16 replies to this topic

[Snowfruit]

I've spent ages trying to get the chrome fillet into the front and rear windscreen rubbers using a tool I bought from Minispares. However I can't get more than the first couple of ages in.
Any tips on how to do this, preferably with out using a potential paint wrecker?

[dklawson]

If it's going that badly, apply some watered down dishwashing liquid to the rubber where the locking strip goes. This will help you slide the tool through the channel to open it while inserting the locking strip.

[miniboo]

now i know i will get ribbed for this but: surely using something that is not bad for rubber or metal is a good thing to use.

for instance not vaseline as it is bad for rubber but KY jelly isn't so that is worth a shot surely.

No puns were used intentionally in the making of this reply (apart from the ribbed one)

[Jammy]

Yea, I wouldn't use liquid soap, it contains alot of salt so will rust the windscreen surround quicker.

[1984mini25]

I used wd40 for mine a while back, as it was a very hot day and any water/soap solution just evaporated in seconds.

[dklawson]

Perhaps your dishwashing soap in the U.K. is formulated differently than what we have here (regarding salt content). Regardless, I'd hope you are applying this to the locking rib channel and not the windscreen surround so exposure to paint covered bodywork shouldn't be affected.

I would not use WD-40. WD-40 and rubber parts don't always get along. I don't know what grade of rubber is used for windscreen seals. However, in industry a common problem is that factory mechanics will apply WD-40 to sticky air cylinders that commonly use Buna-N (nitrile) seals. The cylinders work great for a few hours until WD-40 attacks the seals causing them to fail. Again, I don't know what windscreen seals are made so I don't know that WD-40 would attack them... I just wouldn't gamble.

As silly as it sounds, the KY suggestion would certainly be safe based on material compatibility and "no salt".

[Sprocket]

Use Car shampoo

Makes sense does it not?

oh, and i hate the job

[The Matt]

The fillet strip also tends to go in a little easier if someone pushes the screen very gently from the inside of the car (IIRC). It opens the profile up a little.

[Gibbon]

After lots of cursing and swearing my windscreens are in.... hmmm.... locking strip .... ARRRGGGHHH

Anybody got a pic of the tool used from Minispres ????
Can't find it on their website

[Matrix]

beleive it or not the best thing I have found to install the screens and the filler is class cleaner when your done simple wipe with a cloth and the glass is clean as well....cool I use NIL Glass but any class cleaner works

Edited by Matrix, 17 May 2007 - 02:22 PM.

[Touche Away]

If it's going that badly, apply some watered down dishwashing liquid to the rubber where the locking strip goes. This will help you slide the tool through the channel to open it while inserting the locking strip.

Never use washing up liquid!

The high salt content eats away at any metal it comes into contact with and will rot the Claytonrite rubber.

Use glass cleaner.

Gav

[midridge2]

every winter the roads are covered with salt and this gets sprayed all over the car when you drive, my question is why does the rubber seals and bushes and trim not rot away and should the body work not be full of huge holes with all that salt on it?
washing up liqued is fine for inserting the filler strip and if you are worried about all that salt in it why not just hose it off when you are finished.
having replaced 100s 0f windows with claytonright rubbers i have never had to use a lubricant so maybe its the way you are using the tool is wrong.

[dklawson]

What has caused this dinosaur thread to re-surface?

Dan has posted similar warnings about not using dish washing liquid because of its salt content. I'm in agreement with Midridge2. I don't see this as a problem based on the amount of other salts our cars see. Also keep in mind that we're talking about applying the lube to a plastic locking strip and a channel in the rubber gasket. We're not talking about lubing the body opening.

Regardless, for those who want an alternative without salt, I've had another product suggested to me. Some swear by "personal lubricant". In the U.S. this would mean "K-Y Jelly". I don't know what comparable products are available in the U.K.

[edjohnson]

i used a tiny amount of fairy liquid to get the firts 6 inches in, but once your on a roll you can get the lot in very quickly, i dont know the origin of the tool i used, its my dads, very old, its a diamond shaped bit of wire on a handle, and works very welll, took about 3 mins to remove and refit a new one