On my ragtop, I ordered new clips for the stainless strip across the top of the windshield. Being my usual silly self, I ordered 2 bags of 10 each, even though I only needed 7 for my car. Might break one, could lose some whatever. Never know, right? Anyway, these are the p/n 8717859 clips, right out of the GM parts book. I think the forming machines must be getting sloppy as several had a defect that could possibly cause you a world of hurt. There is a small tab that folds over and the edge of this tab is what your stainless trim slides over and clips onto. You can bend the clip slightly with the correct tool to move this tab and release your stainless if you ever need to. On 5 of my clips, this tab WAS NOT BENT OVER. This means the stainless could slide on, but once on would be hooked...you might never get it off without damage of some sort due o the angle of the tab. So here are a couple pics to show you what I am talking about. Just thought I would post this and hopefully keep someone from getting into trouble. I'm sure glad I noticed this before the clips went in!!! :shock: The clip on the left is the bad one...hardtop style clips may or may not have this issue, so I would double check. later Tim
Uh oh! Too late for me. I put my trim on and then realized I have to remove it to put the header vinyl on but it wont budge, thought i was doing something wrong. Matt
Matt, if you have the correct removal tool, you may still be able to make it work but its gonna be ugly. I'd put tape down on the glass to protect it (2" if you have it), then use the tool and you will need to pry the clip in towards the cetner of the w/s quite a bit and hopefully get someone else to push down slightly on the trim and maybe you can work it off that way....(by pushind down would hope to get that stainless lip past the extended tab). Let us know how it goes. Sorry didn't post sooner but I didn't know either.... later Tim
Removal tool? Dude I'm just a novice, been using a scredriver and a shop rag. Is this tool available at Nappa? BTW I just recently realized that its your website that i have been reviewing like the Zabruder (sp?) film. Its been like a bible for me. Great detailed pictures and descriptions. Thanks
OK, didn't know that. Put the screwdrivers away. Napa will most likely have it, or any automotive store. Its just a flat piece of metal with a certain "hook" shape on the end. You slide it under the stainless (between stainless and glass), then the hook part goes on the backside of the clip, as you rotate the tool against the channel it pushes the clip in towards center of w/s, and the stainless will usually pop right up. With any luck your clips will be fine, just need the right tool. Do not pry up on the stainless or you will damage it. If it doesn't come right away, as you load the clip just lift slightly on the stainless. Tool is a couple $ and will save you much headache and money. I never jump right in, if the guy on the other end knows more than me and gets annoyed, now I can be sued!!! :laugh: (see thread in the bench forum). Later Tim
Be careful on what yoyu're prying on blindly....I cracked the hell out of my windshield this summer trying to get the stainless off. I was unknowingly prying on the edge of the glass and ssssssssssst! crack through the center of the glass. The neighbors were worried I had cut off a leg or something:laugh:
Clips are fine (tabbent over) just didnt know what I was doing. I chipped the glass a little but the trim covers it. Nothing like having the right tool for the job.
Good deal...as Adam said, be careful of that glass edge. Tough stuff but can easily crack it from the edges. Same with installs, if it rubs on those little nubs for the clips...bye bye... later Tim
First message has part number from GM. come in bags of 10. Convertible and soft roof cars only, hardtop are different. later Tim
ok, so i can expect some form of glass shop, or body shop to have them around my area? well mine was vinyl top, but i need the front clips, they shouldnt differ right?
