Although it isn't required, we prep each piece of windshield trim with Dupli-Color's Self-Etching Primer, which can be bought at any local auto-parts retailer. Although manually sanding the aluminum pieces is fine, the primer etches-puts tiny scratches in-the trim and promotes maximum adhesion of the paint for a smooth, clean finish. Note our use of a spray-can top as a small pedestal for parts being painted. It ensures we don't miss any areas when the parts are sprayed.
For best results, we recommend using spray paint in sunny, warm, and calm-wind conditions for projects similar to ours. Dupli-Color's Truck, Van, and SUV Universal Black Acrylic Lacquer (PN T100) is the color we selected for our trim refurbishing. Once painted with three coats, the pieces are left in the sun for 30 minutes of drying time.
The pieces are then shot with heavy doses of Krylon's Crystal Clear Gloss Acrylic clearcoat (PN 1301) for a super shine and paint protection. We like using the Paint Trigger pistol-style spray handle from Rust-Oleum (PN 7899). We recommend it for smooth application of rattle-can primers, paints, and clearcoats.
Our 'Stang was prepped for the glass installation when we worked on it in the body shop. At that time, the original windshield adhesive was scraped away and the areas were thoroughly cleaned, as they needed to be free of impurities that could have contaminated the paint job. Alex and Roberto prep the coupe by applying a pinch-weld primer to the body, then cleaning the new glass and applying primer to its perimeter. Nothing beats doctors who make house calls-All Star Glass handled the entire process in the cozy confines of the driveway, and made brisk work of it at that.
Windshields are secured with urethane adhesive. The exact type of material used depends on temperature, humidity, and the amount of time a vehicle can be out of service when glass is installed. Temps in our area of SoCal can soar to 105 degrees in the summer, so Alex uses thick, even beads of high-temp polyure-thane around the front and rear window openings. In general, it can take between 30 minutes and 24 hours for the adhesive to be cured enough for driving the car. Although the adhesive Alex selected sets quickly, we're allowing a full day for it to settle with the windshields in place.
Once the windshields are set in place, centered, and leveled, Alex and Roberto begin installing our freshly painted trim pieces.