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My 53 didn't have anything like what you're describing, not much help I know. If you have a picture that may help someone recognize what you're referring to. Maybe it's something that was added after production?

Pics of what I am asking about.

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That is a finish welting or sometimes called upholstery piping and if you are careful with removal of the molding, the old stuff can be reused although you may need to tape or glue it on the inside of the molding to keep it in place when reinstalling. If it is damaged, new can be found although maybe not in the exact same color and texture as the original. If you cannot find the color needed an upholsterer can male new by sewing fabric or vinyl over a 1/8" plastic core if you buy a length of material in the proper color. That may take a few days though so you would need to plan ahead.

As 53 Cavalier pointed out new is always better but the original color and texture may be hard to find even if you buy material and have it made. Amazon has some possibilities in upholstery piping although the holding flange or tail in the upholstery product is somewhat narrower than the original welting so it may be harder to glue or tape to the molding while installing. Some of the online retail upholstery supply houses may also have something. You could also go to a local upholstery place and see if they could check with one of their wholesale only suppliers who would possibly have a better or different selection..

THANKS!!!

I deleted my other reply because HH gave the right answers. I would be inclined to try to reuse the original as it looks to be in pretty good condition. Treat it with Gummi Pflege to soften it up a bit when it's out. But if you want/need to replace it an upholstery shop should be able to get you something that is fairly similar. Make sure it's close because it's right in front of your eyeballs!

When I replaced my windshield here's how it went as I found there were few other things that needed to be done at the same time. Rabbit holes, just like every other project on my car!!! LOL

I had my glass company remove the windshield for me. Then I took the car home and cleaned up and painted the gasket flange. There wasn't too much corrosion, but a little and too good an opportunity not to take care of it while the windshield was out.




The interior trim isn't painted on the the back side so had some rust developing, which was creeping around the edges and becoming visible, which looks like you may have the same. I cleaned these up and painted the inside to stop this. I was lucky to find a touch up paint that was so close that I have to look hard to find the places that I fixed up. Not so easy on yours.







I also took the opportunity to wet sand and power polish the stainless steel trim. The only problem with this is it makes the rest of the stainless steel looks shabby! (The back window is now done too and the rest of the trim will get done eventually.)




A bit of a process "just" to replace the windshield, but was happy withe the finished product. Very happy that I was able to save the 1969 safety inspection sticker and apply it to the new windshield. (Actually not a new windshield, it's a used one that's in pretty good condition.)