BEWARE WHICH TRIM CLIPS YOU BUY FOR YOUR 68 CHARGER!!

[sixpack_sid]

If you're like me, and restoring an early 68 Charger that was in pieces or a shell when you bought it and the windshield clips are gone or so rotted away that they are unrecognizable, BEWARE what you buy!! We all know ( or should know) that there are different size clips that go along the bottom of the windshield to hold the trim on and the clips need to be installed BEFORE the windshield goes in. BUT I don't think it's common knowledge (at least it wasn't for me) that the 68s had different size clips that run along the bottom. See pic! When you buy a windshield trim set, you get 2 different size clips, smaller ones for the top and sides, and longer ones that go along the bottom. The clips included in my set were the ones on the left and middle. NOTICE the clip on the right! It is a lot longer than the middle clip. If your car has screw holes close to the bottom of the cowl, you probably need the really long clips. I got mine at Mega Parts-but you have to let them know that they are longer than the standard ones. I just don't want this to happen to anyone else, cause I had to pull my windshield because the trim wouldn't snap in. I broke my brand new windshield trying to reinstall it and now I am spending money on a 2nd new windshield. I hope this doesn't happen to anyone else!
Good luck with your builds fellow Charger lovers!!

[b5blue]

On this topic mine fit fine but are rusted badly after a few years.    Glad I never installed the rears! Anyone recommend a high quality supplier? 

[Rolling_Thunder]

Happened to me - Got my new windshield in and found out the trim doesnt fit...              I had to take the front windshield out again and reinstall it...       On the plus side - I can now do all the glass on my own with confidence

[terrible one]

Thanks for the post! I'll have to remember to come back and find it when it comes time to tend to my glass.

[NHCharger]

Thanks for the heads up. I can't remember the build date on mine at the moment. I took the windshield out last month. The trim was already removed when I bought it. So your saying they switched clips later in the production year??

[sixpack_sid]

Thanks for the heads up. I can't remember the build date on mine at the moment. I took the windshield out last month. The trim was already removed when I bought it. So your saying they switched clips later in the production year??

It is my understanding that the early 68s used the longest clips pictured and the later 68s changed to the long one. (middle clip pictured). If you look at the screw holes along the bottom of the cowl, you can see which clips were used. My screw holes were almost at the bottom of the cowl where as the later models had the screw holes closer to the center of the cowl.
I would match up the clip to the hole and see where it sits.
The top of the clip should sit just below the top of the cowl.

[sixpack_sid]

I have a later model 68 Donor car with the windshield out. I will take pics of it tomorrow and show you the difference.

[Kern Dog]

My 70 has 2 types of clips as well. The sides and top use the short clips, the bottom uses the medium ones. The trim and clips on this car was new to me. The Dusters that I am more familiar with have a one piece bottom and 2 piece top, just the opposite of the Charger.

[bill440rt]

Geez, learn something new every day.

BTW, the sides/upper trim clips for the windshield are the same as the rear window. 

[NHCharger]

Checked my 68 today. 12/28/67 build date. Whoever started to reassemble the car before me used the clips for the top and sides on the bottom also.

[sixpack_sid]

Checked my 68 today. 12/28/67 build date. Whoever started to reassemble the car before me used the clips for the top and sides on the bottom also.

The forum moderators should make this post a sticky so other Charger guys don't make the same mistake that I did. Since you can't take off the incorrect clips after the windshield is in, it's an important detail to check on BEFORE the windshield goes in. I wish I would have known before I installed mine. I would have saved myself $300!

[sanders7981]

Ok, not to hi-jack... but what clips go in a 69 model?  I am nearing that stage of the resto and would hate to waste $300! 

[sixpack_sid]

Ok, not to hi-jack... but what clips go in a 69 model?  I am nearing that stage of the resto and would hate to waste $300! 

In the pic, it should be the clip in the middle that goes along the bottom of the windshield. I believe they changed from the longest clips to the clip shown in the middle for the later model 68s. I don't think you'll have the same problem I had. To make sure, check the hole position on the cowl. To use the middle clip shown, the screw hole should be half way between the bottom and top of the cowl. The screw holes on mine were very close to the bottom. When I put the middle clip on, the top of the clip was about 1/2 way between the bottom and top of the cowl, therefore too low for the trim to snap on. The top of the clip should rest near the top of the cowl.
Good luck with your resto!

[willy]

I don't want to hi-jack the thread either but does anyone have a picture of the tool used to take off the windshield trim and how is it used? I need to take mine off so I can seal it.
Thanks,

[b5blue]

A "KD 2038" works fine. 

[NHCharger]

Willy, there is a pic of the trim removal tool in this link.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,19654.0.html

[willy]

Thanks Neal and Supreme comander for the info. I will get one of these. They always say there is a tool for every job you just need to know which tool.
Thanks again Willy

[b5blue]

Willy I used that tool right before you asked, it was still sitting on my hood!  The trick is to release the clip slightly buy catching the edge of the clip just inwards of the trims inside edge, when you feel it catch you just kind of rock the tool like a leaver while gently pulling up on the trim. It will pop loose. Start with the lower trim by the wipers (Remove the corner aluminum tabs screws or you can slide them off when the trim is looser.) Then do the sides and top last.   

[willy]

Neal, The tool worked great. I ground the end of it more to a point so it would hook to the clip better and the trim came right off. Thanks again for your help.
Willy

[b5blue]

Glad to help! Keep it lightly oiled mine started to rust just sitting in the shed! (Florida humidity)

[superbirdtom]

Glad to help! Keep it lightly oiled mine started to rust just sitting in the shed! (Florida humidity)

been using that tool for 25 years have same one  it works grat on any make and model of older car with clips.  but if your not careful  you can crack a widshield with it. if you hook the glass instead of he clip. so take your time.