Help with windshield molding

[Ch0rdster]

Hi, my apologies if this is the wrong thread, but I recently purchased a ford fiesta and I noticed that the windshield molding is not in good shape. I found parts online for the side molding, but for the top molding I heard from the dealership that it only came from a windshield replacement. Do I need to replace my windshield in order to fix the top molding? Or is it possible to use silicone to fill it in? I also noticed that the door trim near the windshield is starting to peel, how would I go about fixing that?

 

[Handy Andy]

The top-runner or rainwater guide, is just simple weatherstrip with a metal reinforcement to retain the curve shape for a longer period of time. The self-adhesive backing glue wears out after time - and for it to show lift, might mean that the windshield was replaced - how long ago? Hard to tell but this is lifting anyways so that means the OEM windshield and the new one to replace it the weatherstrip and it were not "fitted" to each other. The rainwater guide molding pulling away is the proof of that - for the molding is put on after the windshield is fitted - so the weatherstrip itself tucks into and stays put under the glass edge of the OEM - so that is why they tell you to replace both to re-establish fitment for the trim.

As far as the window - it itself will have to be replaced as a WHOLE unit. the upper top portion of the windshield itself is left open - the rainwater collects and drains into a channel on the top the with the curve of the roof, water follows into and down the side molding. So if the top window channel is clear, it's OK and it's doing it's job.

 

[Handy Andy]

To add...

Your molding uses a retainer to hold the strip in place and even provide some soundproofing to help displace air that the wind-whack noises that moving air makes around edges.

That lower strip? I do not have one on my vehicle - the lower cowl that has the air venting and the knockouts for the wiper arms - clips to the lower windshield and provides that seal.

So you may have to locate a glass shop replacement service to help guide you and may be able to help you find these parts.

Here are some numbers...
Right Side...






Left Side


Not sure if you catch this but it seems the EVEN numbers are one side - odd numbers apply to the other side.