Honda Element Windshield Exterior A-Pillar Plastic Trim Clips and Install

Jeff of ElementDriven.com shows a break down of the three-piece plastic retaining clips and how to install the A-pillar trim for 2003-11 Honda Elements.
If you’ve lost your trim or it’s loose, he shows you how to mount it and the details involved with the unique clips used for mounting the windshield garnish molding pieces.
- - -
New OEM part numbers;
Driver’s side trim (includes white clips): 73162-SCV-A01ZA
Passenger’s side trim (includes white clips): 73152-SCV-A01ZA
White retaining clips that mount directly to trim piece: 91521-SCV-A01
Two-piece plastic green and gray clips: 91519-SCV-A01
3M Black Super Weatherstrip Adhesive if tabs on backside of trim are broken
- - -
Jump ahead to video sections
00:06; Details of 3-piece plastic trim retainers
06:26; Aftermarket versus OEM clips
11:40; Prepping white clips to back of trim piece
17:00; A-pillar trim removal
20:05; Using weatherstrip adhesive to glue on white clips to trim
26:23; Removal and replacement of green clips to A-pillar
27:20; Mounting plastic trim onto clips on A-pillar

[@karylclaroni2288]

Best how to video ever. Especially for such a complicated task. Thank you so much!

[@elementdriven6382]

Thank you and appreciate the positive comments.

[@MichaelThurman-JNX]

For those who have lost their trim to the wind... just wanted to share that if you buy the replacement trim new from Honda, it includes all the clips.

[@elementdriven6382]

Correct, but it includes only the white clips not the gray or green units.

[@TheMarialm66]

Great info thank you!!!

[@brianthompson9241]

Thank you! Sounds like it’s a good idea to have a few spare parts handy anytime we touch our aging plastics.

[@elementdriven6382]

It wouldn’t hurt.

[@j.s.begley]

Very cool

[@scottfree7028]

Over-engineering at its finest.. two clip system is bad enough! But 3?!? Wtf!!?? 💪🏼 👏 👏 Nice Job sir! Your patience outweighs the strength of these plastic clips for sure!👍🏻

[@cindymcdevitt952]

Thank you for the detailed description. I have had to replace mine numerous times and it was a nightmare. When Safelite came in and replaced my windshield they just ripped them off . I screamed and they were like,”they get old and brittle”. They were brand new pillars. I was ticked. Ordered new ones and wanted to find a good video for installation and removal. You did a great job. Glad I waited to install them.

[@elementdriven6382]

We’re glad the video helped and that we could provide assistance in making sure your trim stays on.

[@rebeccaromine5170]

This is a very fine video, Dave would have never figured out the clips! Thanks you so much for the post GREAT

[@elementdriven6382]

Who’s Dave? And glad we can help!

[@cliffords.8341]

@@elementdriven6382 Dave's not here! 🤣

[@beesang1906]

Thanks so much. The clips are outrageously expensive so I appreciate the glue bandaid. I had the top and bottom clips intact, and they snapped right on. The rest are attached by the adhesive (which in Summer 2003, was $3-something a tube at Wally, $7+ at auto parts store!). Will hit the junkyards later and try for both trim sides (or ask for new for Christmas… and birthday!). Thanks again!

[@elementdriven6382]

Glad we were able to help some and appreciate the feedback.

[@motorjed]

Thank you for this - super useful, replacing mine today 👍

[@DoubleSmackJacksSmackAttack]

I've noticed with every junkyard E I come across that both sides of the A pillar trim are missing, this would explain why. I'll have to pull a spare set for myself just in case of an emergency next time I find them in good shape (or at all!)

[@dougblum2472]

Great video, helpful. Suggestion- zoom out some!

[@giselleplantbasedvegan9174]

I’m looking to replace the upper rubber trim of the windshield, it has loosened. I also noticed the top roof trim that meets the windshield on the side seems loose. I wonder if I need a clip for that. Would you have a suggestion for where I can get the rubber trim? I found some that was $30 but they wanted $70 for shipping.

[@elementdriven6382]

If the upper rubber windshield trim has loosened, you may be able to reinsert it. Otherwise, see what the Honda part number is and search best cost with realistic shipping for that part number. Another option is to stop by a glass shop to see if they can help. If you’ve had your windshield replaced recently, then I’d suggest you hit up that shop up for the fix.