Topic: Windscreen chrome trim

[marku]

This is the second time I have taken the windscreen out and I still can't get the trim to fit. Its just the top right corner no matter what I do I cannot get it to seat properly and for the rubber flange (?) to lay flat. The previous owner pulled the trim out, for some reason, and I think must have bent it. Tried adjusting to the curve of the screen but still doesn't work. The new seal is different from the old and seems to not quite fit the frame.

[Squiggle Dog]

Maybe bending the trim inward more at that corner would help (just slightly more than the curve of the glass). It seems like the trim has to fit the curve of the glass perfectly or the rubber won't fit. But, if it is and that corner still isn't seating, maybe bending it in just a slight bit more will do it.

[ptashek]

I'll copy my reply from the club forum

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if the replacement seal is the version currently sold by MB, it’s pretty much impossible to fit it, and the trim, correctly. My restorer tried a few times, and we’ve eventually tossed it to the bin and found a NOS one of the old design which fits perfectly.

He’s had the exact same issue - the trim just wouldn’t fit at all in the top corners.
If memory serves, the difference between the two is that the new version has an additional outer lip which slides over the trim on the top edge. But it also stiffens the seal at the top, and forces the trim out.

[Diesel 617]

Have you seen this video yet? It's 30 minuets but worth every bit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4hAT0aSIyM, this might help too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvcJ_lU_VpQ

He emphasizes the importance of having the window more dead center than TDC on an engine. The alignment has to exceed perfect for it to go in without any leaks, and trim popping out. Its an exaggeration but it's also not.

[daantjie]

Have you seen this video yet? It's 30 minuets but worth every bit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4hAT0aSIyM, this might help too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvcJ_lU_VpQ

He emphasizes the importance of having the window more dead center than TDC on an engine. The alignment has to exceed perfect for it to go in without any leaks, and trim popping out. Its an exaggeration but it's also not.

The vid is the gold standard for W116 window gasket replacement.  Just listening to the way he says "flange" makes it worthwhile

[marku]

I have seen the video and he does a great job making look so easy particularly fitting the rubber lip. It is not fitting the screen to the car but the trim to the seal. I cannot get it flush. Three of the corners are slightly proud but I can live with it but the top right corner is too much and the rubber lip is pushed vertical. Tried increasing the curve which improves it and I am almost at the point accepting it though far from perfect. Tried a replacement trim I have and it was not much better. When in the car the seal seems quite a good fit. I might try re-fitting in the car and see if I can learn to ignore it.