Results 1 to 16 of 16

Thread: Rear window aluminum trim removal. How to do this

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Hagerstown,MD
    Posts
    1,027
    My Cars
    1984 Euro 635

    Rear window aluminum trim removal. How to do this

    So I scored a pair of new outside door handles in shadowline from Europe. Now is the time to convert ALL the aluminum exterior trim. I removed the trim around the windshield very carefully without any kinks. The trim around the rear window seems to be a bit more difficult.

    Any guidance would be appreciated.

    Geo
    '84 Euro 635
    '88 M6 (Gone but not forgotten)

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Scottsdale, Arizona
    Posts
    4,885
    My Cars
    81 euro 635, 4.4 X5
    George the trim has to be inserted in the gasket before it is placed on the windshield. You will go crazy trying to install it it with the windshield in the car and probably damage the trim although I imagine it could be done with a lot of time and patience
    81 Euro undergoing total nut and bolt restoration
    pictures at: flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Hagerstown,MD
    Posts
    1,027
    My Cars
    1984 Euro 635
    Well Bert. i've done the front on another sixer in the past without any problem. The question is can the rear window trim be removed without removing the rear glass. I see folks selling these on eBay, so they're has to be a procedure short of cutting the rubber seal. Maybe not. In that case I can prep mask and paint it on the car. Thanks
    '84 Euro 635
    '88 M6 (Gone but not forgotten)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Scottsdale, Arizona
    Posts
    4,885
    My Cars
    81 euro 635, 4.4 X5
    My rear glass pushed out without breaking the seal. I had a glass guy do it figuring it needed a pro. I had the seats out and he just layed on his back, put his feet against it and pushed it out seal intact. Go figger. The front was cracked and I didn't care about the seals as I was going new and he just kicked it out
    Last edited by Bert Poliakoff; 10-03-2020 at 04:51 PM.
    81 Euro undergoing total nut and bolt restoration
    pictures at: flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Boston, Ma
    Posts
    1,649
    My Cars
    86 635,72 E3, 88M6,73 E9
    George, I used lots of WD 40 and got mine out without any bends, kinks. However, I was replacing the seal and failed at putting the trim back after the glass was in. Had to take the glass out , place gasket and trim onto glass and install as a unit.
    Rob E3

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Monterey ,Ca
    Posts
    294
    My Cars
    84/B7,02/540x2,88,M6
    Quote Originally Posted by EuroGeorge View Post
    So I scored a pair of new outside door handles in shadowline from Europe. Now is the time to convert ALL the aluminum exterior trim. I removed the trim around the windshield very carefully without any kinks. The trim around the rear window seems to be a bit more difficult.

    Any guidance would be appreciated.

    Geo
    I got mine out both front and back relatively easy. Sprayed lot of dishwashing soap for lube and had no problem getting both out without removing glass.

    Also did ALL my chrome ,mostly powder coat ,and have shadow handles in box awaiting car repainted before putting them on. Just used black car wrap temporarily .
    Did not want to remove rain guard as they twist easily & are NLA so prepped n painted as well as chrome around headlight grills,easy to take off.
    Also took door panels off and removed window chrome for powder coat.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by 88M6; 10-05-2020 at 10:08 PM. Reason: More pics

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Monterey ,Ca
    Posts
    294
    My Cars
    84/B7,02/540x2,88,M6

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Hagerstown,MD
    Posts
    1,027
    My Cars
    1984 Euro 635
    Well, after reaing Rob's post about having to remove the glass and seal to get the trim back in, I was about to mask and paint on the car.

    But, now you have given me the knowledge to proceed as planned. Thanks, Paul
    '84 Euro 635
    '88 M6 (Gone but not forgotten)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Scottsdale, Arizona
    Posts
    4,885
    My Cars
    81 euro 635, 4.4 X5
    The purpose of thrim isn't for cosmetics. It's what locks the seal onto the glass
    81 Euro undergoing total nut and bolt restoration
    pictures at: flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Boston, Ma
    Posts
    1,649
    My Cars
    86 635,72 E3, 88M6,73 E9
    I had never done a windshield before. I had help but the rope method worked well, just lubricate as you go, pull rope parallel to the glass rather than at an angle.
    Rob E3

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Scottsdale, Arizona
    Posts
    4,885
    My Cars
    81 euro 635, 4.4 X5
    Roping is the only way to do it. It's what the glass guys do. I first learned of it when I had a windshield put in my E Type Jag
    81 Euro undergoing total nut and bolt restoration
    pictures at: flickr.com/photos/bertsphotos

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Hagerstown,MD
    Posts
    1,027
    My Cars
    1984 Euro 635
    So, I was able to remove the rear window trim today. Quite easy actually. Here's a tip for anyone wanting to remove either the windshield or rear glass trim. There is a little "hook" or ledge on the trim where it slips into the seal. The ledge points to the OUTSIDE of the glass. If you use a wide plastic trim tool and apply equal pressure both upwards and toward the INSIDE of the glass, the trim slips right out. No bends or kinks.
    '84 Euro 635
    '88 M6 (Gone but not forgotten)

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Dec 2020
    Location
    Meise, Belgium
    Posts
    5
    My Cars
    1976 BMW 630 CSA

    Trim removed? I need some

    Hi, I'm new here since today. I am finishing up a restauration of an E24 from August 1976. I still miss some trim, and in particular the chromes around the right side windows. Both are not produced by BMW AG anymore and I can't find any on ebay or equivalents. As you replace your chromes by black, would you still have these trims and would you sell them?
    Last edited by Despi; 03-13-2021 at 09:10 AM.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Hagerstown,MD
    Posts
    1,027
    My Cars
    1984 Euro 635
    This is a response to a post I made a year ago. I manged to remove both front and rear glass trim, prep and paint. Now, getting those bastards back in the seals are a bit of a job. What did you do to accomplish this? Thanks
    '84 Euro 635
    '88 M6 (Gone but not forgotten)

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Monterey ,Ca
    Posts
    294
    My Cars
    84/B7,02/540x2,88,M6
    Lots of dishwashing liquid as lubricant if won’t press in. Mine went in without it in most areas.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Boston, Ma
    Posts
    1,649
    My Cars
    86 635,72 E3, 88M6,73 E9
    I use WD-40..............and no, it does not break down the rubber.
    Rob E3

Similar Threads

  1. Convertible rear window plastic trim
    By M5bill in forum Group Purchases & Supporting Vendor Specials presented by eBay
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 08-07-2008, 10:38 AM
  2. Soft top rear window plastic trim?
    By M5bill in forum Convertible Questions
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 06-09-2008, 02:05 PM
  3. WTB- E30 Rear Window ext. Trim Piece
    By KellerBMW in forum BMW Parts Wanted
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 09-05-2006, 05:49 PM
  4. Rear window brake light removal
    By ffkk in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-20-2006, 02:51 AM
  5. E36 M3 rear window bottom trim
    By Casebrius in forum Car Detailing and Show & Shine Prep sponsored by Autogeek.net
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 06-09-2005, 08:27 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •