Windscreen rubber

[Fingolfin]

Hi all,
About this time last month, someone (vandals? Drunken top-floor neighbors?) put three big whams into Mog's windscreen. A new screen and seal arrived in time for me to give it a try this weekend.

As I remember from reinstalling Mog's old screen after the restoration, the process for a one-piece screen goes like this:

• Remove old windshield and seal, and repair/repaint body flange if necessary
• Install seal onto new screen
• Using lubricant, embed a length of small rope into outside lip of seal
• Having someone press on screen from above, pull rope into car such that seal lip is forced over body flange

The problem is in the second step above. The seal appears to be correct in dimension and shape, but pressing the groove onto the screen takes all my strength, and after a few inches go on, it pops right back off. I wrestled with it for three hours yesterday, with no progress.

Am I doing something wrong, or have I got a duff seal?

[Declan_Burns]

Fin,
It could be a duff seal. Some of the guys here re-use the old seal. They stick it in the washing machine with plenty of Lenor fabric softener and it comes out like new.
Send the government out first to walk the dog!

Regards
Declan

[stag36587]

I had similar problems with my windscreen, in the end I softened it in hot water for a few minutes then got management to assist by holding one part in place while I wrestled with another part. If it's any consolation, fitting the rear screen is even worse

[Fingolfin]

The old seal was badly perished - and in any case, is cut into a dozen strips now. Replacing the rear window is about the worst job I've ever done on Mog...

I did try heating the seal (in bath water, then with a blowdryer, then [at the lowest temperature] in the oven), but it made no difference. I guess I'll get another one coming from a supplier I trust.

[myoldjalopy]

There do sometimes seem to be problems with some of the replacement seals not fitting correctly. What rotten luck to have your car vandalised - I hope you get this sorted soon.

[Fingolfin]

I got a fresh seal from one of the usual suppliers, and it seems to fit much better. May get the new windshield in in the next few days.

My word of caution: only get windshield seals from Minor specialists! My first ill-fitting one came from a rubber extrusion conpany.

[Boomlander]

My word of caution: only get windshield seals from Minor specialists! My first ill-fitting one came from a rubber extrusion conpany.
Yep..... There's your problem!

[Fingolfin]

I think you're quite right - but I'm still not able to fit the screen! My suspicion is that I just don't have the requisite skills (despite having done it in the past). I'm consulting with local glassfitters.

[GBond]

Windshields are one of the few things I don't mess with. It may seem more expensive to pay a professional to do it but you have much less chance of having to buy another!

[Fingolfin]

What frustrates me about this situation is, I have successfully installed a windscreen in Mog before. If I've done it in the past, why can't I do it now?

But you're not wrong, Mr Bond. A glassfitter in Jefferson City, about thirty miles from me, is willing to give it a try. Now I just have to figure out how to get Mog down there... I'll probably end up donning a face mask and driving Mog windscreenless!

[danmux]

I'm no expert having done it only once before, but parachute cord drenched in silicon lubricant spray helped things along when me and my son did it a few months ago.

Also if memory serves we did start fitting the seal to the window with the seal 'inside out' I remember it being quite hard to tell which way round it went

I'm sure you know, but just in case - the silver trim is only put in place after fitting (and the wire loop tool really does help)

Dan.

[GBond]

What frustrates me about this situation is, I have successfully installed a windscreen in Mog before. If I've done it in the past, why can't I do it now?

But you're not wrong, Mr Bond. A glassfitter in Jefferson City, about thirty miles from me, is willing to give it a try. Now I just have to figure out how to get Mog down there... I'll probably end up donning a face mask and driving Mog windscreenless!

Sounds like an adventure! Make sure it's not raining, wear some sunglasses and keep the windows open to let the air out; otherwise you run the risk of the rear glass popping out.

A friend of my father's restored a really nice Austin Healey a couple of years ago; ordered a new original windscreen and everything. Got it installed, looked great but apparently something was binding so it cracked overnight. Called professionals, they didn't have the windscreen but they cut a truck windscreen to the correct size and he's had no problems for about 5 years now.

[mits]

Hi im just about to start spraying my moggi and i will have to get new rubbers but im so unsure which to get its a 1957 so just after the split screens at the moment it has a plastic insert that goes in it i also have a 2 piece chrome metal insert that came with the car also the back one that has no insert ,
i might be able to save that one, we will see,and as you can see the front isn't saveable.
could anyone tell be the correct rubbers to buy
thanks,

[ManyMinors]

The two piece stainless steel insert was correct ftment until the mid 1960s so your car should certainly have it. It is slightly more tricky to fit which is why many earlier cars now have the later rubber and plastic insert. I would suggest fitting the correct one for the car if you can.
The rear rubber on Minor 1000s never had an insert.