I'm in the midst of doing a bit of rust removal around the windshield of my 4Runner before it goes in for a bit of paint work. I have a few pics to show what I'm referring to.

I got the trim pieces off OK, but am wondering if the clips are supposed to have stayed with the trim or not? Some of the clips are stuck in beside the window channels with sealant, others came off with the trim....







Anyone know the right way the clips and trim are supposed to be removed and reinstalled? I searched the FSM and it only gives a general explanation. Can I just reinstall the clips with more sealant, install the trim, and call it done?

Thanks.

 

I had my 93 4runner front windshield replaced recently, and they installed a completely new upper molding along with it. They said that was the only way to do it.

 

To do it right, remove the windshield, fix the rust, then replace the windshield.

:wabbit2:

 

Thanks for the responses so far!

I should note that I haven't removed the upper molding, as I read a few other posts that noted it's a non-reusable part. Maybe I should have framed my previous questions differently: Is it possible to reinstall the moldings and clips without having to replace the windshield and/or sealant?

I'd love to pop out the windshield to fix everything right- cut out metal and weld in new stuff, etc., but right now, time and money are dictating otherwise.

Basically I'm looking at a good windshield, moldings and clips- and wanting to get rid of 2 unsightly rust spots. If it holds up for a few more years while I save up for a newer 4Runner, I'll be a happy camper!

 

By the looks of pic's I wouldn't take the chance. I'd reseal it, especially if your going to paint it. You don't want to do it twice.

 

Agreed, all sorts of ugliness hides beneath the window rubbers. If it's going in for paint, do it right the first time and pull the windshield.