Well , fitted the windscreen ourselves, but found it quite tricky to get the screen in with out cutting the seal. We eventually got this in after 2 hours, using a screwdriver to push the seal out, the only problem is that, after using the screwdriver it left some damage to the seal, now after 4-5 months the seal at the drivers side bottom left has split completly. Does this mean it has potentail to leak in water, (which we didn't want thats why we didn't cut it) if it does, do I need to replace the seal by taking out the windscreen, or could I do something with out having to take the screen out again after all the hassle we had with it last time!
Cheers!!
windscreen seal
Started by
Jules
, May 26 2004 02:37 AM
2 replies to this topic
#2
dklawson
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Moved Into The Garage
- Name: Doug
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Posted 26 May 2004 - 01:26 PM
The seals aren't too expensive. It is generally false economy to reuse the old ones if they are over a couple of years old. Yes, once they split there's a very good chance they'll leak.
Installing Mini glass isn't as hard as it seems at first. Friends suggested a different method than I used with other cars and much to my surprise it GREATLY simplifies the process. Try this with your new seal and you'll have the glass back in very quickly.
First remove the old glass and thoroughly clean the opening on the car and the edge of the glass. Once both are clean, fit the new seal to the opening in the car body. (This is exactly opposite to what I've done on other cars). Now fit the bottom edge of the glass into the rubber seal. Apply a very thin film of water with dishwashing soap to the edge of the glass. Use a piece of nylon or a plastic putty knife to work the edge of the rubber seal up over the glass as you push down on the glass. The plastic/nylon won't damage the glass and if properly "dull" it won't cut the rubber.
Now you need to use a proper tool to install the filler/locking strip in the seal. This will take more time than putting the glass in. I own a lockstrip tool but I've heard of all kinds of improvised tools made from coat hangers. The tool costs less than the seal... buy it. Apply a little water/soap to the filler strip to make its installation go quickly. This sounds like it is a lot of work but I found it took less than 15 minutes to get my glass back in with this technique. You can also do this by yourself unlike other methods I've used that require two people.
Installing Mini glass isn't as hard as it seems at first. Friends suggested a different method than I used with other cars and much to my surprise it GREATLY simplifies the process. Try this with your new seal and you'll have the glass back in very quickly.
First remove the old glass and thoroughly clean the opening on the car and the edge of the glass. Once both are clean, fit the new seal to the opening in the car body. (This is exactly opposite to what I've done on other cars). Now fit the bottom edge of the glass into the rubber seal. Apply a very thin film of water with dishwashing soap to the edge of the glass. Use a piece of nylon or a plastic putty knife to work the edge of the rubber seal up over the glass as you push down on the glass. The plastic/nylon won't damage the glass and if properly "dull" it won't cut the rubber.
Now you need to use a proper tool to install the filler/locking strip in the seal. This will take more time than putting the glass in. I own a lockstrip tool but I've heard of all kinds of improvised tools made from coat hangers. The tool costs less than the seal... buy it. Apply a little water/soap to the filler strip to make its installation go quickly. This sounds like it is a lot of work but I found it took less than 15 minutes to get my glass back in with this technique. You can also do this by yourself unlike other methods I've used that require two people.
#3
Jules
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Posted 27 May 2004 - 01:04 AM
It sounds good in theory, i'l tell you how it goes in practice!
Cheers tho..
Cheers tho..
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