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TR5/TR250 Windshield install
- Thread starter tinman58
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poolboy
Yoda
Online
It's a 2 person job.
I know a bunch of people will have done it successfully , but all I managed to do was to start tearing the new rubber with the rope.
I ended up driving to a glass shop, windshield in the passenger seat, and paying for the install.
They said they'd do it, but since I didn't buy the glass from them, if it broke during the install they would not be held responsible.
I gave the OK and paid them 30 or 35 dollars. They didn't break it.
I know a bunch of people will have done it successfully , but all I managed to do was to start tearing the new rubber with the rope.
I ended up driving to a glass shop, windshield in the passenger seat, and paying for the install.
They said they'd do it, but since I didn't buy the glass from them, if it broke during the install they would not be held responsible.
I gave the OK and paid them 30 or 35 dollars. They didn't break it.
Geo Hahn
Yoda
Offline
Does that seal have the center 'chrome' (plastic actually) trim that tucks in a groove? If so you will want to leave it a bit long for some time after the install as you can expect it to shrink.
I left mine long by a couple of inches and waited a year to trim it to length -- and then it shrunk some more!
Offline
I have done the windshield install several times on my TR4. Very doable with two people. A tip to making it easier? I use a spray bottle of soapy water, and keep everything dowsed during the process. I have never had any trouble with seals tearing. The hardest part is getting the Plastic chrome trim in the groove. I used some KY jelly the last time, and it went easier. (I used KY rather than Vaseline, because it doesn't damage rubber.) Lol...
Geo Hahn
Yoda
Offline
I could be wrong -- but I'm thinking one usually has to install the chrome strip after the windscreen is installed in the frame. I mention this in case you find that the rubber gasket doesn't want to flex enough to be installed.
alanjohnturner
Jedi Trainee
Offline
I did a 4A on my own and it was EASY but I did a lot of research on:
Lubricant - SOAP
Rope - need just the right kind
and there are some tricks which I learned from a friendly pro installer.
Its about where to start the rope, what to do at the corners and how and when to push.
Oh, and if you think the factory levered the finisher in afterwards ..
Its actually a bit easier with the finisher IN. Never mind the awful job of fitting it after.
PM me and I'll send some written notes.
Lubricant - SOAP
Rope - need just the right kind
and there are some tricks which I learned from a friendly pro installer.
Its about where to start the rope, what to do at the corners and how and when to push.
Oh, and if you think the factory levered the finisher in afterwards ..
Its actually a bit easier with the finisher IN. Never mind the awful job of fitting it after.
PM me and I'll send some written notes.
poolboy
Yoda
Online
I think having my wife help was the root of the problem with my attempt.
Being glass she was hesitant to push the windshield hard enough from the outside, while I pulled the rope from the inside.
alanjohnturner
Jedi Trainee
Offline
I definitely would not want an in-experienced person around while doing this.
Managed to attach my notes by converting to pdf.
The rope I used came from a chain-store called HobbyCraft.
Its a bit over 1/8in thick and woven rather than having a rope "twist".
This makes it smooth enough not to tear the rubber.
Its a bit like an old fashioned "boot-lace". You might use this for "lacing" on leather-work I think.
You need a steady pull and you don't need a lot of force.
My glass and rubber came from Moss.
A piece of flat bar about 3/32 thick with the end bent over is required to ease the rubber from the inside if you get stuck. This happens at the last two top corners where pressure is building up.
This thing I usually use for opening paint-cans.
Remove the sharp edges and corners and polish it up a bit.
Managed to attach my notes by converting to pdf.
The rope I used came from a chain-store called HobbyCraft.
Its a bit over 1/8in thick and woven rather than having a rope "twist".
This makes it smooth enough not to tear the rubber.
Its a bit like an old fashioned "boot-lace". You might use this for "lacing" on leather-work I think.
You need a steady pull and you don't need a lot of force.
My glass and rubber came from Moss.
A piece of flat bar about 3/32 thick with the end bent over is required to ease the rubber from the inside if you get stuck. This happens at the last two top corners where pressure is building up.
This thing I usually use for opening paint-cans.
Remove the sharp edges and corners and polish it up a bit.
alanjohnturner
Jedi Trainee
Offline
If you haven't the chance to make soap paste then its been said KY-Jelly is good but I can't confirm this.
Washing-up liquids seem slippery but actually don't lubricate well and may encourage rust.
The pro's round here use liquid soap.
Let me know how you get on.
Washing-up liquids seem slippery but actually don't lubricate well and may encourage rust.
The pro's round here use liquid soap.
Let me know how you get on.
alanjohnturner
Jedi Trainee
Offline
Couple of other things I have remembered abount finishers.
1. may wrinkle up when you bend the corners. GENTLE warming with heat-gun will prevent this.
2. will shrink a suprising amount after fitting.
Don't cut to length for at least one week. Leave each side about 3/4in too long and expect to cut-off about 3/8in when its settled.
If you cut it on the day there will be a gap in a months time.
1. may wrinkle up when you bend the corners. GENTLE warming with heat-gun will prevent this.
2. will shrink a suprising amount after fitting.
Don't cut to length for at least one week. Leave each side about 3/4in too long and expect to cut-off about 3/8in when its settled.
If you cut it on the day there will be a gap in a months time.
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The key is the right rope, I was trying it with a thinner twine, it dug into the rubber and broke, causing multiple problems, the 1/4" cord as described works great, I had an installer do it once and watched him, he started the rope from the bottom middle. I have done it myself about three times and have never had much trouble getting the plastic in after with some soap lube. Important to center the plastic when you start, it and cut to the right length, especially not too short, can't add it back on.
