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  #1  
Old 09-19-2006, 08:07 PM
KCM KCM is offline
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Trim panel removal questions

Hi Folks,
Two questions about trim removal on a 1989 560SL:

1. Is it difficult to remove the outside chrome trim around the rear lower part of the hard top? What is the procedure?

2. How does the stainless header trim panel come off on top of the windshield? I found the small screws behind the interior trim panels, but are there other screws, and does the windshield or outer trim around the windshield need to be removed?

Thinking about replacing these parts but the repair manual says little or nothing on how to remove them. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

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  #2  
Old 09-19-2006, 11:47 PM
Strife's Avatar
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On #2, the upper trim strip above the windshield has to be removed. Under it are tabs from the stainless top that go into clips on (as I recall) the body. The clips were very difficult for me to release. CAUTION: In the process of replacing mine, I cracked my windshield slightly and the crack grew to the point where I needed to replace the windshield. The SMALLEST SLIP of a screwdriver on the edge of the windshield while releasing the clips is all it takes. If I have to do it again, I will do anything possible to avoid the use of a screwdriver in this area. Maybe folding the stainless part upwards?
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Last edited by Strife; 09-20-2006 at 01:25 AM.
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  #3  
Old 09-20-2006, 10:13 PM
KCM KCM is offline
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[QUOTE=Strife;1281694]CAUTION: In the process of replacing mine, I cracked my windshield slightly and the crack grew to the point where I needed to replace the windshield.QUOTE]

OUCH! Sorry to hear about your mishap. Just the thought of cracking a windshield makes me think I should not tackle it now. Sounds like the best time to replace it would be when replacing a windshield. Unfortunately, mine must have been replaced in the recent past as it is nearly pit free. With my luck I probably would crack it. I have read in a glass trade journal that the edge of the glass has the most stress, so any pit or knick in the edge can easily start a crack.

I'm all too familiar with how easy a windshield can crack. When I was a young kid I was going to remove a windshield from a 1966 Ford for another car. Got my screwdriver out and starting prying. Wasn't long before I had a nice long crack went down the windshield. So my first attempt at windshield removal was a dismal failure and I learned what not to do in a hurry.

Thanks for the info.
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  #4  
Old 09-20-2006, 10:45 PM
79 / 450SL
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: East Texas
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Talking Windshield removal

I always found removing a windwhield to be easy. as long as it was being replaced anyway.

BFR (Big Friggin' Rock)

Rock does not do good on new glass tho

I have looked at the tools the windshield guy uses. Could probably fabricate something but it still looks like you could go through several windshields before you got even proficient much less good.
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  #5  
Old 09-20-2006, 11:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KCM View Post
I'm all too familiar with how easy a windshield can crack. When I was a young kid I was going to remove a windshield from a 1966 Ford for another car. Got my screwdriver out and starting prying. Wasn't long before I had a nice long crack went down the windshield. So my first attempt at windshield removal was a dismal failure and I learned what not to do in a hurry.
If it's any comfort, no glass place I've ever heard of will guarantee that they can remove a windshield intact (for resealing, for example). I suspect that they succeed less often with the older, glued in windshields (like the one on 107's) as opposed to the newer gasketed models. And consider that they have the tools, the know-how, and the experience.

Although it may be fun to brick a windshield you are going to replace anyway, consider this: I did this when I was a kid. NO amount of vacuuming the car could get all of the pieces. I had to have my mom pull glass shards out of my bleeding butt more than once over the course of two years. My advice: don't do it!

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85 380SL
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http://juliepalooza.8m.com/sl/mercedes.htm
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