Fitting A-pillars

[collins_dan]

Just got the S4 back from painting and new windshield. The A-pillars are sitting on top of the rubber windshield molding, is that how it is supposed to be, or does it go under? If under, how do I accomplish this with the molding in place? Thanks, Dan

[alexblack13]

Hi Dan,

Are you referring to the plastic trim parts?

If so they should have been fitted and in place before the windscreen rubber was fitted with the screen rubber over the plastic ...

You might be able to wiggle fit them under the rubber somehow? I've never done this so I can't advise, but no doubt someone has and they will be along in a minute to advise you.

It will be recoverable, but you might need to remove the screen again to do this right. No huge deal I would think..

The paint shop should have fitted the trim pieces for you but perhaps they did not know?

All the best.

Alex B ...

[collins_dan]

Thanks, Alex. The paint experience hasn't been an entirely positive one. I trimmed the flange a bit along the length, leaving a bit more at the top and was able to get it under. All good now. Cheers, Dan

[William2]

As a point of interest, is it a good idea when fitting the pillars on a bare shell to hold them in place with an adhesive such as Evo Stick?

[Grizzly]

Don't know if this helps but after three failed attempts to hold every thing in place while i fitted my screen i decided to fit the Rubber to the car first and fit the screen to the rubber (if that makes sense) Much easier even though it is a little fiddly.

I read it could be done that way in the Mountain of threads i read on Door seals.

[Gray]

I'm sure I have refitted A post trims with the screen in place. All depends on how tight the screen rubber is, the last screen rubber I bought seems a tighter fit. If fitting before screen some contact adhesive might assist. I've tried several ways to fit screens, best way I found was to fit the rubber drop screen into the bottom and then gradually ease the rubber round the screen with a rounded off screwdriver. But last screen was more difficult when I did a trial fit, need to recheck I've got the pillars right, after I finish the 26R arches!

[persiflage]

Struggled to do this wth windscreen fitted but I eventually found the almost perfect tool for the job.

An old spoon wth a slightly curved smooth end to the handle. With a little lubrication both trims were fitted in about 20 mins.
Still a struggle but successful.

[Mazzini]

Lotus Specialist tool P/N X263645 (spoon).

[USA64]

The spoon handle puts me in mind of the paint can opening tool I got at the Sherwin Williams store. It even looks kind of Lotus ish. The stamped steel end is like a screwdriver with a bent tip. The shank is stamped flat at right angles to the end and the handle is bent round to form a bottle opener. I have been using the smooth bent back of the tip for smoothing masking tape tight at the edge; one part, many uses.