Vintage Mustang Forums banner

(another) Rear Window Trim clip question

800 views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  Kjsmitty  
#1 ·
65 Coupe. Looking for any been there/done that advice on trim clips. I haven't seen any discussion on clips/screws that are missing/gone.

Body shop repaired some rot at the rear window channel area, and now most of the screw holes are filled. To add insult to injury, they put the trim back in with urethane sealant, so now I have to figure out how to get that stuff off trim and window channel.

Is there a method to locate screws for the clips? I know that laterally it makes little difference, but I want to ensure that a) the trim will clamp in and b) the trim will run true.

I was thinking of measuring the position of one of the remaining screw holes, and then running masking tape to make a guide. Then drill new holes. Any experience?

K
 
#3 ·
Greetings K Fleming,
I mapped out all of the clips and exact screw hole locations on my 65 coupe for another member prior to installing my rear window. I can post that document if you need it. All of my original clips and screws were intact when I dismantled my car, but the clips - even though visually the same were not identical from top to bottom length wise. I also noted that the screw holes in the window channel were not all drilled at the same depth in the channel. Not screw hole depth rather where the clip resided in the channel etc. I matched the longer clips to the holes drilled deeper in the channel - resulting in the outer portion of all clips (where the trim clips to) being at the same level. All due to as you discussed above - making sure the trim mounted/ran true across the window opening. With a mixture of repro and OEM clips, perfecting or double checking there locations would be prudent.
A bit of anal retentiveness above but I mention it due to anything that will make for a more consistent/easy trim application is a bonus. It can be a challenging job and even worse if you dent up your moldings due to some stubborn clip action..
 
#4 ·
So.. I do not have any clips in the back window channel, but the shop returned a bunch of rusty clips in a baggie with all my other offal after body work. The trim in back is narrower than the front trim, probably why the back clips are reported as shorter. I got new clips from NPD (full kit as I have the front glass out as well) but I think they are all the same.

I think I understand my challenge will be to solve the long clip/short clip thing, and then determine the proper spacing off the channel at the pinch weld. With that done I can make a simple guide and drill away.

All that said @Kjsmitty I would really appreciate having the information you mentioned.

K
 
#5 ·
Greetings K,
See below: Most measurements start from the lower corners on each side (“inches”). The screw hole measurements were from the pinch weld (“mm”). Note the bottom center hole is not centered. My picture depicts it as centered but it’s actually about 4 inches offset to the left IAW the measurements.
Let the fun begin.

Image