After installing clips then molding on both sides, experienced something similar to what Durby had experienced. Appears to have slight more of a gap on the passenger side then the driver side, where the base of molding meets the base of windshield cowl. The base of molding has two tabs and what appears to be a L shaped lock of sorts. Inserting the two tabs into the existing holes in windshield cowl isn't an issue. It's determining how the "L" lock inserts into the windshield cowl. I was able to lock this securely into place on left / driver side (part 75552-53020 ) however, didn't seen to lock correctly into place on passenger side (part 75551-53020) after pressing molding onto the five clips (part 75545-53011). Perhaps the location where the "L" shaped tab connects io existing cowl is worn on the passenger side. Does it matter where you begin to install the moulding, beginning at the top, bottom or installing the base of molding first into the existing cowl, and then begin from bottom or top?? Would anyone have video tutorial or photo showing how to correctly secure the "L" shaped tab?

 

Nothing unusual with the gap issue. I had a gap on one side, much like yours. I ended up screwing the non exposed surface down to minimize the gap. Quite tricky on where to screw it down.

 

mandyfig, thank you for the follow up. To confirm, did you screw the base to the existing windshield cowl for additional support or to resolve the gap issue?

 

I actually screwed it on to the body so it stays down. I will take a picture and post.

 

Thank you for posting this information - most helpful. It is thanks to you that I learned about the need for these clips. Just wanted to mention that as of Dec-2020 MyLPlace Lexus Online parts was charging $5.91 for what seems to be per clip?!!? (at least nowhere do they indicate "set of five"). If correct, this would translate to a ridiculous cost of $59.10 for 10 pieces of plastic! I found what seems to be equivalent replacement clips through www.clipsandfasteners.com, where they are presently charging $10.91 for a set of 5 clips (Product Code: A21505). Just search for 'Lexus Windshield Moulding Clip 75545-53011' (replaces part number 75545-53010 as indicated on Lexus site). I hope this helps someone. These people are an excellent source for Toyota and Honda fasteners. I have used them once in the past with excellent results. Fasteners that Lexus sells for over $5 each, I was able to get a package that averaged $1.05 each (got 15 for the cost of 3) - same quality or better. Worth investigating and being familiar with the products they carry!

 

I had my WIndshield replaced they suggested that I buy new molding and so they didn't reinstall the old moldings but of course all the other things clips and whatnot were new, I bought the molding from Lexus 200CAD and then had the place that installed the windshield install the molding they had issues with it not staying in and said that I could come back the next day and they would use glue, the next day I noticed that the top parts on both sides were sticking out so I put them back in they stayed when driving to work they were out again, so just to check I installed the original molding back in and they have stayed in without any issues, I think that because of this new molding being installed on cooler days that it won't shape correctly so I am going to wait until it heats upo in the summer and try to reinstall the molding I also hope that it gets rid of that always present passenger side wind sound while driving with my windows closed.

it is strange how in the car that sounds travel.
for instance, I was driving and could hear this kind of squeaking noise and I could nt track it it seemed to be coming from the centre dash it was driving me a little nuts until one day I was sort of just accepting that noise and I grabbed my water bottle out of the console and the sound stopped so I tested it and discovered that this whole time it was actually my water bottle making that noise hehe
I mentioned the water bottle and noise traveling because that windsould may not be coming from where I think it is coming from but I cannot be sure.

 

Did you purchase a new set of clips as well? You're supposed to replace both since the clips are just cheap plastic that are more single use than anything.

I find it odd they didn't replace them for you. I've had my windshield replaced twice over the last 7 years, and both times they replaced the clips and molding (diff installers).

 

yes all new clips as well

 

There was a post back in 2019 about leaving the moulding off or gluing it on. This is where Shadows comment comes into play. The trim does in fact keep the window in place. On hot days they can and do move. Just put yours fingers on the glass while driving.

Perhaps you can park It in the sun, turn the heat to high then place your whole forearm on the window to apply solid pressure for 5 plus minutes and then install the trim?

I recall a car leaking in a heavy rain after having no trim and only the butyl holding the glass in. It turns out the owner plugged the body vents and when the doors were slammed it made so much pressure it created a vent hole in the poorly installed window. It was summer and the butyl moved easily. It was a comedy of errors all in all.

 

Hello everyone, I just bought my first Lexus: a 2007 IS250 with 197k miles. I am the 9th owner, but it seems to have been well taken care of most of its life. Drives really well, but the window moldings were totally cracked and so I thought I'd give it a try and replace them myself. I am a total newbie to fiddling with a few simple items myself. Really appreciate all the advice on this forum.

After struggling with removing the old clips like several others have mentioned, I started to push the new molding in. The car has been in a minor front accident and the side panels and bumper seem a bit misaligned. I was not able to get the clips down by the hood to pop into place so there is definitely a big gap (see below), but the rest fit in very nicely along the windshield.



Is there any issue leaving those clips out or should I try to jam a piece of gasket into there? The old ones were completely cracked and had popped out, so what I have now is an improvement. If it is fine as-is, where does the water go?

 

Are you referring to not being able to attach the roof drip moulding (part 75552-53020 Left Side Roof drip molding / part 75551-53020 Right Side Roof drip molding), to the last clip ( part 75545-53011) above the lower window cowl, or referring to a clip that attaches the lower cowl itself to the vehicle;

 

I was able to get the moulding into all 5 clips that are shown in your diagram. The issue is with the two little end snap tabs (I shouldn't have called them clips in my post above) that should go into the horizontal black piece (the cowl?) under the windshield wiper

 

Understood! Is it the clip shown below referenced by the Yellow arrows?

Located additional information that may help here;
DIY 2IS cowl cover respray and windshield trim removal
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...m-removal.html

 

Yes, those are the ones that did not go in. From the other thread you referenced, sounds like I should have pushed on them harder before clicking into the little blue clips along the side of the windshield. I only did the driver side so far, so will definitely push harder on the passenger side when I get to it.

Thanks much!

 

You're welcome and hope you're able to fasten the passenger side without issue.