I have a 1988 244 DL. I decided I was going to replace the winshiled with the all black 91 and newer style. I would like to remove the chrome strip on the back of the glass and replace it with a black rubber piece. How would this work? Would this cause in any odd complications, that would make this not worth while. I would hate to cause a leak.
Thanks and happy bricking.

I am not too sure when the back window changed (or if it did), but the chrome strip should be just two halves inserted in the black rubber moulding. It is not terribly hard to pull out the chrome, but I have not figured out the trick to getting the trim back in! I've worked on it for several hours and pretty much given up. My black trim is hanging from my shelves in my apartment and has been for a month or two.
GT's and GLT's (sedans) should have a black metal trim instead of the chrome that is far more common. And then 91 or 92 should have black trim. Maybe flush trim, I don't know.
Unless someone has a good method for getting the trim in or you are luckier than I am, I would go with Aye Roll's suggesting of painting the chrome. I like to use a satin black epoxy paint, it is tough to scratch. I used it on my grille.
The car doesn't look bad without the trim, mine did not have it when I bought it and it took me six years to notice that it was missing something. It just looks more "finished" with it.
And if you figure out how to install the trim you're welcome to drive up and do mine too!
Good luck.
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1981 242 GLTi 1967.5 122S
Seattle, WA

It'll probably be easier to mask off the area around the window, and paint it with black "bumper coater" spray paint. This gives a nice satin black finish and you can also restore the other faded moldings with it.

I use 3M blue masking tape, it's great stuff, no residue.

That said, no, I have never removed a sedan rear window. The trim seems integral with the rubber, so short of removing a late model rear window, the repaint is probably a good option. Scuff it with fine steel wool first for better adhesion.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 230K, 88 744GLE- 220K, 82 245T-181K Also responsible for the care and feeding of: 88 745GLE, 231K, 87 244DL, 239K, 94 855GLT 189K