Molding Installation

[DRyder]

I'm fairly new to the business and from time to time have issues with molding installation during replacement. The molding has tendencies to ripple in certain areas. What is a good way to alleviate this from happening. Stretching it more? Heating it up? Thanks for any help.

[streekyd]

Are you refering to a universal moldingor a molding specific to the part. What brand of moldings are you using?

[DRyder]

One time was OE Tech, another was actual Mopar. I know it stretches in areas as it sits in the package, but once installed the stretched portion ripples and does not lay smooth. Any ideas? Thanks.

[streekyd]

Have you applied heat using a heat gun? Gently apply heat to relax the ripples.
I know of some shops that have a "cooler" with a light bulb inside to warm the molding prior to installing it.

[Brent Deines]

Did the original molding lay down properly?

Was the ripple everywhere, just in the corners, or in one specific location other than the corners?

Was the molding rippled before the installation or not until after the installation?

Were there gaps or just ripples?

Did you fit the molding to the glass prior to the installation or after the glass was placed?

If before, the problem is probably due to storage and transportation issues. Sometimes you can get them to straighten out by storing them in a warm location like streekyd suggested, or by using a hair dryer. You can also use a heat gun but you have to be very careful not to stretch, melt, burn, or otherwise damage it.

If after, it could be that the shield is being placed too deep into the pinch weld, is not centered properly, does not fit properly (note the brand of glass and model of vehicle to see if it happens again on the same model), etc., etc. Depending on the urethane used you may have to use more or less pressure when you set it to get the right height.

Some installers stretch the moldings which can sometimes eliminate ripples temporarily, but moldings shrink over time so I make sure I never stretch them. In fact, whenever practical I will push a little slack into the corners so that as they shrink they do not pull away from the body of the car. Not enough to pucker or ripple mind you, but just to make sure that it was not stretched during installation.

[DRyder]

Thanks streekyd and Brent! I think it is more of an issue being crammed into a bag, all bent up. Heating the molding seems to be working well and alleviating most of the problem. Thanks again.