tool makes it easier, and you should be able to pick one up at a auto parts store.

[robfg67]

Wildman, I know this might be difficult to do in words, but what is the technique for removing the Jeep clips with that arrow-headed tool?

[Wildman]

If you start at the top, corner, and work from the glass to the metal, and slide the tool along, you'll feel the clip, and sliding the tool along, you'll un-hook the clip, once you get a couple loose, you can slide the molding off the rest of the clips, and then work down the sides, and the bottom last, also the bottom is 2 pieces. Once you get the "hook" of the job, the molding will come off real easy.

[Eagle]

Be careful. If you let the tool contact the glass and put pressure on the edge when twisting the tool to lift up the trim, you WILL crack the glass.

 

We won't discuss how I know this ...

[fiatslug87]

Don't twist the tool to lift off the molding, just rotate it (same plane as the glass) so the the clip "spreads" a little and unhooks from the molding.

[JeepcoMJ]

i just pull mine off and don't bend them.

 

I was born with the tools to do this.

[robfg67]

To do list:

 

1. Order correct tool

2. Practice on Cherokee at JY

3. Master the tool

4. Remove my windshield frame

 

Thanks again guys!

[mjeff87]

I just had the windscreen replaced in the wife's car (Subaru Legacy) by a local, owner-operator company this past weekend. The guy actually came to our house on Saturday and did the work in the driveway. We got to talking about the MJ, which has two chips in it that I've had sealed in lieu of replacement glass for fear of the molding clips. He said he could get the clips (was very familiar with them, I was impressed) in bags of about 150 each, if needed. He also suggested switching to the newer glass with the gasket (and eliminating the trim) out of later model XJ's.

 

If enough folks were interested, I could call him and order a bag of clips and we could split them up to whoever needed them.....

 

Jeff

[fiatslug87]

I just bought two bags of 24 each off eBay (not having to drive around to all the parts stores was worth it) and was just installing them this evening.

[Wildman]

I just checked the price on the clips, CP774711, and there $18 / Box of 100 (18 cents each) I don't know how that compares to the e-bay pricing.

 

Guest next time I place an order, I'll add a box to the list ;)

[robfg67]

Hey fiatslug87 & Wildman!

 

That tool was money. I practiced on a Cherokee at the JY in N. Billerica (thanks Twisty) last Saturday and grabbed some extra clips in case any of mine were toast.

 

The tool worked like a charm and well worth the money. I recommend it to anyone who needs to remove window trim.