Windshield rubber to body installation

[BJ8TONY]

Hello All

I am looking for some advive installing the rubber seal that goes on the bottom of the windshield frame where it meets the body.
Looks like it could be a very fustrating job.

Thanks


Tony

 

[shorn]

It is a very difficult task to install that seal in the channel. I have tried dish soap and even talc powder to get the seal to slide into the channel. I even took the seal and the frame to a auto glass shop. They handed back to me and said "sorry, can't do". I finally accomplished the task, but I don't think the seals are properly sized. Good luck.

 

[BJ8TONY]

I have a feeling that what ever resposes I get are going to be that same.

 

[Keoke]

No it ia not rocket science. However, geting the proper sised seal is the initial secret. Most like;y this can be accomplished by purchasing this part from a restoration source like Healey Surgeons.Fwiw--Keoke

 

[AUSMHLY]

No it ia not rocket science. However, geting the proper sised seal is the initial secret. Most like;y this can be accomplished by purchasing this part from a restoration source like Healey Surgeons.Fwiw--Keoke

Good recommendation Keoke.
I ordered one from Healey Surgeons and used dish soap as the lubricant.
Had no problems. Took about 15 minutes to get in. Now R&R the windscreen, a little longer :wink:

 

[BigGreen]

For those who dislike to use soap because its a degreaser.
Try Poorboysworld Natural Look or their Trim Restorer
Far better lube for rubber and will lengthen its life

Hans

 

[andrea]

Hi Tony
Here you can find a partial sequence of the work of Alan Bromfield skillful work -very interesting and helpful
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XNwy1WjvLjbk-0F0-LpmTtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlinkù
or--
https://picasaweb.google.com/searunner44/DropBox?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Sorry haven't the original site photos address
Cheers
Andrea

 

[Jeepster]

I have the same problem - My seal needs replacing as it has come away at each end. It looks like a fairly simple job, that is just remove the windscreen and replace the seal. But, as with many other AH jobs it sounds like it can be a real nightmare.
Can I just confirm that the problem is that the seal fits inside a channel at the bottom of the windscreen frame and it is fitting this that causes the problem?

 

[AUSMHLY]

I have the same problem - My seal needs replacing as it has come away at each end. It looks like a fairly simple job, that is just remove the windscreen and replace the seal. But, as with many other AH jobs it sounds like it can be a real nightmare.
Can I just confirm that the problem is that the seal fits inside a channel at the bottom of the windscreen frame and it is fitting this that causes the problem?

The reason this job gets a bad rap is because of trying to install a rubber piece that is not the correct size. As Keoke and I suggest, get the piece from Healey Surgeons, it fits.

The bottom of the windscreen frame has a slot in it. The rubber seal should slide into that channel. If the rubber seal is not the right size, there's where the problem comes in and associated cuss words. To help the rubber slide into the slot, use some sort of lubricant. I've never heard that using dish soap would do any damage, unless someone can provide evidence where it has. I've replaced my seal twice and have not noticed any deterioration from the use of dish soap. Anyway, a lubrication will make the job much easier, especially if you have someone else do it for you

Good luck.

 

[Randy Forbes]

Dish soap, diluted of course, will not harm the rubber. Trying the force the rubber without a lubricant can potentially damage it.

Get the right size seal! The first one I put in my car was a real bear, and it was dry rotting a few years later. I dreaded replacing it, but the new seal (I sourced it from British Car Specialists) went in like a dream.

 

[tahoe healey]

Norman Nock at British Car Specialist. Now run by his son, Dave. Tel 209 948-8767

 

[TimK]

I had no problem with the seal I got from Moss.

 

[Randy Forbes]

Norman Nock at British Car Specialist. Now run by his son, Dave. Tel 209 948-8767

Thanks (at least I got the Nock part right...).

 

[Keoke]

Can I just confirm that the problem is that the seal fits inside a channel at the bottom of the windscreen frame



Yep this reply confirms your thoughts.


it is fitting this that causes the problem?
Yep finding a seal that fits properly inside the chanel is the primary problem----Keoke-- :laugh:

 

[AUSMHLY]

I had no problem with the seal I got from Moss.

Well, you're one lucky guy. The ones Moss was selling was one of the ones that did not fit. Maybe they have recently changed their supplier. I'd still go with Healey Surgeons or BCS, being they have a proven track record with that part.

 

[BJ8TONY]

Hello all.

just wanted to let you know that i did get a new seal from Healey Surgeons and it did fit mush better.
Whindshield is now in place. Next the doors gone on.

 

[Keoke]

Hello all.

just wanted to let you know that i did get a new seal from Healey Surgeons and it did fit mush better.
Whindshield is now in place. Next the doors gone on.

Yep they are good too probably the best on your side of the coast==Keoke

 

[CanberraBJ8]

Well despite having a seal from the Healey Surgeons, I just spent quite a while cursing that installation... Having read the previous posts I tried 'sliding' it in - from the end. I couldn't get it passed about 1 1/2" before it slipped out of the channel. In the end I pushed one side of the 'T' into the slot and then using a blunt screw driver pushed the other side in to the opposite side. The bulk of the seal went in reasonably quickly doing this, and I worked from the centre of the windscreen out to the sides. However I couldn't keep the last 5" or so in the channel as it went around the sharper curve at the edge of the windscreen. I used the screws that insert through the seal at the ends to hold it in place - but the 'T' part still resisted staying in the channel. I've placed the windscreen back on the car, though haven't bolted it down properly as yet - patience, and light, were wearing out, so I canned it for the day...

I can see the seal slightly sits out from the edge of the chrome as the previous seal did (that I didn't fit, but was on the car already) at the corners. The only improvement really is that the new one isn't split where it curves down into the door hinge area. Is this fit normal, or is there something I can do to improve it next time I fit a seal - sounds like they need replacing periodically?

 

[bob hughes]

In the end I pushed one side of the 'T' into the slot and then using a blunt screw driver pushed the other side in to the opposite side.

Yep
That's the way to do it, discussed it with a restorer and that was his answer to the problem.



Bob

 

[CanberraBJ8]

Thanks Bob. In hindsight I suspect I could have avoided using the soap with this technique, and that might have helped the corners stay in a little better too.