Window trim molding is a thin rubber strip that is installed over side windows in a vehicle to prevent water and other sources of moisture from leaking into the car through the seam between the window and the body of the vehicle. Over time, this rubber can become hard, brittle and cracked, which allows water to come into the car once more. You can replace this window molding with a small amount of effort. This do-it-yourself project will save an unnecessary trip to the mechanic's shop.
Remove the window from the car. Most windows that have rubber trim are held in place with socket bolts and regular screws. Unbolt or unscrew the hardware and gently push the glass out of the window frame.
Remove the old window molding from the edges of the window. Clean the edges of the glass with adhesive remover to remove all previous adhesive residue from the window molding. Clean the window with a degreasing cleanser and soft cloth.
Spread the two sides of the inside edge of the window molding open. There is a small slit in the molding where the rubber will fit over the window. Splitting it open makes it easier to slide over the window.
Spread some petroleum jelly onto the split portion of the rubber. Slide the rubber over the window. You may want to place an old towel in your lap as you fit the rubber onto the window to protect your pants from the grease and to help stabilize the window.
Hammer the rubber over the window lightly with a rubber mallet. This will allow the window to slide into the small groove in the rubber, eliminating the need for adhesives. Make sure the whole rubber molding sits snugly around the window.
Clean away excess jelly with the degreasing cleanser and soft cloths. Reinstall the window back inside the vehicle.
