Now that I've got the engine compartment ready for an engine. I've decided to replace the drivers side fender on my '74 Pinto, but before I start taking things apart I am wondering, is the chrome trim piece that goes across the bottom of my windshield attached to the fender or is is held on by the windshield trim clips?
I've tried running a trim tool between the fender and the chrome piece and it doesn't seem to be attached to the fender. Thought I'd ask before I get every thing unbolted, try to remove the fender and then tweak a trim piece I might not be able to replace.
Anybody know?
I currently have the windshield trim off because of a windshield replacement and there are no clips that hold it on, attached to the fender. The corner of the trim has a clip that goes under the rubber molding that holds it at that location. You can pull the fender without removing any of the trim on mine. I have a 73 wagon and would assume they are similar.
lost coz youre right their al the same. There is no conection with fender. Fred. :)
Quote from: Fred Morgan on May 21, 2008, 10:26:42 AM
lost coz youre right their al the same. There is no conection with fender. Fred. :)
All of mine (77 and later) have a clip to the fender. It is not like the ones around the windshield; it has a long spring/wire that catches the fender. It is kind of weird looking and it is made in such a way that you might not even noticed it when you slide something under it. Trust me, if it IS still there, you will not like it. They are a pain and if the windshield was ever changed or work done on the fender(s) the clip(s) were probably left off.
Bill
I would check your drivers vent area and your floors for rust when you replace your fender. On my '73 wagon I found that water would leak past a caulk seal a few inches in from the corner of the windshield. You can only access this when the fender is off.
I would clean, paint and re-caulk this area. Also, look for rust where the inner part (floor) of the cowl vent meets the vertical part of the unibody (hard to describe). This is more incline to rust on the passenger side due to road camber and debris accumulation (creating a perpetually damp condition), but I would check the drivers side as well.
It is these small areas of leakage that can sustain a moist condition, cause rust through and eventually rot out floors. Trust me, even my "California cars" (Pinto and others) often have this undetected decay that have create "rustbelt" like floors.
Tom
Thanks for the Help !!!
77turbopinto;
On the 73 wagon, That wierd clip you mentioned was attached to the trim and then the prong or long pointed part was pushed under the rubber molding around the windshield and set in place with a screw. When I took the molding off, there was nothing attached to the fender. Here is a shot of the left front fender area around the lower part of the windshield. The glass might have been replaced before, I don't really know, but those wierd clips were under both lower corners.
The fender should just slip out from under the trim.
If it is the pass. side be sure to un-hook the anteana first.
From Pintony
I really really appreciate the info. I've avoided changing the fender since I first got the car, just because I didn't want to screw up the trim piece. But now since I've got the car apart, I don't have an excuse.