Stainless Windshield trim - use original or buy new ???

[6600DURAMAX]

Working on some of the K5 build details and have run into a question. Blazer is about ready to come back from paint and would like them to install the windshield before its returned so I can skip out on that joyful task.

I was always planning on using the original stainless windshield trim but as this build has progressed its continued to become nicer and nicer along the way - the original trim is in decent to good shape but has a couple small tweaks and some deeper scratches that will not buff out too easily but I hear that any of the aftermarket windshield trim fits like junk....

So question is - has anyone had great experience with certain brand windshield trim or should I suck it up and just deal with some minor imperfections and use the original stuff

Pics below show what I'm referring to

[cj847]

If you can body work the original shape back in it, it can be done. But, the vendors sell that trim so cheap it's not worth it. I would buy new.

I am not sure what that trim looks like. Can you even get to the area to body work it or is there a retention shape that is in the way on the backside?

[davischevy]

These people can make that look better than new. Good people and great work. They do all of mine.

http://www.whitworx.com/

[davischevy]

You might want to find some good used pieces to have polished. Whitworx can do wonders and I have seen them save some pretty bad parts, but it's all about time. The less time they use the less the bill.

[Accelo]

There is a local fella that straightens stainless. Silverlake WA. He only straightens it i.e. no polish. Another fella in Yakima WA will straighten and polish. I can forward you the contact information, via PM, if you like. I am sure the service is available in your area if it is of any size.
I had some big $ in the stainless by the time I was finished. Getting it right really makes the truck pop!
I do have two really nice front window corners here. You will have to identify what year or depth of the locking strip to confirm the application. Shipping SS is always an issue as it requires a good size box because of the compound bends.
Cheers.

[LockDoc]

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You have some pretty bad dings but If you buy new I bet the body shop will give up trying to install it. It is almost impossible to install the windshield with the aftermarket trim (unless the manufacturer has completely redesigned it).....

LockDoc

[tutone]

I 100% agree with Locdoc. Unless you have the rare combo of good rubber/ good installer/ and gm trim in good shape, you are gonna have woes. Somebody somewhere on this board has some way better than yours. You may have to source a couple of sets to get a complete one. I have a 72 set uptairs in the rubber. Will check on the condition and let you know. I never use it for the reason of too much disappointment.

[Grumpy old man]

Here is a set of the early "deeper trim" 67-70 That is more desirable than the later trim , Used with the matching Precision gasket is the way to go . I have a set of the aftermarket trim in the garage and it's thin junk and not worth even listing for sale . Use the 67-70 type trim .

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=837992

[6600DURAMAX]

Thanks guys - anyone have a side by side of the deeper trim vs the other? Want to ensure what I have - suppose to be 71-72 style

[Grumpy old man]

The 67-70 windshield trim has a 5/8 lip that fits into the gasket . The 71-72 trim has a 3/8 lip that fits into the gasket making it more prone to popping out off the trim groove in the gasket when installing, Thats the reason to use the 67-70 trim with a 67-70 precision gasket they are easier to install . buy the precision gasket from Summit . Also another trick to ease assembly is to install the trim and gasket onto the glass for a few days before attempting to install the glass into the truck ,it allows the gasket and trim to relax and find it's happy place , before installation . You can not install the trim after the glass/gasket has been installed in the truck .

P.S. Find an old guy to install it .

This is the gasket for the 5/8 - 67-70 trim - Precision WCR 685
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/PQP-WCR-685

This is the gasket for the 3/8 - 71-72 trim - Precision - WCR 685 - A
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/p...=true#overview

[cj847]

"P.S. Find an old guy to install it ."

This is key. In my town 4 out of 5 glass shops won't even install glass with rubber. One of them sent me across town to another shop. I went to them, they said we can do it, but you don't want to pay our shop rate. Here call this guy, he retired a few years back but still does old cars out of his home shop. The guy was great and worked for a very reasonable rate.

[tjc]

My windshield installer put 3 dents in my new trim and told me to go find some OEM stuff.

[davischevy]

[QUOTE=Grumpy old man;9122691]

P.S. Find an old guy to install it .

I think we are both too far away from him Grumpy.

[Grumpy old man]

[quote=davischevy;9122951]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

P.S. Find an old guy to install it .

I think we are both too far away from him Grumpy.

Yeah , Your probably right ! The young guys just haven't been exposed to these old trucks since they were new , That's why I'm building my 67 ,I know what it takes to restore every part of it and I'll still be able to fix it years from now , The new stuff with dozens of sensors and computers and METRIC fasteners I'd have to send it out to some young gun to change spark plugs , They do still have spark plugs don't they ???

I called one of the local muffler shops the other day to check on the cost to install duals and he gave me a price that was way out of line ,So I asked why so expensive ? and he said well you have 2 catalytic converters , I reminded him that it's a 1967 it dosen't need converters , He came back with " Every car or truck ever built has them" , UM , Yeah, Have a good day ...

[Peanut74]

When I had mine installed I followed Grumpy's advice.
I did have to use aftermarket trim and I also used a new gasket. Put the gasket and trim on the windsheild and let it set for a month. After a lot of searching found an old guy to install it.

The trim was not flush in a couple spots. But I manged to get it locked in using a rubber mallet and plastic fastener tool.