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Installing Fillet Strip In Windscreen Seal


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#1 MikeRotherham

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Posted 30 September 2016 - 03:40 PM

I'm struggling to install the chrome fillet strip in the front windscreen seal.

 

I've got the wire type of fillet tool which doesn't seem to expand the gap enough added to which the seal rubber is a lot stiffer than the 20 odd year old one I took off.

 

Using plenty of soapy water as lubricant.

 

Is this another case of modern rubber being very different to the original formula?

 

The few videos I've checked out on Youtube the rubber is so supple.

 

Anybody got any tips?


Edited by MikeRotherham, 30 September 2016 - 03:40 PM.


#2 nicklouse

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Posted 30 September 2016 - 03:57 PM

Me old wire tool fitted my new seal the other week.

Just make sure you insert it fully.

#3 RooBoonix

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Posted 01 October 2016 - 01:42 PM

You could try to bend the wire loop so it's wider and opens up the gap more?



#4 Ben_O

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Posted 02 October 2016 - 11:29 AM

They are just a struggle i'm afraid.

 

There is no fast way and the closer you get to the end, the harder it gets.

 

As has been said, make sure the tool is fully in and guide the fillet down with your thumb as you push the tool along



#5 Wise Old Elf

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Posted 02 October 2016 - 11:35 AM

I did the rear one about a month ago without the tool as I could not find mine in the garage. Took about 5 hours to get it in. :(

Bought another tool to do the front one a few weeks later. I got the tool with the roller which made it much easier but it still took about an hour.

I used to do these every day and never had the trouble I had. I also believe the rubber is much stiffer than I remember.

#6 59 Speed

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Posted 02 October 2016 - 12:10 PM

As above they are a pain in the 🤔 rear

I had the wire type installation tool - had to modify it and make it narrower by squeezing it so it would fit in the gap better as the tool just wouldn't stay in without a fight!

#7 Steve220

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Posted 02 October 2016 - 01:03 PM

Don't do it on a cold day! That the only real advice I've got from experience.

#8 tiger99

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Posted 02 October 2016 - 02:57 PM

It may be more effective in the end to pay for a mobile windscreen fitter to do it. I know, none of us want to fork out money for stuff that we think we should be able to do ourselves, but a valuable asset like a Mini being off the road for longer than necessary is also costing money, and irreplaceable personal time.

Each must make his own decisions of course, based on personal circumstances which are of course private. I have equal respect for those who persevere and get it done, or those who fork out for professional help. I am merely pointing out the possibilities.

I tend to run away from both windscreens and headlinings, where possible, and pay for professional help.

#9 spraybeater

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Posted 02 October 2016 - 08:58 PM

When I served my apprenticeship back in the 60s quite a few other vehicles use Clayton Wright filler

strips!! we used to make our own tools to fit them! using an old bicycle wheel spoke bent into a 

diamond shape and Brazed onto an old screw driver, 






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