Tech alert: 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Tech alert: 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Bob Beranek, president of Automotive Glass Consultants in Sun Prairie, Wis., and technical consultant for the National Glass Association, McLean, Va., offers the following advice regarding windshield removal and replacement on the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser:
“Most of the feedback I have received from the field is that the side moldings are not the problem with this vehicle. The bigger problem is the top molding. It is held down by a series of clips and is urethaned in about four or five spots. The molding is frequently damaged upon removal, and the replacement costs hundreds of dollars. Only recently has NAGS [National Auto Glass Specifications] labeled it a ‘may require new molding’ part, so getting the insurance company or customer to pay for the molding can be difficult. Those that have done an FJ Cruiser windshield replacement say the only way to salvage the top molding is to carefully release the front clips and cut the back beads of urethane using a long-handled utility knife. The cowl consists of three attached pieces, but it is removed as one piece. Remove the cowl before removing the side moldings. The side moldings pinch the retainers and then slide up. It is a weird design, but with patience, you should be OK.”