Windshield trim on Meridian coming loose -- what is the fix?

[cody471]

My 2004 Meridian 36G has some loose trim around the windshield. After taking a close look at it, it seems the trim is held on by a channel that is taped (with double stick tape) to the frame of the coach. The tape is coming lose in a number of areas and I need to replace it.

It seems to me that I could take all of the old trim/channel and tape off, clean with alcohol, and replace with 3M foam mounting tape, then replace the channel, and trim.

Have any of you run into this and does this seem like a reasonable approach to fix?

Thanks - Rick

 

[cody471]

My 2004 Meridian 36G has some loose trim around the windshield. After taking a close look at it, it seems the trim is held on by a channel that is taped (with double stick tape) to the frame of the coach. The tape is coming lose in a number of areas and I need to replace it.

It seems to me that I could take all of the old trim/channel and tape off, clean with alcohol, and replace with 3M foam mounting tape, then replace the channel, and trim.

Have any of you run into this and does this seem like a reasonable approach to fix?

Thanks - Rick

 

[SCVJeff]

Are you referring to the vertical rubber strip on either side of the window and clamped down on the top by a plastic strip?

 

[KE0M]

Rick - I had the problem of shrinking windshield molding. I complained to the factory and they sent me an entire windshield molding kit at no charge. There is a spline on the underside of the molding and a channel on the coach. A rubber mallet is an effective tool to get the spline into the channel. I added a self tapping screw at each end with a finish washer to prevent the new one from moving away from the ends if (when) it shrinks again. I replaced the entire top section and the center section. I am pleased with the results.

I hope this helps,
Larry

 

[jimandsue60]

I don't think I would use the foam type double sided tape. WalMart carries the 3M Exterior molding double sided stickey tape. It has a red backing and is in the automotive department.

Jim

 

[AFChap]

Rick

My '03 Ultimate is in at a dealer as we speak. We had a small drip at the top of the passenger side windshield. When I checked it out, I found the outer trip loose across the top of the windshield, the the inner channel coming loose in some places. They put a leak machine (pressurized the coach inside with liquid on the outside to detect leakes), on the coach, and found numerous leak around both windshields. We think one of the clearance lamps was leaking also. I think the trim tape with the red backing would be the best bet to secure the inner channel. I'm not real concerned about the rubber trim. My bigger problem appears to be a leak under the front cap.

 

[cody471]

Update on the loose trim --

I spent a few quality hours today fixing the loose trim around the windshield using your suggestions. I pulled the external trim out of the plastic channel and then pulled the channel out (the original tape holding the channel had failed). Then, I had to strip the old tape off (a real pain!) and then cleaned the metal frame underneath with solvent. Finally, I put down new double stick tape (3M), replaced the channels and trim. Worked great and no more trim flapping in the wind.

Rick

 

[SCVJeff]

Larry: Can you post pics of your screws (just for location). It sounds like I should look into this while mine is still in position to secure.

 

[KE0M]

Jeff - I did not take any pix. The nice thing is that there is a plastic cover that runs vertically down both sides, and that strip covers the ends of the molding. Therefore, it also covers the screws and thus one can not tell they are there.

73's
Larry

 

[KirbyRVA]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by AFChap:
Rick

My '03 Ultimate is in at a dealer as we speak. We had a small drip at the top of the passenger side windshield. When I checked it out, I found the outer trip loose across the top of the windshield, the the inner channel coming loose in some places. They put a leak machine (pressurized the coach inside with liquid on the outside to detect leakes), on the coach, and found numerous leak around both windshields. We think one of the clearance lamps was leaking also. I think the trim tape with the red backing would be the best bet to secure the inner channel. I'm not real concerned about the rubber trim. My bigger problem appears to be a leak under the front cap. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If you get on a ladder and remove one of the market lights (if your's is anything like mine), you will wonder why they haven't leaked from day one. There are no gaskets behing the light body. I would have a small puddle of water on the dash after heavy rains. I could find no other suspicious areas so I made gaskets for the markers from some 1/8" neoprene rubber and I have no more leaks.

 

[SCVJeff]

Larry, I looked at mine last night and notice that the strip that appears to be in trouble is the center. I'd say it's on the order of 3/4" short. I assume you did not secure the center strip? Guess I should figure out who to call and discuss this. I'd much rather replace it myself than drive 60 miles to the dealer.

 

[cody471]

My weatherstripping also looked short, but after I pulled it out of the channel and stretched out, it was long enough. I suspect it "bunches up" a bit as the tape lets go.

Rick

 

[SteveG-WO]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by smlranger:
[

If you get on a ladder and remove one of the market lights (if your's is anything like mine), you will wonder why they haven't leaked from day one. There are no gaskets behing the light body. I would have a small puddle of water on the dash after heavy rains. I could find no other suspicious areas so I made gaskets for the markers from some 1/8" neoprene rubber and I have no more leaks. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

smlranger, we have been out and about for the past two weeks, up to TN and back, and today pulled our 2004 Journey 36G in for the evening on our last day out and encountered a heavy rain storm just after getting set up for our eveing stay over. At least the timing was good! But after searching for "windshield water leak" and finding your post, I am concluding I have the same marker light leak. Water is leaking down on the driver's side from the very top inside of the windshield.

I'll take the three front marker lights apart and see if the Life Caulk or the rubber gasket will be the best repair. Thanks for sharing your repair experience.

 

[SCVJeff]

If anyone is looking to replace the double-sided tape, I would suggest THIS. This "VHB" tape is marketed as a replacement for welding and screws (yeoza!). I have my solar panels literally stuck to the rook with this stuff, so it oughta hold some silly molding up.

 

[Thudman]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I am concluding I have the same marker light leak. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I also have the same problem. Tried caulk w/poor results; so I bought some rubber/fabric gasket stuff (NAPA) & will make gaskets soon.

Thudman

 

[DonavonP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by SCVJeff:
If anyone is looking to replace the double-sided tape, I would suggest THIS. This "VHB" tape is marketed as a replacement for welding and screws (yeoza!). I have my solar panels literally stuck to the rook with this stuff, so it oughta hold some silly molding up. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree. 3M 4941 is probably the best all around VHB (Very High Bond).

 

[SCVJeff]

BTW- It's VERY difficult to find anything short of a very expensive full roll. But if you search VHB on eBay you can find it in 6" strips. I just bought 2 packages of the stuff.