Hi all,
I started on what was meant to be an easy project on my new to me s2000 and may have bitten off more than I can chew. While this topic has previously been covered on this forum, the threads seem to be ~20 years old and deal with the tape still being in once piece. This was not the case with mine, as the Florida heat and sun had taken their tole and mine was in about a million cracked pieces. I’ve attached pictures below.




I managed to removed the existing black vinyl using a steam gun I purchased at harbor freight. However I am now left with a windshield frame looking like this:



It appears that this mildew like build up getting between the paint and vinyl is likely what caused the cracking in the first place. Has anyone else experienced this and know of any way to remove this? Thus far my attempts have been unsuccessful. I would like to have a clean surface go mount the new replacement vinyl and prevent this from happening again. Thanks for any help/ advice in advance!

 

i just had mine done at our bodyshop. I replaced my windshield so it was easier to remove and reapply the tape. I’m not sure what they used to clean it but I’ll ask.

 

There are claims the windshield frames were not finished and just covered by the black tape. At least some (maybe most?) cars according to information I gathered a few years when I was considering removing the tape on my car and letting the body color show. Matter of opinion of course but I now think the car looks better with the black windshield frame complimenting the black roof and looks fine with the roof down. Windshield frame matching a hard top looks better.

Since you're in Florida that may be rust and not just mildew especially if the if the "unfinished" theory is true. Either way some prep will be necessary and you're committed now.

Long ago threads like this one assert there's a kit or part number for the tape replacement.

Best of luck!

-- Chuck

 

Hi Chuck, Thanks for the reply. I went back to work on it and it actually appears that all of this mildew/ cracking/ discoloration is actually within part of the original tape and the paint is clear underneath. Seems like I was able to separate the black part and the glue, but this one part remains and I am having a hell of a time even getting the smallest parts off.

 

If you don't mind me asking what did that set you back? I messed up the windshield seal pretty bad so likely not a bad option for me.

 

Based on my limited knowledge, all (at least recent) S200s have the windshield painted body color. I myself like in black and in my personal opinion make the car look better.