Spitfire Spitfire Windshield Installation - Mk4

[dklawson]

I have ordered a new windshield and rubber seal for our project Spitfire. We still have the stainless trim and I have read Paul Tegler's pages on tricks for re-fitting the windshield trim. I'm OK cutting the old seal out but I don't want to damage the trim or windshield frame when taking the glass out. Do any of you have advice on where to cut and how to cut to get the trim off without damage?

The aluminum trim piece on top of the windshield frame looks to be held on by a dozen pop rivets. I was planning on removing that piece to paint the windshield frame. Are there any tricks to removing that or is it as simple as it looks.

 

[hilsideser]

Yes to the drilling the pop rivets out.

 

[foxtrapper]

There's a mastic adhesive under the rivets. Work with care prying it off, as it's easy to end up with a bananna shaped piece in the process.

 

[Andrew Mace]

I suggest cutting the old seal on the inside of the frame so that it won't further strain the glass as it's then pushed out. Once the glass and the seal remnants are off the car, it should be fairly easy to remove the trim without damage.

 

[dklawson]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I especially appreciate the warning about the mastic on the windscreen frame top piece. I certainly don't want to damage it.