Windshield trim removal

BlkDragon · 11-08-2012, 01:16 AM

Does anyone know how to remove this plastic part above the windshield? Is it difficult?

Spartan F8 · 11-08-2012, 03:16 AM

pull on either end. There are two clips on each end and then two towards the middle. It should pull right off.

Spartan F8 · 11-08-2012, 03:17 AM

oh and you will have to remove the visors first. They are just connected by one bolt.

TomatoSoup · 11-08-2012, 08:29 AM

To add a bit to Spartan's response...

- Unbolt the two sunshades (1 Torx screw each)
- Unclip the two A-pillars (you may be able to get away with just unclipping the tops - the top trim is clipped into the tops of the A-pillars. You may also just need to remove one side A-pillar, then when that's free slide it out from the other side)
- Unclip the top trim.

It's easier to get off than to get back on, 'cos you have to futz with getting the edges to match up with the A-pillars when you're putting it back.

Once it IS all back together, you may have panel gaps. See this for a fix: Tip: Fix for unsightly gaps in the interior trim at the top of the windshield

rob the elder · 11-08-2012, 12:21 PM

I bought a spare trim piece, ended up with 4 of them but that is another story. I had one painted then pulled the visers and the old trip panel. Replaced it with the painted one. Was very easy.

BlkDragon · 11-08-2012, 04:08 PM

Thanks all - I think I have decided to mount this small dvr elsewhere so I don't have to cut into any plastic.I was hoping to make a hole in the windshield trim behind the sun visor so that the dvr would sit in there and be covered by the sun visor. Originally I wanted to cut into the back of the visor so that you could slide the little mirror door and see the dvr screen but the visor isn't thick enough so that it would close properly. The dvr is 1.5 cm thick. I'm going to put it under the dash and velcro it so that I can pull it out if I need to check the alignment of the two lenses. The two lenses are separate from the dvr. I don't have to actually see the dvr when it is working - just have access to it to take out the sd card when needed or to check the lens alignment. Make sense?? Ebay DVR

TomatoSoup · 11-08-2012, 04:15 PM

Heh! I did something similar, but with a rear-view camera screen installed in my sun visor:

Backup Camera In Rear View Mirror Install

plus:

What did you do to your Kappa today - Part 2

BlkDragon · 11-08-2012, 05:36 PM

TomatoSoup - I really like the look of the monitor imbedded in the visor. I wish I could do something like that with that DVR. Unfortunately, the photos are gone from your first link above. Do you have any concerns about someone ripping it off when you leave the car with the top down? That is why I was thinking of putting it behind the visor in the plastic windshield surround. It would be hidden. I'm thinking now that if I just velcro in under the dashboard it will also be hidden from anyone wanting one for their own car

That is not a very professional installation though. I assume you pull the visor down when you want to check your backing up. I am still trying to think of a good way to attach the lenses - one over the mirror (attached to the back of the mirror?) and the other somewhere over the license plate. Did you see the lenses on the link I gave to eBay? Any suggestions? I haven't bought the DVR yet - just thinking about how it could be hooked up before I decide on the one I want.

By the way, you can see a few photos of my car at Click here It's fairly stock.

TomatoSoup · 11-08-2012, 08:25 PM

Photos are there, but you have to join and be logged in to view.

No concerns about theft... You can't really see it when the visor is folded up. Plus I have a radar movement anti-theft warning (there's a thread for that too somewhere, but I'm not at my bookmark list right now

)

Carbon Sky · 11-08-2012, 08:49 PM

Oh wow, TS, never knew you did the screen in the visor mod. Don't know how I missed that. Slick!

BlkDragon · 11-08-2012, 10:23 PM

oh - sorry. It was not your photos that had been removed. I see yours further down the page. What did you use to cut the visor? Dremmel? Nice rounded corners. The lens over the license plate looks like it is aimed down but the picture on the screen looks ok (???). Any suggestions for the lenses on that dvr? DVR on eBay

TomatoSoup · 11-09-2012, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlkDragon

What did you use to cut the visor? Dremmel? Nice rounded corners. The lens over the license plate looks like it is aimed down but the picture on the screen looks ok (???). Any suggestions for the lenses on that dvr? DVR on eBay

I use a multitool with the oscillating saw for the initial cuts, after that, dremel, files, sandpaper - a lot of manual tweaking

The camera over the license IS tilted down to see directly behind the bumper (for reversing). It's very wide angle so the upper edge of view is just about level.

For your camera's, your idea sounds fine. But another suggestion for the screen is to swap out the audio system for one with a screen. A lot more expensive, I know, but much easier to see and use - especially for a reversing camera.

BlkDragon · 11-09-2012, 01:05 PM

Thanks TS. The main reason for me to get the dvr is to record video on any driving at car meets. Record of any accident would be a bonus - unless it was my fault

I don't think those radio screens will record. Also the cost is prohibitive for me.

You can see a little more comment about some measurements I've made on the Sol/Sky Parts for sale fb page S/S Facebook