How to install the upper windshield molding on a 1956 Cadillac DeVille?

[carguyblack]

Thought I'd ask if anyone has a secret on how to install the stainless molding across the top of the windshield / roof placement? I've succeeded in doinking the stainless a bit as I was thumping it is place into the new windshield rubber. I believe I did it according to the service manual but I dimpled my stainless nonetheless. I attempted to soften the rubber with heat and siliconed the heck out of the slot before I tried to get it in place but still did the damage using a rubber block as a cushion. Is there a trick other than never removing it in the first place? Thanks for any suggestions.
Chuck

[Roger Zimmermann]

Did you try to install that molding when the windshield is installed on the car? The molding can only be installed into the rubber seal before the windshield is installed.

[carguyblack]

Yes, I think it was removed when the car was painted but not the entire windshield being removed. That was probably the impasse. Thanks, Roger.

[cadman56]

There is an extra groove in the rubber seal.  It is between the glass groove and the pinch weld groove.  The glass must be out to install the molding.  Hope the paint shop didn't ruin your molding.  The molding has a short flange bent at 90 deg. dowward.

[carguyblack]

By "paint shop" you mean "Me". Yes, I was being insistant to get the thing back in and it is dimpled slightly, certainly seeing it in the right light but not that glaring of a problem. I can live with it and I do have another one in good shape yet. Just didn't want to repeat the damage. Sure hate to take the entire windshield out just to put the top stainless back in place, but someday I guess I'll have to do it the right way. The molding came out OK when prepping for paint but did not like to be put back in again, that's for sure!
Chuck