Member Since: 13 May 2020
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 43
A-Pillar trim replacement question
Hi All,
I've just ordered a replacement A-Pillar trim from Advanced Factors so I’ll replace it in a few days when it arrives. The original one came off on Friday on the way down to Exmoor and I've driven through quite a bit of torrential rain and it as been sitting outside ever since (mostly in the rain!). Do I need to worry about water (potentially quite a bit) having got into the pillar in the time it has been missing the trim?
Many thanks in advance
James
2nd Nov 2020 2:57 pm
Kilovolt
Member Since: 29 Jun 2015
Location: South Derbyshire
Posts: 1081
These little blighters 'flying' off in high crosswinds is not uncommon (happened to me twice).
The usual culprit is a windscreen change as the clips seem to have a limited life. They are visual trim pieces and the windscreen should still suitably adhered to the bodywork so there will be no water ingress. By all means, check before applying the new trim. There should be no water path into the vehicle.
Word of caution: I am not sure what comes with AF trim piece but you have to use new clips (I cannot remember if they are white or yellow) if you do not use new ones your new trim piece will also go flying.
Most windscreen fitters now appear with both the trim and clips to prevent this from happening (at least my last two installers did). I like breaking windscreens
I am sure someone will be along to tell you what clips to use.
"Track day running - Don't put your foot back on the accelerator until your absolutely sure you don't have to take it off again"
Current Ride: D4 XS Commercial Baltic Blue SDV6 fully loaded with heated everything
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2nd Nov 2020 4:03 pm
Kilovolt
Member Since: 29 Jun 2015
Location: South Derbyshire
Posts: 1081
Not sure if that is one side's worth or two "Track day running - Don't put your foot back on the accelerator until your absolutely sure you don't have to take it off again"
Current Ride: D4 XS Commercial Baltic Blue SDV6 fully loaded with heated everything
Track Days: BMW E36 M3 Evolution MY 1996 (3.2 Litre 377 BHP sat in 1,250 Kgs of car, with a pro safety cage and some serious braking power)
IIRC you need both white and yellow types. but that's all I remember … no idea which go where.
2nd Nov 2020 4:07 pm
Martin Site Admin and Owner
Member Since: 06 Nov 2004
Location: Hook Norton
Posts: 18573
A new trim will come with all new clips fitted06 D3 SE / 15 LR D90 XS SW / 88 LR 90 Td5 / 68 BMW 2000 ti
Any issues with the site let me know!
2nd Nov 2020 4:25 pm
akabrooksy
Member Since: 13 May 2020
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 43
Thanks - Funnily enough I do have a pack of clips from a previous time (the other side went a couple of years ago), 4 yellow and 1 white. @Kilovault I think you are absolutely right - I have had a windscreen change a few months ago which probably weakened the plastic on the trim which has snapped in a couple of places.
2nd Nov 2020 4:28 pm
Canburne
Member Since: 15 Jan 2013
Location: Devon
Posts: 2039
Have you got the proper windscreen fitted. Usually if the fitter knows what they are doing they replace all of the A trim fittings.....
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2nd Nov 2020 5:33 pm
akabrooksy
Member Since: 13 May 2020
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 43
Yep - I made a fuss when I booked the job and they agreed to replace with proper LR windscreen after speaking to my insurer. Perhaps they were not careful enough when removing/replacing the trim and it was damaged so has eventually failed. I think the issue was the trim rather than the clips...
2nd Nov 2020 5:37 pm
nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4252
I had a windscreen replaced on a newish D4 by a LR dealer a few years back and even they didn't change the clips (as I found out a week later when the A pillar detached itself)... I want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
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3rd Nov 2020 9:53 am
akabrooksy
Member Since: 13 May 2020
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 43
Now I have replaced the A Pillar trim, I thought I would update in case anyone looking for this in the future.
1. The trim arrived from AF with all the clips fitted as Martin said it would
2. On close inspection, the issue was the trim not the clips - I assume that the guys replacing the windscreen a while back were pretty careless on removal and broke the trim so it was only held on by a couple of clips.
3. the old clips were tricky to remove from the A Piller (I didn't have a trim tool to help me which would have made it very easy)
3. If you are having the windscreen replaced, worth checking the trim for damage, once they have removed it.
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