Author Topic: A Pillar Chrome Removal  (Read 4113 times)

Markbhai

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A Pillar Chrome Removal
« on: October 20, 2014, 10:47:08 »
Hi Guys.

Well winter is coming in our hemisphere, so thoughts have turned to this years winter work.  I plan of getting some chrome re-played and key to making the car look fresh is the windscreen area.  I wonder if anyone has any tips on removal of chrome around here?

I will obviously be removing the windscreen and would appreciate any tips on doing that too.

I am planning on replacing the screen (so if anyone wants my old one PM me) as it has some minor scratches, which whilst they don't get in the way, they do annoy me.  As part of this process I am replacing the rubber, so if one tip is to cut out the old rubber, then I can do that.

So, in short, your advice on:
- Removing the Windscreen
- Removing the chrome from around the windscreen
- Resetting a new screen

Can I do it solo?

Cheers

Mark

RobSirg

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Re: A Pillar Chrome Removal
« Reply #1 on: October 20, 2014, 11:10:18 »
Hi Mark,

I watched my interior guy do it to my project car last week. He used a strong cutting knife (broke the blade 3 times) to cut out the seal out. We just peeled the Aluminium (I think) trim away by gently levering it off bit by bit using a putty knife. The rest of the chrome pieces come off in sequence (overlapping). Actually I cant remember if we cut the rubber first or removed the trim (sorry...I assume the trim first?).
I would say the whole process is a one man job with the exception of lifting off the windscreen (more for safety I guess).

As for resetting - once I purchase a new seal and windscreen, I will leave that job to the professionals. (as I did for my restored 280SL).

Rob
1969 280SL Auto RHD 906G,  H'top 387H, Parchm't
1970 280SL Man. RHD Dark Red 542G, Bamboo MB Tex
1962 E Type Jag BRG with Tan
1974 White Alfa Spider 2000
2023 Range Rover
1982 280TE (my daily)
1967 Alfa Spider ("Duetto") Red
1977 Yellow 911 Targa
1991 Nissan Figaro
1959 190SL Black
1970 300SEL 3.5

mtoomey

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Re: A Pillar Chrome Removal
« Reply #2 on: October 20, 2014, 14:25:17 »
Mark, in case of interest I have some NOS A-pillar chrome that I won't be using.  Just let me know and I'm sure we can work out something amenable -

Jack Jones

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Re: A Pillar Chrome Removal
« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2014, 21:04:57 »
mtoomey,

If Mark isn't interested in the pillar chrome pieces, I may be so let me know please.

Jack
Jack Jones                                                                                                   
1970 280SL 4 Speed
1984 280SL 5 Speed

ja17

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Re: A Pillar Chrome Removal
« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2014, 04:17:25 »
Don't bend the chrome trim! It has to be in good shape to re-install. Yes, cut the rubber gasket to make removal of the glass easier. The glass is easily broken, be careful. Install  the rubber seal on the glass and then the chrome trim in the rubber, then install the whole assembly in the car, using the rope technique.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

dseretakis

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Re: A Pillar Chrome Removal
« Reply #5 on: October 27, 2014, 17:39:34 »
So back to the OP's first question.... How is the a pillar chrome removed?

hkollan

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Re: A Pillar Chrome Removal
« Reply #6 on: October 27, 2014, 22:44:38 »
Hi,

Use Joe's advice on how to remove and install the windshield. Get rid of all the hardened sealer to get good access to all the small phillips screws that hold the chrome moldings in place. 
A tip if your installing the windshield by yourself without the help of extra hands, insert the rope so that you start pulling the rope on the bottom side of the WS not too far from either A-pillar. That way the hand thats not pulling the rope can reach around and push the WS from the outside when you start pulling ensuring that you get a good start pulling the rubber lip over the edge.

Hans
Hans K, Cuenca, Spain
1968 280 SL 387 Blue met., parchment leather
1971 280 SL 462 Beige met, Brown leather
1968 280 SL 180 Silver, Red leather
1964 300 SE Lang 040 Black w/Red leather
1985 500 SL 735 Astral Silver w/Black leather
1987 560 SEC 199 Black met., Black leather