Installing the windshield frame to cowl seal ?

[Ed_K]

I am installing a new windshield frame to cowl seal on my 65 BJ8. I was able to get it into the channel all the way except for the last 3 or 4 inches on each side were it starts to make the sharp curves at the ends. Does anyone have a recommended technique for getting it to go in the last few inches on each end ? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Keoke]

HI EDK,If you have enough material to go around the corners you can take a flat nondamaging tool and press it in to the slot. I use a plastic PPG tool that is shaped like a chisel on one end and has a gentle tappered shape on the other. A little soapy water may help it slide in.---Keoke

 

[Ed_K]

Thanks Keoke, I used a screw driver to get the rest done. I'll try warm soapy water and a " helper ". /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif

 

[GregW]

Another trick is a heat gun. Not too hot, but just enough to get the rubber to flex a little easier.

 

[tahoe healey]

Some brands go in easily. I returned the Moss one because it just wouldn't go in. They were great about it. The one frome AHSpares slide in nicely and doesn't curl up at the outside bend where it curves.

 

[Ed_K]

After spending another two hours with hot soapy water, various rounded off old screw drivers, and my Dad's help. I was still not able to get the new moss seal into the channel on the bottom of the windshield frame for the last 4 inches on ether end. I didn't check the dimensions yet with my dial caliper but the channel " has to be " smaller at both ends. Perhaps when it was shaped at the factory, the channel was deformed ? Per T.H. I'll try one from Austin Healey spares.
... T.H.. did you slide yours in from one of the ends ? I couldn't get mine to slide in more than 1/4 " before it became an immovable object. I was able to push it into the channel using a small rounded off screw driver, ( except for the ends ), an 1/8 of an inch at a time. Sliding one in would be worth double the price of the one I have tried.

 

[tahoe healey]

Yes, I was able to slide it from the end using soapy water. The flap which fits against the body is a little larger and helped cover some paint flaws (the Moss one is smaller than original so be careful if your car was painted with rubber in place) and sat smooth on the body. Some caution should be used not to stretch it cause it may slide back when hot. I let it sit in the sun for an hour before I mounted it onto the car.
Good luck to you.