How to Remove 93 Del Sol Windshield Cowl

How do I remove the lower windshield cowl on a 93 Civic Del Sol? This
is the plastic cover below the windshield. I see how to pull the clips
at the top of the cowl, but many of the clips for the rubber hood
gasket appear to extend into the vent. Do I just pry and snap them
off?

It looks like the prvious owner replaced the windshield and whoever
did it removed the cowl with a crow bar. The sheet metal where the
cowl seals underneath the hood is bent in a number of places. I'm
getting engine compartment air sucked into the cabin as a result. I'd
like to pull the cowl, straighten the sheet metal, and install some
foam weather strip.

What's the best way to get the clips out from the lower edge of the
cowl?

Further background: I bought a 93 Del Sol S with 10k miles in ok
shape. Otoh, it needs a lot of rehab to get it in what I consider
acceptable condition. Y'all may be getting more questions form me in
the next year or two about this car.

I've got a copy of the Civic FSM and the Del Sol FSM is on order.

-RC

 

Prying is useless and damaging. There is a better way.

I think if you put your fingertips under the rubber gasket you will find
there is a ledge or flange about 3/4" in width. The clips you mention go
through holes in that flange and stick out the bottom.

The easiest way I have found to get those clips out is not to pry, but to
reach under the flange with a set of angled pliers, compress the barbs,
then PUSH the clips upwards until they are no longer clipped in place and
may be easily pulled out from the top. You may have to rotate the clips so
the barbs are positioned so they can be compressed with the pliers.

 

By the way, I have found that is helpful to wiggle/walk the clips upwards
as you push, so as to help one barb at a time release from the flange.

When reinstalling the clips, insert them all rotated the same way around,
so the barbs are easily accessible with the pliers for next time you need
to remove the cowl molding.

 

I've got some 90° bent needle nose pliers. There's a couple clips that
go into the vent, rather than the engine compartment. On closer
inspection I can tell those hold another piece of pastic and aren't
secured t the body work.

I'm guessing there used to be an adhesive gasket sealing the edge.
Whoever pried on the sheet metal was maybe trying to get this loose?
It isn't sealing anymore, with gaps where it's bent. I believe I can
straighten it with some clamps and scraps of hardwood.

-RC

 

There was a rubber gasket that was held in by the same clips as the plastic
cowl molding. The factory used no adhesive.

If you look under "Wipers" in the "Body Electrical" section of your factory
shop manual, you will find an exploded view of this assembly.

You can get replacement parts from any wrecking yard. I believe these parts
are the same as those on a Civic.