Chrome windshield pillar removal prior to painting

[scoot]

I'm going to have my car painted and I'm doing as much prep work and stripping in advance myself to keep costs down.  For the windshield area, my plan is to cut away 1/4" of the rubber molding around the glass at the bottom such that the paint will be under the replacement rubber, and have the windshield and rubber replaced after the painting.

But I also would like to remove the chrome piller at each side of the glass -- I have not be able to find out how to do this, or even if it is possible to do with the windshield glass left in.  My reason for doing this is so that the separation between the painted car body and the chrome pillar is a clear separation rather than something that looks to be masked off.

Opinions or advice much appreciated....
thanks
Scott

[DaveB]

I have done this a few years back & can't remember exactly but I think the windshield needs to be out to reveal the attaching screws.

[scoot]

I have done this a few years back & can't remember exactly but I think the windshield needs to be out to reveal the attaching screws.

I was afraid of that...

[stassenk]

I have done this December, and yes, the windshield needs to be taken out to get to the screws.

[waqas]

I was afraid of that...

Scot, It's not a bad idea to remove the windshield for the repaint anyhow. The area underneath the windshield can get little rust spots if there are minute leaks through an old cracked rubber seal. (also good time to replace the seal)