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E30 Window Lock Strip Replacement

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    E30 Window Lock Strip Replacement

    I replaced the window lock strips on my henna car recently. After searching around the web I found several posts about how to do it but none had pics or much decent guidance. If this is a repost then forgive me. Hopefully it's helpful.

    You will need:

    Lock Strip tool:


    Dull screwdriver:


    Lots of soap:


    A small bowl of warm water.

    First thing - if it's not warm out soak the trim in hot water. This will make it workable for installation.



    Next remove the old trim. Use the flat head screwdriver to pull out the clips from the corners. Be sure to lube up the gasket with soap and hot water to get the screwdriver in and not rip the gasket.



    Once out you can just pull out the old trim. Mine was so shot it was brittle and cracked along the way. Remnants:


    Next get one end of the new strip into the clip:



    Get the clip set in the gasket (use lots of soap and the flat head screwdriver) and then do the lower piece:


    Get it started with the flat head screwdriver and then position the gasket tool like so:


    Using lots of soap, work the tool across the gasket forcing the strip in.



    Once in you might find that there is a bit too much trim at the other end. Don't worry about it yet.

    Then start up the top. You'll find that the trim is getting firmer now and is less flexible. You'll have to go over it with the tool a few times to "train it" to fit the mould. Don't worry if you have to make a few passes and it does click in. You're just shaping it right now.

    Before shaping:


    After shaping:



    Now use lots of soap and water and work it all the way to the other end. Then you may end up with this:



    I used tin snips to cut it to size, put the clip in and then slid the ends of the lock strip into each end of the clip. Once done I used more soap and water to slip the screwdriver under the gasket and set the whole thing in place. You end up with this:



    Front end works the same.

    Hope this helps!
    PNW Crew
    90 m3
    06 m5


    #2
    Just approved this thread. Thanks for the writeup! I used my Swiss army knife (flat screwdriver/ bottle opener) along with lots of soap to install mine.

    1992 BMW 325iC
    1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
    1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza 140hp

    Comment


      #3
      that tool came in the trunk of my e30, never really knew how to use it. good writeup.


      i have no idea what i am doing with my life

      Comment


        #4
        Wow! Nice. Good job dude

        Comment


          #5
          replacing mine right now and cannot for the life of me get my corner pieces in any tips?


          1989 325is l 1984 euro 320i l 1970 2002 Racecar
          1991 318i 4dr slick top


          Euro spec 320i/Alpina B6 3.5 project(the never ending saga)
          Vintage race car revival (2002 content)
          Mtech 2 turbo restoration
          Brilliantrot slick top "build"

          Comment


            #6
            I hope photobucket goes out of business...
            Build Thread: Ryan's Hennarot 318is
            COTM Aug 2019

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by rjmcdermott81 View Post
              I hope photobucket goes out of business...
              There are photobucket hotlink fixes available for both firefox and chrome, just search for them under "add-ons". I wonder if there's a way to automate rehosting images and save car forums?
              I can see the pictures just fine. Also, thanks for pushing the thread to the top, I need to do this and it's a very good tutorial.

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by Mazdayasna View Post
                There are photobucket hotlink fixes available for both firefox and chrome, just search for them under "add-ons". I wonder if there's a way to automate rehosting images and save car forums?
                I can see the pictures just fine. Also, thanks for pushing the thread to the top, I need to do this and it's a very good tutorial.
                You are my hero.

                Comment

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