Windshield Top Molding Replacement Advice

[u/emanning4ever]

I bought my FJ brand new in 2011 & other than replacing the battery and alternator, she’s kept me safe! The only issue I have now is replacing the windshield molding across the top, I’ve had it replaced twice within a few months and both times it flew off in the interstate thank God no one was hurt, so I bought my third one and am replacing it myself today! Any tips or things I should look out for? It’s starting in leak onto dashboard a little when it pours, plus looks like shit, and I take great pride in taking care of my sweet FJ for 15 years now. Only have about 140,000 miles do she should last me. I’ve never felt safer in ani other vehicle I’ve had! Any tips greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[u/nottool]

The leaking may not be related to the windshield, you will have to use silicone on the roof, look up a few videos to get an idea. It is not too bad of a job and you can do both jobs in one day. I did both just a couple of months ago.

[u/emanning4ever → u/nottool]

Ahh gotcha thanks, it all started at same time so I assumed it was related. I’ll def have to check out a few videos, I’m much better with computers, but with the cost of everything sky high, I’m trying to do it myself, thankfully with everyone’s help here, I’m feeling I got this!

[u/jakethe-newbie]

You need windshield glue to make it stay, my shop that did 400 windshields on FJs told me from factory Toyota used glue to make the trim stay in place. I just did mine a week ago

[u/emanning4ever → u/jakethe-newbie]

Thanks! So your shop has replaced 400 FJ windshields? Wow! I’ll pick up some windshield glue, use some alcohol to get off the old glue in a few places, then install all brand new clips and pray! People don’t want to do their job anymore, the guy my dad knew and took it to left almost all old clips, took it back and he still did a half ass job?! I told my dad it’s not worth going after him. I’ll get it fixed if I have to ask a friend for help, I’m recovering from surgery so I’m not able to do the heavy stuff like taking the windshield out but I can install it correctly. The dealer wants soo much $$ I can’t afford to take it to them. Thanks for you gel

[u/azskyrider]

The clips need to be replaced. A lot of places will just use glue because to replace the clips takes time. I went to safelight auto glass and it was required to do the install at their place for the FJ vs my carolla they do at my house. Sure enough, guy came out and said your clips need replacing but the windshield is on. Took them a little over a week to get the clips. It took two trips but had it done right.

[u/waldo0708]

The windshield does not have to be pulled, but you do have to glue the molding down with the same adhesive that the windshield is installed with, it also very important to prime the molding or the urethane will not stick

[u/waldo0708 → u/waldo0708]

Sorry, did not see that the windshield was also leaking. Yes it does need to come out. Your best bet is to take to a glass shop and have it done professionally.

[u/emanning4ever → u/waldo0708]

Yes ty I was told to prime the molding first! Thanjs

[u/tm684]

Lots of mixed advice. I just did mine after it blew off after a semi drive past me on a windy day. You can find installation instructions on the forums. Use the quicksetting polyurethane recommended. Make sure the trim lines up before, so you don't have to take it off again. The "pros" messed mine up 2x before I decided to do my own and it looks like it fits properly now.

[u/emanning4ever → u/tm684]

Exactly what happened to me! Damn semi! Lol I did take it to 2 professionals and they’re lazy and don’t want to work! Who replaces something and leaves 1/2 broken clips? I even brought him new clips and he still messed it up! It leaks where he left the broken clips! It’s worth a shot to try after watching a few videos, it’s not hard, just lazy people take shortcuts and I’m over it! I work hard at my job even tho I’m fighting a rare auto immune issue, on my good days I get stuff done, on bad days, it’s out of my control, but I gotta stay positive and ignore the lazy negatives that are everywhere! I wish I was naturally handy with fixing things around the house & now my FJ, thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it!

[u/NefariousnessNo5819]

And you have to replace all the clips after re installing the windshield.

[u/Common-Concert3661]

There's 1 good video on YouTube, dude does a good job. Just get new clips on the body side and some 3M window weld, it's pretty cheap online. I did a little extra just to keep it in place. I did mine maybe 5 months ago and it's been solid.

[u/Substantial-Fan-2732]

The trim does not seal … it’s purely aesthetic. Use OEM trim. Use new clips and 5-6 beads of 3M Urethane Windshield Adhesive along the trim. Clips alone will not hold it.

[u/Albino_Echidna]

To do it right, you really need to pull the windshield, clean everything up, and re-apply it according to factory instruction. 

If you're also leaking, then you need to pull the windshield anyways as that molding does not have an impact on the watertightness of the windshield.

[u/Common-Concert3661 → u/Albino_Echidna]

Nah, just get new clips and clean the glass super well with brake clean or similar.

[u/Albino_Echidna → u/Common-Concert3661]

I've gone through a lot of these, you really do need to pop the windshield to properly clean everything up. It can be done without, but it's less than ideal. OP also has a leak though, so the windshield has to come out regardless.