Windshield Repair Forum

I am "old school" when it comes to windshield repair. I am about to do a renewal on a 1991 Dodge Spirit, and I was told that the side moldings have metal tabs that actually wrap around the glass.

Is this true? And if so, is there a way to cut out the glass from the outside and be able to salvage the moldings for re-use?

Any tips or advice would be most appreciated. Thanks.

-- Ken

ive done hundreds of these. (heck i still own 2). the side moldings are indeed metal. if you need to save them use a fein knife from the outside,(if you use it from the inside you'll need to make sure not to puncture the rubber lip on the outside of the molding.) you can also cut out the sides with wire but you'll need someone to hold the rubber lip up. FIRST THING try to LIGHTLY pull the top of the side moldings away from the glass. many times these windshields have been replaced with butyl tape, the moldings are barely touching the adhesive, or the urethane isn't really holding them well because it's inferior or the moldings weren't primed prior to install.

hope this helps any other install questions pm me and ill see if i can help

Thanks for the fast reply. Yeah this is my car. I wish I had it here to look at, but it is home.

For sure I will try and see if they want to come off by themselves first. But you are saying that it IS possible to cut from the outside and save them? That is my goal. Will I be able to use a standard L-shaped knife on the sides do u think?

a standard cutout knife will only work if you can either get the moldings off or cut the rubber off them and replace them. or you could try to duct tape the rubber flaps back to the glass which will allow you to use a cold knife (the L shaped cutout blade) without tearing the molding. you can also hold up the rubber flap and use a propane torch (plumbers style) to heat up where the metel of the molding touches the adhesive, this will melt the adhesive and allow you to pull the molding away. USE PLIERS AS THIS GET EXTREMELY HOT !!!! don't burn your fingertips as you hold the rubber flap out of the way.

I'm having trouble picturing what rubber you are referring to, so I'll have to wait til I get home and look at the car. I walked in the parking lot at lunchtime today hoping to eyeball an old Spirit or Acclaim, but no luck - hah.

Ok I see what you mean about the rubber on those moldings. I may try duct taping the molding back to the glass and cut with my conventional knife. I don't have a fein cutter.

I will be getting new moldings to use if needed, but I will definitely try and save the old. I'm doing this tomorrow afternoon. I'll post how it goes.

I would recommend that you have a set of molding accessable for the 91 Spirit prior to doing the job. Once in a while they are really well fastened to the glass by accessive urethane. I have saved many of these moldings, but it is a gamble each and every time. If I recall, you need to be careful putting the molding on after you set the windshiled (if you choose to set it prior to the install), they can scratch the roof corner pretty good. I recall placing the moldings on the glass prior and making gentle adjustments to them after the set. It's been a while since I have done a Spirit.

Best of Luck!!

Rolf Peterson <
Advanced Auto Glass Repair
Hastings, MN

Well it wasn't pretty getting the old glass out, but I got the job done - and saved the moldings to boot. I did have new moldings on hand in case I needed them. But by taping the rubber to the glass I was able to get the old ones off and save them.

The windshield was factory original, so the urethane was like STONE. But the new light is in and all is well. I appreciate the input from you guys.

-- Ken

awesome glad it worked for you