Hatchback molding strip (lacing)
Hatchback molding strip (lacing) My '96 Z-28 has the 4 piece molding (lacing, as the factory calls it) around the rear hatch glass. Like most of them, time and sunlight has taken it toll, and the molding has seperated at the corners and started to droop along the sides. I tried a fresh coat of 3M weatherstripping adhesive, but that didn't help.
I ordered a new molding, which now comes as one piece, and I'm expecting to have in within the next few days. In the meantime, I'm trying to remove the original pieces, in order to be ready for the new part.
Here's where I'm getting confused. I read in one place that you don't have to remove the surrounding parts of the hatch, and the molding can be slipped in once you get the old molding and old glue removed. The procedure that factory manual sort of implies, is that the glass is being replaced for some reason, so they show the procedure starting from scratch, which of course, has the glass on a workbench, and you start by installing the molding, then the rest of the components.
Has anyone tackled this job, and if so, were you able to replace just the molding, without disassembling the entire rear hatch assembly? I removed the front piece of the molding, and it was a little tricky, mostly, I assume, due to some adhesive that was still sticking in place. I tried to yank the rear part of the molding out yesterday, it didn't readily pop off, so I stopped, as I didn't have a lot of time to mess with it.
I ordered a new molding, which now comes as one piece, and I'm expecting to have in within the next few days. In the meantime, I'm trying to remove the original pieces, in order to be ready for the new part.
Here's where I'm getting confused. I read in one place that you don't have to remove the surrounding parts of the hatch, and the molding can be slipped in once you get the old molding and old glue removed. The procedure that factory manual sort of implies, is that the glass is being replaced for some reason, so they show the procedure starting from scratch, which of course, has the glass on a workbench, and you start by installing the molding, then the rest of the components.
Has anyone tackled this job, and if so, were you able to replace just the molding, without disassembling the entire rear hatch assembly? I removed the front piece of the molding, and it was a little tricky, mostly, I assume, due to some adhesive that was still sticking in place. I tried to yank the rear part of the molding out yesterday, it didn't readily pop off, so I stopped, as I didn't have a lot of time to mess with it.
TECH Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 465
Likes: 0
From: Pearl City, Hawaii
You talking about the one piece black molding that goes around the glass it's self? Anyways, if so I did mine and it's really easy. That stuff just pull's right out. After removal clean it up really good and then wipe it down with rubbing alcohol. It will be easier if you pull the hatch off for the install but you don't have to. I used some popsicle sticks to help "work " the strip into place. At the bottom edge of the glass it is kinda of a tight fit but just take your time and work it in there. I had mine on and off in less than an hour...
You talking about the one piece black molding that goes around the glass it's self? Anyways, if so I did mine and it's really easy. That stuff just pull's right out. After removal clean it up really good and then wipe it down with rubbing alcohol. It will be easier if you pull the hatch off for the install but you don't have to. I used some popsicle sticks to help "work " the strip into place. At the bottom edge of the glass it is kinda of a tight fit but just take your time and work it in there. I had mine on and off in less than an hour...
Did you replace yours with the newer "one piece" molding, or use the older style "2 piece with corners" style? I just got a replacement part, and it's one piece, with some sort of glue like substance already applied.
TECH Regular
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 465
Likes: 0
From: Pearl City, Hawaii
I went to GM and it came as a 1-piece. Let it sit in the sun for a while to make it more pliable and it will stretch right on. The glue on it sucks, I don't know what you could put it there to make it stick any better. If you do it on the car don't use any metal objects to work it on cuz you will F-up your paint, the upper corners is what will probably give you the hardest time.
I went to GM and it came as a 1-piece. Let it sit in the sun for a while to make it more pliable and it will stretch right on. The glue on it sucks, I don't know what you could put it there to make it stick any better. I was thinking of using a little RTV...If you do it on the car don't use any metal objects to work it on cuz you will F-up your paint, Yeah! I was trying to pry off the part that goes around the lower side and back of the window. I couldn't get a good grip, so I grabbed my small vise grips..... Fortunately, I only put a tiny scuff in the paint, as the vise grips slipped off... the upper corners is what will probably give you the hardest time.
Thanks again!!
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Verdad Gallardo I finally finished the removal of the old molding and installation of the new one, a couple of days ago. All in all, it was more difficult to get the old one off, and as much of the old adhesive removed as possible, as it was in getting the new one in place.
The "1 piece" design looks so much better!
The "1 piece" design looks so much better!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 3
From: somewhere that doesn't get snow
yikes! yeah i replaced mine about 5 years ago and it was ~ $40. We did have to remove the hatch to get it on though. it's not 100% perfect as it kind of wants to slide down the back side of the glass on the top drivers side of the window when it's cold but since i don't drive the car in the winter it's not too bad and usually just requires me to open the hatch and slide it back into place when its warm out.
