Hi Experts!
Looking for some advice after fitting a new laminated windscreen to replace my old scratched one. The new screen, new rubber seal and new chrome strip went in OK. It was all a bit tight, but thats expected, right? Only plastic tools and lube were used on the screen - no metal screwdrivers. Next day, everything still fine! But a few days later a crack has appeared from top to bottom in the middle of the screen. Behold!
Any ideas what I might be doing wrong to cause this? Some more info:
The scuttle was replaced when I restored the shell which makes me wonder if the apeture is still the correct shape / size. That said, I have had my original screen in and have been driving around for 1 year + with no issues.
I've measured the apeture and I have 41.4cm top to bottom in the middle and all the way across until it narrows slightly towards the corners. Can anyone point me to correct dimensions for the windscreen apeture?
I've got no idea how I would confirm that the curvature of the apeture is correct in order to rule out the screen being under lateral tension which might cause it to snap in the middle, but if it is somehow wrong I don't think I can really do anything about it at this point without major bodywork modification.
The original screen I'm trying to replace (because scratched) is a triplex hardened item which appears to be much stronger than this laminated one which has broken. Can't seem to find anything like the old version available to buy online though. Is it expected that laminated screens are just weaker?
Any advice on how to proceed would be appreciated!