68 windshield trim

[Jim M.]

I just installed the upper windshield reveal molding and t-top trim.
Is there suppose to be sealant between the two?
Also I notice that the windshield molding does not fit tight to the windshield. It is about a 1/4 inch off the windshield.
I would appreciate any suggestions.

[Alan S.]

Re: 68 windshield trim

Hi Jim,
There was a thread about the sealer, or lack of, between the W/S upper reveal molding and the Support reveal molding, back around July 22nd-23rd of this year. Lots of discussion about it's existence and color. I voted 'yes' and 'silver'.
My 71 AIM, UPC1, Sheet F9, view A, shows the reveal molding against ,or very close to against, the windshield. Do you have a new windshield? I think there is some variation in the thickness of the new glass and also just how it was installed could affect the reveal. If your windshield is the original I'd think the trim should be almost tight.
Regards,
Alan

[Dave F.]

Re: 68 windshield trim

I've got this installation coming up myself and was wondering the same thing. Here's a link to the thread Alan mentioned previously: https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...62285&uid=1662

[Alan S.]

Re: 68 windshield trim

Thanks Dave!
How come I don't know how to do that? Oh, now I remember why.
Regards,
Alan

[Jim M.]

Re: 68 windshield trim

Alan
Interesting thread on the variations of caulk used on the trim. I used alot of the 3M strip caulk on the underside of the trim similar to the factory. I was concerned with the gap I had between the two trims. I was a auction and notice a 69 coupe that was fully restored by a shop and they had clear silicone between the two. I knew that was incorrect and also it look like a Bubba job. I replaced the windshield with a dated coded replacement. The upper right side trim fits snug and the upper left side has a gap about 3/16. The vertical trim on the A pillars fit snug.
Jim

[Alan S.]

Re: 68 windshield trim

Hi Jim,
I was able to save some of the 'sealer' from the header trim on my 71 Coupe. Some have called it gray but I call it silver. My car only spent about 1 1/2 years in normal use. It then slept away the years, covered, in a garage. So I think the sealer held up very well. I matched the color to a 'tube' of fabric paint from the crafts store. It's the consistency of a thin caulk and my tests have indicated it will be a good match for the original. My car has been finished for a few years but the header trim isn't on therefore the reveal molding isn't on either. Why is the header trim not on you ask??? I believe my original SS trim was flash chromed so it would MATCH the 4 pot-metal,chrome plated, trim pieces it fastens to. 2 on the windshield header and 2 on the hoop. It's proved DIFFICULT to find someone to polish and then chrome plate it.!
My wife said it's time to eat... I'll be back to think about your trim gap.
Regards,
Alan

[Jim T.]

Re: 68 windshield trim

Jim my original windshield molding has never been removed on my 68 convertible and fits against the windshield except for about the last 6 inches at the corners. It is close in the corners but not touching like the rest of the trim.
My 68 convertible has black sealant between the windshield trim and the chrome header. The middle area is such a tight fit of the windshield trim against the chrome header, I don't see any sealant. The corners have a gap.
My 70 coupe's windshield has been replaced. I also replaced the upper header and both corners of the windshield frame. I don't remember if the windshield installer replaced my top piece of windshield stainless trip or I did it. However, I just inspected it like I did on my 68 and the 70's windshield top trim does not contact the windshield glass like the 68. The gap is small enough that the windshield trim can be pushed down to touch the glass.
On my 70 I used 3M strip chaulk to fill the gap between the chrome header and the windshield trim. After forming the strip chaulk sealant in the channel like I wanted it to look, I masked off the new installed sealant and painted it with semi-flat Krylon to keep the dirt off of it. Still looks good 18 years later.

[Jim M.]

Re: 68 windshield trim

Jim thanks for the hint on the sealant in between the trim. That was what I had planned but was not sure on the looks. I guess I am to fussy on the fit of the trim on the windshield. I have to stand back once in a while and remind myself that it is a 1968.

[Dave F.]

Re: 68 windshield trim

Jim,

My '68 sealant was also black, same as Jim Trekell described his. When I reinstall I will post what gaps exist for mine.