XKE series 1 FHC windshield installation ??

[pguzman]

Good morning ;
I am having a really hard time installing a new windshield in my FHC ( to put it mildly ) !!! Anybody out there have any experience or words of wisdom on getting this done?? I have tried doing it with the seal on the frame, then trying to fit the windshield into the seal (using the rope and nylon windshield probes). Using this method, I was able to get the bottom of the window into the seal, but I couldnt get the upper corners in. I then tried to start by inserting the top of the window first. I was able to get the top in, but couldnt get the bottom corners in. I then talked to a "Jag Expert" who said he put the seal on the window and using a rope, he installed it from the back (pulling the seal onto the frame from the back.) This didnt make a lot of sense to me since the Jag seal without the lock strip is much more flexible toward the front then the back. Using this method, I was able to get the bottom of the window in but was having a hard time getting the seal arong the lower corners. About this time I managed to crack the window's inner pane (not very happy about this time )!!! So now, with my car fund 700 bucks lighter, I am still trying to figure out a way to get this installed without depleting my car fund of another 700 bucks !!! Any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated !!!
Incidently, I dont usually have any problem installing TR4 windshields. Even the back glass on my surrey top went in without any hardship, and they use less flexible solid seals.

 

[LarryK]

Put seal rubber around windshield ( soak in hot soapy water first, five gallon bucket is nice ) then put seal around windshield. Put a small rope around windshield towards back of seal. Get another person, put windshield up to frame and have person hold carefully with slight pressure while you pull on rope from inside. Try not to extend rope over 90 deg and carefully pull, using soapy water spray as you need it. Slow and careful. Practice on cracked one, just be careful and you will get it. Does take 2 people.

 

[LarryK]

Any feedback on wether you were able to get windshield installed?

 

[pguzman]

Good evening LarryK;
Thank you for the advice !! I have not tried to install it yet. Hopefully next week(or two) one of my friends will be coming down to help me put the beast in. He happens to have several of the pump down window suction cups and will bring a couple down with him. I have several of the yellow plastic cups, but it was evident pretty early that they were not strong enough to be of any help. You do (at least in this case) get what you pay for!! We do intend to practice on the cracked window, as you suggested. Do you know why the XKE window is so hard to install?? One of my cohorts thinks that it's because of the extreme curvature at the ends. That doesn't seem likely, since the TR surrey top back light has quite a bit more curve to it and even though it uses a solid seal (no lock strip)it went in a lot easier. I was using your method when I cracked the window, however I wasn't using pump down suction cups, and I didn't soak the seal in hot water, Hopefully that will make a difference. I usually use parachute cord for the rope (about 3/16 thick), is that about what you use ??? Again, I appreciate your advice, thank you very much !! I will let you know how things workout !!!

 

[LarryK]

Harder to install because of curves and tighter seal for road speeds to seal from wet.