Spitfire Spitfire Windshield Frame Header

[doates]

Hello,

On my 70 Spit there is an aluminum cap that rivets to the top of the windshield frame. I vaguely remember there being some kind of sealant underneath this cap. Am I correct and can anyone tell me what it should be? Seems like a good place for a fat bead of silicone.

Also, there are two rubber plugs through this cap; do they attach to the aluminum or the frame below? Are they there to cushion the top header when it rests on the windshield frame?


Thanks in Advance

Dennis

 

[dklawson]

I would not use RTV between the aluminum and windscreen frame. If you ever want to take that part off in the future the RTV will make the task nearly impossible.

When I removed the cap on our car it had a non-hardening white caulk type material between the parts. I have seen similar caulk strip products in hardware stores. I didn't want to stick the parts together permanently so I used 1/4" wide strips of closed cell weatherstrip foam tape applied to the aluminum. So far it has held up well and water has not leaked in.

I remember that the rubber buttons were sort-of grommet like. I remember that they fit the aluminum plate. They are removed to access the through-holes used to bolt on a hardtop.

 

[doates]

Thank You,

That makes since about gluing those two parts together. I will also try the insulation strips. I had no idea that is where a hard top bolts.

Thanks Again....Dennis

 

[dklawson]

So far I have been pleased with the foam strips (at least my sons appear to be... they have not reported any leaks). What I forgot to mention is that when I applied the foam strip to the aluminum, I only applied it across the front and sort of wrapped it back along the sides. There is no need to apply the seal all the way around as most of the plate is covered by the top when it is up and what you are trying to do is prevent water rolling up the windshield from finding its way between the windscreen frame and aluminum plate.

 

[BRSLimited]

Every one I have taken apart has been a really thick white body sealant that doesn't dry but is it ever a PITA to get off. I've used dum dum from auto body shops to put back in. I'll have to remember the weatherstrip idea. Probably much cheaper and less messy if it ever has to come apart again.

 

[doates]

I installed the foam weather strip and I think that it will work well. The squishy closed cell foam squeezed down nice and tight when I installed the rivets.

A couple of tips that most of you probably already know:

1) The brass "keyholes" that go under the aluminum strip are handed. I had to drill out the rivets and reinstall.

2) Protect the aluminum strip from the broken off nail that is dying to scratch it when you snap the rivet. Two layers of masking tape was barely enough.

Thanks Again....Dennis