[tjs72lemans]

Are the clips for the top chrome trim riveted on? The previous owner had excess caulk under windshield and filled the clips. I think he must have had a leak and tried to caulk over the windshield. I got most of it out. But, I assumed the clips were the type that would slide out with a slot in them. These almost appear to be riveted on.

[400 4spd.]

GM never used rivets to hold molding clips. Anywhere.

[MUSLCAH]

Some replacement Windsheild clips may have been installed on a “Rivet Stud” ....installed with a special tip,installed with a rivet gun. Small screws with a smooth shoulder are also used to hold clips in place.

[HWYSTR455]

Actually, my understanding is the stud is welded with a special welding tip, along the channel, and yes, the windshield clips slide on. Eastwood makes one, as do others. The rear glass trim used a different clip, which pushes down onto the studs. Some people mix and match along the way.

There is a rivet stud, and/or screw with a shoulder, that's generally used as a repair option for broken/missing studs.

You should still be able to remove the trim with a release tool, and once removed, you should be able to determine which clip is on there, and remove appropriately.

If there's a build up of RTV, use a wire wheel to get most off, then trim the rest with a razor.

Once the clip is off, you can clean the remaining RTV and determine what kind of repair is needed.

If you need to do metal repair on the channel itself, there is a company that makes the channel piece that you can use to graph the repair in. If the car is painted, you will be limited to other, less desirable repairs.

http://www.beldenspeed.com/rust-patc...lemans-tempest


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[HWYSTR455]

My dyslexia is kicking in today, sorry about the original post, which I edited and corrected.

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[tjs72lemans]

Ok thanks for everyone's input. It does look like a smooth round rivet The clips looked like they had no slot. I'm going to clean a bit better and see. One or two are a bit loose, the others tight. No rust repair needed, but a couple small areas of surface rust in channel I need to clean and treat. This is a convertible, but I don't think that matters.

[HWYSTR455]

You would see a hole in the middle if it's a rivet, if the head is smooth, it's a stud.

The clips don't look like one of the two in the pics I posted?

If it's just surface rust in the channel, the trim should hide it. Just prep/seal/treat the rust and install the trim.

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[tjs72lemans]

I cleaned then out better and got them out. Smooth top of stud, so looks like original . But, the clips that were posted, shows these clips are actually rear window clips that were on the windshield. Should these be the normal windshield clips for a convertible? Maybe I should get the correct ones? One of them broke trying to get it loose and another is questionable. So, I have to get some new ones anyway. These were painted yellow if that means anything.

[HWYSTR455]

I would use the correct ones, they are easier to release, and have less of a chance to cause damage to the trim.

The rear ones are more of a positive retainer to help keep the rear glass in, so they don't blow out at higher speeds. Obviously, that's not a concern with a convertible.

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[tjs72lemans]

Sounds good. Thanks for the pointers.

[MUSLCAH]

While those stainless molding are off.....you can sand all the scratches out.....especially where some green Horn might have run a DA with 80 grit paper ovah them. Then buff them out to a mirror finish.

[tjs72lemans]

I have one small nail size dent I'll try to persuade out and sand and polish as needed.

[Skip Fix]

Thanks for the link to the channels my 65 GTO is going to need some.

[HWYSTR455]

Yeah, I'm going to need some too, unfortunately...


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[Skip Fix]

I think most old A bodies do.