Topic: Tip: Fix for unsightly gaps in the interior trim at the top of the windshield

[TomatoSoup]

Do you have the ugly gap between the top of the A-pillar trim and the cross-bar trim along the top of the windshield?  If so, this tip is for you!  This (before) photo shows what I'm talking about.  See the gap in the trim at the top left above the visor and also the hole/gap below and to the left of the roof locating pin support:



I'd always thought these gaps were just bad design or manufacturing and something you just had to accept.  But then, when I had my A-pillars off, I realized that the clip holes were elongated and would allow quite a bit of vertical movement.  One of those eureka moments! 

First the caveat:  I take no responsibility for you ripping your car apart or breaking anything.  Do this at your own risk!

OK, warning over. First just drop the top and wind down both side windows.  Then stand outside the car by the driver-side A-pillar (windshield pillar) and reach around to grab the interior trim... easiest place may be to stick your fingers into the dimple where the tweeter is mounted (but don't damage it!).  Then pull/jerk and slide the trim upward, as if you were trying to pull the base of the trim out vertically from where it meets the main dash trim.  Keep jerk/sliding it up until the gap at the top is fully closed.  Rinse, repeat for the passenger side.

There.  You're done.  Takes 30secs!

If this works (or doesn't) for you, please leave a comment.  This will bump the thread in the 'new posts' list and let more people see it.  Thanks.

(Will cross-post on the BB)

[Kelu]

I don't have this but I plan to remove my A-pillar to stick some goodies in it. I might use this but I'm so unsure if I understood correctly because there are too many uncommon words for me. Tomato can you do a small video how to do it, looks like only some pushing and I don't want to get it wrong

[TomatoSoup]

Tomato can you do a small video how to do it, looks like only some pushing and I don't want to get it wrong

Well, not a video (there's no movement to show really) but maybe this photo will help...  grab the trim as shown and pull on it to slide the trim up the frame in the direction of the yellow arrow until the gap is closed as shown in the orange circle:

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[Kelu]

Thank you sir, that did helped even for people like me which are ....

[Sly Bob]

Great tip, thanks for posting.

[Arabas]

this worked for me!

Thx!

[Triuser]

Huh, gotta try this.  I've noticed that gap and been annoyed by it, now hopefully I've got a fix.  Thanks for the tip!

[Kelu]

Even my gap was smaller I tried this method to see it is working and to test for when I will have a real big gap there.

IT IS WORKING NICE AND SIMPLE, thank you TS for sharing this.

[EarthNTX]

Ok..I'm going to try it right now..thanks! 

[EarthNTX]

Ok.that didn't work for me. It is really stuck and I'm not kidding. I'll wait until it's colder..right now, we're in a heatwave and everything, I think, has expanded everywhere!  

Sunday now..my gaps aren't as big as yours, so I'll just leave it I guess. No point of ripping my arms off trying to move that sucker. 

[TomatoSoup]

I didnt have to put that much effort into it. Just some short sharp jerks. I'm surprised yours is that difficult to move.

[Critterman]

Not everyone is a gorilla like you TS

[1LILNDN]

 Mark I'm gonna try it after work on Tuesday evening. I though it was from DDM installed the Gauge pillar pod now i know it is a factory Boo-Boo.Will let you know on Tuesday night.

 Thanks for the tip

[EarthNTX]

I didnt have to put that much effort into it. Just some short sharp jerks. I'm surprised yours is that difficult to move.

That thing won't budge. That's ok. The gap isn't that big and I may forget it's there