I just got done installing brand new a-pillar trim and a brand new cowling, and then of course got a meteoric rock driven into my windshield by an F-150 today. So frustrated. Once you take these off, they never fit quite as well going back on. And of course there's the risk of breaking them in the removal process.

I usually peel them off by starting at the back and rolling them forward toward the middle of the windshield, but is there an actual best practice for removing them so as to nearly guarantee they aren't damaged in the process?

 

I have had mine off a few times now, it a slow job, and i still used the same plastic trim clips as I take out the center plug so i can reuse them I drill a small hole in the plug, then screw in a small self tapper the pull the plug out then take out the plastic trim button, then carefully peel off the trim, if the steel clips that hold the Cover in place stay on the 'A' post, take them off the 'A' post and put the back on the cover, or you will not be able to get the cover back on, they are made to go back fitted to the cover, then refit the plastic buttons and finish with the center pins job done

 

I think best practice is to get the windshield replaced with insurance (many times it included with your comprehensive) for $100 and let the shop worry about the a-pillar trim.

 

They will 100% break them and then I'll have to battle for a replacement.

 

My experience the insurance will not pay for OE replacements and only for aftermarket which usually don’t fit right. Some shops will allow you to cover the difference for OE over what insurance will pay.

 

Yes, if you get the screen replaced it normally has new 'A' post covers fitted as standard, ask them to be careful with them and you could end up with a spare set,

 

That sucks . . . sorry, man. Haven't developed a best-technique. I usually take what it gives me . . . more often than not that's the technique you described with the aid of a nylon/plastic pry-tool, but I have had some luck coming at them from the windshield side, and, with the windshield already cracked, you don't have to worry about chipping the side of it. Since the trim is new and still pliable, though, I think you'd be able to get it without too much trouble. It's the old brittle ones you have to watch out for.

For what it's worth, FCP Euro currently has the passenger-side unit (genuine) on clearance for $84 with free shipping. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/lan...r-dcb500060pma

Unfortunately, the driver-side is not on sale. You could order one for the passenger-side, ask the techs at the glass repair shop to remove the passenger-side first (to get the hang of it), and, if they break it, I'm guessing the $84 would be cheaper than whatever aftermarket piece they'd order. You could supply them the genuine part and get reimbursed. Hopefully, after they do it once, they'll be able to get the other without breaking it. If they don't break it, you've got a spare at a decent price.

Best of luck.

 

I use a plastic trim removal tool to pry up at the clip area, working slowly back and forth between all three clips. It helps to have an an idea of where the clips are by way of a truck with no pillar cover installed. I've had no problem taking them on and off this way.