How to Remove Windshield Molding

Windshield molding helps to hold the windshield in place on modern production vehicles. In the event of an auto collision, the windshield glass is designed to break into small pieces to avoid cutting the passengers inside. Cracks in the windshield, however, pose a serious risk. Besides spreading over time, they can hinder visibility. For this reason, if your windshield has a crack in it that is more than one inch long, you should consider replacing it. The first step is to remove the windshield molding.

Instructions

1

Pry the plastic trim molding away from the windshield using a flat tip screwdriver. Take your time with the trim pieces as they might not be easy to remove.

2

Starting on the top, cut the molding down the driver's side of the window. Molding is made from urethane, but it is flexible. Urethane gives the molding strength so the glass does not move (and subsequently break) during normal driving. Removing the molding may take several minutes or several hours depending on your vehicle.

3

Scrape off any residual molding from the surface of the vehicle with a razor blade. Be sure that you do not scratch the outside (where the metal is exposed to the elements) of your vehicle's paint.