• The Roadster Factory Recovery Fund - Friends, as you may have heard, The Roadster Factory, a respected British Car Parts business in PA, suffered a total loss in a fire on Christmas Day. Read about it, discuss or ask questions >> HERE. The Triumph Register of America is sponsoring a fund raiser to help TRF get back on their feet. If you can help, vist >> their GoFundMe page.
  • Hey there Guest!
    If you enjoy BCF and find our forum a useful resource, if you appreciate not having ads pop up all over the place and you want to ensure we can stay online - Please consider supporting with an "optional" low-cost annual subscription.
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Subscribers don't see this UGLY banner)
Tips
Tips

Replacing Factory Hardtop Rear Window

maxwedge5281

Jedi Warrior
Country flag
Offline
recently purchased bn6 just arrived yesterday. a bit of sorting to do but i am looking for advice or suggestions on how to replace a rather cloudy rear window screen and gasket. any help or advice is appreciated. i will probably purchase the parts from nical engineering unless the parts are available stateside.
 

Attachments

  • 16602572_10208045829573291_5602988786379235562_n.jpg
    16602572_10208045829573291_5602988786379235562_n.jpg
    20.6 KB · Views: 176
Last edited by a moderator:

Jack T

Jedi Trainee
Country flag
Offline
Re: how to replace rear screen in a facory hardtop

I seem to be unable to attach the file I found when looking for info on restoring a hardtop, but when taking about the rear window it was mentioned that the replacement may not exactly match the original. Some trimming might be needed. Otherwise it should be similar to replacing any automotive glass.

Do buy new seals. I bought all of my parts from AH Spares. I have not begun the re-assembly process yet.
 

DerekJ

Luke Skywalker
Country flag
Offline
Re: how to replace rear screen in a facory hardtop

The screens are all slightly oversize so they can be cut to fit each individual hardtop. You may need to make a template, we did when I replaced mine. It can be a real PITA and is a two man job.
 

Rob Glasgow

Jedi Knight
Country flag
Offline
Re: how to replace rear screen in a facory hardtop

IIRC, Lin had a write up on restoring a hardtop. Don't remember if it included a new rear window.
 

Guido36

Jedi Hopeful
Country flag
Offline
Re: how to replace rear screen in a facory hardtop

Here is the link to Lin’s article. I will be referring to this when installing the rear window in my Pete Farmer Works Type Hardtop on my BN1. Although this does not use the same rear window seal as the factory hardtops for the 100/6 and 3000s there are sure to be some useful tips.

http://www.healey6.com/Technical/LHRose Hardtop Restoration.pdf

For those of you not familiar with the Pete Farmer hardtops, this is the works style hardtop with optional scoop for BN1/BN2....
 

Attachments

  • 4C328051-73A7-4A89-919C-31271182CF38.jpg
    4C328051-73A7-4A89-919C-31271182CF38.jpg
    76.9 KB · Views: 153
  • 00D0F2A7-24C8-48DE-908C-9F318E6E2037.jpg
    00D0F2A7-24C8-48DE-908C-9F318E6E2037.jpg
    74.1 KB · Views: 140
  • A0F2DED2-0175-4A84-A754-B3F87BB2EAED.jpg
    A0F2DED2-0175-4A84-A754-B3F87BB2EAED.jpg
    58.4 KB · Views: 133

kozelding

Senior Member
Country flag
Offline
Have you considered trying to clean the current one up with a plastic headlight polish/restoration kit? I seem to remember reading folks had good luck with those, and the kit should come with a UV protectant to apply afterwards.
 
OP
maxwedge5281

maxwedge5281

Jedi Warrior
Country flag
Offline
Yes, I have given that some thought and thought I might talk to some of the local detailers. I don’t relish the thought of dismantling the whole top, but may have to do that.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Patrick67BJ8

Obi Wan
Silver
Country flag
Offline
Yes, I have given that some thought and thought I might talk to some of the local detailers. I don’t relish the thought of dismantling the whole top, but may have to do that.
Search for a good Detailer in you area with recommendations. Very good products out there now! I hand buffed my soft tops rear window and it came out very good. If I had used my electric buffer it probably would have been excellent.
 

Patrick67BJ8

Obi Wan
Silver
Country flag
Offline
Try to find a video on YouTube, watch it carefully and do the same. It seems to me that you can do it.
I recently installed a hardtop on my BJ8 with the help of a friend and the plexiglass rear window had to be trimmed. I suspect that all the Healey hardtops need the plex trimmed to fit properly. It’s not a hard job, but does require patience and attention to detail. I also used a special cutting tool I had just for the job.
 

Healey Nut

Luke Skywalker
Country flag
Offline
I’m getting ready to install mine on my BT7 hardtop . I compared my original window to the new one from Cape , it’s very close to identical in shape etc . However the rear seals from Cape are not correct , the lower one doesn’t have the extra lip to cover over the bottom cantrail correctly.
Cape said that’s all they can get but I have been told that the seals from AH4H are correct . I’m Going to order them and find out .
 

Lyayozoce

Freshman Member
Country flag
Offline
Try to find a video on YouTube, watch it carefully and do the same. It seems to me that you can do it.
If you want to change the windows on your car, you need to prepare well so that everything works out neatly. First, you must clean the contacts well when removing the old glass. Secondly, find an excellent sealant to remove the air cavities. Once my brother also changed the insole, he did it quite neatly. He even found a special sun shades tint and attached it to the glass. It turned out no worse than in a car service. You can find videos on YouTube and see how to do it correctly.
 

andrea

Jedi Knight
Country flag
Offline
Hard Top REAR WINDOW is a battle that I remember well in my 100/6 restoration - TWO days of work with a friend
the first day was a debacle, but on the second day (alone) I win the game, a Special tool helped a lot on my Google Album you can find
some photos that can help you- (I follow the instructions of My GURU Lin ROSE, very helpful for me) here you can see the photos how how to build the Special Tool- I don't cut the Plexiglas received by A Head 4 Healey BUT must have strong ARMS and strong FINERS before to set the Plexiglas inside
I don't remember exactly Where I buy the rear seal probably a Kit from A H 4 but sure I have integrated it from other suppliers
If your oldest plexiglass is in "discrete" conditions one experiment with the Plastic headlight Kit - can be a solution
 

Michael Oritt

Yoda
Gold
Country flag
Offline
Fitting the rear window to the NICAL hardtop on my 100--which is the same as Pete Farmer's--was a real bitch and definitely a two-person job.

Because the shell was so flexible I first installed a pair of the vertical bars that are standard to factory tops in order to triangulate and stabilize the shape of the window aperture as without them it was impossible to exert any force against the top when pushing against the seal.

We "crept up" on the final size making very small reductions in the size of the window in order to achieve a good fit, using lots of dish soap and a couple of tools for fitting trim, etc.

This is not a job I look forward to doing again.
 

Healey Nut

Luke Skywalker
Country flag
Offline
So here’s my fix for the seal issue .
Im going to glue a length of 1/4” O ring cord into the gap that the seal from Cape leaves and then run two fine beads of silicone to make the seal between the Oring and the seal and the Oring and the Cantrail
 

Attachments

  • 378ACF1D-191C-403B-BCA7-2E22BC75871E.jpeg
    378ACF1D-191C-403B-BCA7-2E22BC75871E.jpeg
    2.5 MB · Views: 80
  • AB01E22D-7D60-4CD3-A2A5-E812584CBAA9.jpeg
    AB01E22D-7D60-4CD3-A2A5-E812584CBAA9.jpeg
    2.1 MB · Views: 86

Healey Nut

Luke Skywalker
Country flag
Offline
Well it’s in , pretty pleased with that .
I compared the old window (original I think) to the new one they were very close match . Installed it with just the seals in place no retainer spline . Didn’t like it thought it didn’t fit wasn’t going to work . Gaps at the bottom pointed corners .
Pulled it all out try again , seemed to be better no corner gaps . Roughly installed the splines using the special tool from Cape and some silicone spray as lube (Jig-a-loo) worked a treat . The splines helped to “set the position” of everything and I’m quite happy with it .
I have rough pressed in my O-ring section to fill the gap .
Once my fingers have had a rest from all the pushing and fiddling I will dress all the loose ends of seals and seal the O-ring section into place .
The grand finale will be to remove all my blue tape to view the finished product .
By the time I’m all done it will probably add up to a 5hr job to do the window alone but for a semi retired amateur I’m good with that
 

Attachments

  • 0A6E5D8C-C3DB-4469-AF0F-6F98ECBF5740.jpeg
    0A6E5D8C-C3DB-4469-AF0F-6F98ECBF5740.jpeg
    2.6 MB · Views: 81
  • 5333796B-1A60-4FB0-8F43-4FFBFD549AFC.jpeg
    5333796B-1A60-4FB0-8F43-4FFBFD549AFC.jpeg
    2.5 MB · Views: 78
  • AA1E9D1F-45B1-4B7A-B975-6FB189851242.jpeg
    AA1E9D1F-45B1-4B7A-B975-6FB189851242.jpeg
    2.3 MB · Views: 83

Healey Nut

Luke Skywalker
Country flag
Offline
So here we are 99%done .
I did end up removing the window and reinstalling it several times . I decided to improve the fit as the seal was bulging at the top left . I taped the edge with blue tape then black markered the edge where I wanted to remove material off the window . I them used a palm sander and a coarse rasp to remove the window material using my black edge mark as a guide . It took several attempts as you only want to remove small amounts of material as you can’t put it back . I removed maybe a 32” at a time and refitted the window and splines to check fit .
The more I did it the better I got , had it down to a 15min window install by the time I was done .
Once you keep doing it it gets easier as you know how to manipulate the seals and window to tease it into place . Having a plastic non scratching trim tool and the correct spline installation tool is key . The Jig-a-loo works great for lubrication but only a small amount as too much makes a mess and makes things so slippery the window wants to pop out of the seals .
I have siliconed my add on filler O-ring into place and once that has set I will run the two fine sealant lines as a finisher .
Quite pleased with myself about this . Never done a hardtop before .
Just the perimeter seals and windlacing left once I finish the rear silicone finish lines .
 

Attachments

  • 585726D5-F0A7-48DB-B4E7-8721F7855A8D.jpeg
    585726D5-F0A7-48DB-B4E7-8721F7855A8D.jpeg
    2.7 MB · Views: 72
  • A3C8D0F8-FC61-4DA6-863D-9B877CE7C69A.jpeg
    A3C8D0F8-FC61-4DA6-863D-9B877CE7C69A.jpeg
    2.6 MB · Views: 79
  • 1F58E701-34B8-4899-91FB-F46283344C19.jpeg
    1F58E701-34B8-4899-91FB-F46283344C19.jpeg
    1.9 MB · Views: 78

60BN7

Freshman Member
Country flag
Offline
Eventually planning on tackling the old seals on our BN7 window. Never done it before and just starting to wrap my head around how to do it. Can anyone share a pic of the trim tool and spline installation tool? Where can I purchase them (located in Ontario, Canada). Thanks.
 
Similar threads
Thread starter Title Forum Replies Date
S TR2/3/3A Pinion tail bearing replacing Triumph 12
B Replacing the Handbrake Cable Austin Healey 8
drooartz Replacing Bugeye windshield rubber Spridgets 6
K TR2/3/3A Replacing engine and gearbox mounts? Triumph 8
TR3Acustodian TR2/3/3A Replacing "H" front badge Triumph 11
K TR2/3/3A Replacing water pump pulley.....memory refresh. Triumph 7
I Replacing Windscreen Wiper Wheel Boxes Austin Healey 0
S MGB 1978, replacing the clutch. MG 3
PAUL161 T-Series Replacing Transmission MG 3
S TR2/3/3A Replacing the cam shaft Triumph 27
fpstude TR4/4A Replacing Rear Flexible Brake Hoses on TR4A w/ IRS Triumph 11
J TR4/4A Replacing springs Triumph 7
Got_All_4 TR5/TR250 Need guidance for replacing steering column bushings Triumph 11
L Replacing veneer on wood dashboard Restoration & Tools 14
D TR6 Replacing Horn insert in steering column Triumph 11
69MGC MGC Replacing an Outer Wheel Well panel MG 3
BN6_2197 Replacing gearbox switch of the overdrive system Austin Healey 10
TomMull replacing walnut veneeron the dash Lotus 17
R TR2/3/3A Replacing rear springs Triumph 51
Jer refresh my foggy memory - replacing clutch in my 67 Midget Spridgets 1
RAC68 Clutch Still Slipping after replacing 30W-Non-Det. for Red Line Austin Healey 52
T Replacing O/D switch with a clock Austin Healey 4
simon1966 Replacing the witches nose in-situ. BN1 Austin Healey 14
KVH TR4/4A Replacing Front Windshield Gasket Triumph 5
Michael Oritt Replacing timing chain tensioner and more Austin Healey 24
Rut Replacing rocker assembly Spridgets 1
T TR4/4A Replacing rear pinion seal - remove driveshaft? Triumph 21
J Replacing BJ7 Dash - Detailed Photos/Schematics Austin Healey 3
M Replacing front shocks, torque setting? Spridgets 2
T TR4/4A Replacing in situ oils sealing gearbox and rear axle Triumph 18
55modified TR2/3/3A warning indicator bulbs need replacing where and what to buy? Triumph 4
Jim_Gruber Replacing Wheel Studs Spridgets 10
P Replacing the crankshaft damper [harmonic balancer] Austin Healey 15
K TR4/4A Replacing a broken 4A turn signal switch indicator? Triumph 2
55modified Replacing rear spring eye bushings on a BN1. How difficult? Austin Healey 8
Michael Oritt Replacing Cold Air Box with Velocity Stacks Austin Healey 10
Rhodyspit75 Replacing boot floor need bracing? Spridgets 2
RickB MGB 1980 MGB No rear brakes after replacing MC & booster MG 5
Popeye TR4/4A Steering bushing: replacing rubber with poly, do I snug to 1/8" gap or...? Triumph 3
Jim_Gruber Replacing Spridget Coolant Spridgets 21
TimK Old brake hoses need replacing, if you need proof look here... Austin Healey 1
KVH TR4/4A Replacing the Real Axle Tube Seal Triumph 17
KVH General TR Short Wheel Studs for Wire Wheels--Replacing Triumph 17
GTP1960 TR2/3/3A Question on replacing brake lines & converting to Dot 5 Triumph 9
tomshobby replacing water pump Spridgets 1
D TR2/3/3A Patching, versus replacing floors? Triumph 15
T Replacing the crank pulley/damper Austin Healey 4
M TR4/4A Replacing the hood/bonnet onto the body Triumph 11
T TR4/4A Replacing Drive Train Seals Triumph 5
Joe Reed MGB Replacing heater cables... MG 29

Similar threads

Top