Windshield Molding Clip Rail
 

Just wondering if the plastic clip railing under the rubber windshield molding on the A pillar on the driver side needs the windshield remove in order to get it replace. Reason I'm asking is because my car was hailed earlier and was at the shop to get it fix. One of the repairs done was the rubber molding running along the windshield of the A pillar on the driver side that was beaten up. The guy pulled the molding straight up and broke a few clips. I later found out that it was best to slide and lift than to directly lift which caused the clips to get broken because it seemed a bit loose when I got home in which I tried to straighten out. They are made of very (VERY) thin plastic. I told the repair guy and he said he'll order a new one. But my main concern after I got back home and examine it bit closer is this thin plastic clip railing seems to be slide and tucked under the windshield's edge. So now I'm wondering if that's the case will he need to remove the windshield? If it's too much work and I frankly don't want this car going back in for more repairs later, if I should just buy some trim adhesive or have them do that and glue it back on.

I would make him fix it correctly. You or your insurance company paid the have it done right?

According to the information I have the glass does not have to come out. But if the glass needs to be pulled he can call an auto glass company to take it out to replace the retainer and put the windshield back in.

If you just glue the trim back down it could be a problem if you ever need to have your windshield replaced. The front and rear glass are set in a urethane adhesive and become a structural part of the vehicle. The surface where the glass is bonded to the car has to be carefully prepared and if there is additional adhesive in the area it will need to be removed which could damage the paint and corrosion protection in that area.

The part is called a "pillar molding retainer strip". Here is the part # BM5Z5803179A and is costs about $50. Also if he deformed the molding pulling if off incorrectly then he needs to replace that as well. If not, it will not fit right and be a constant problem.

As a consolation, some trim items like that are a one time use, you can not get them off in good enough condition to be reused. If that is the case the insurance company will pay for it.

I see your molding was damaged and you have a new one. Just inspect it carefully to make sure it was not damaged being put back on incorrectly before you reuse it.

My dealer broke mine when they installed my new windshield. They fixed it the next day though.