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TR6 Windshield installation problems

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ichthos

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Hello. Trying to get my TR6 back on the road after a number of years. I am replacing the windshield, and this is my first attempt at it. Not sure how old the windshield gasket is, but there were no cracks or tears so I decided to reuse it. When I got the windshield installed, it looked fine from the inside, but on the outside there were 1/8 “ gaps between the gasket and window just on the sides. It is kind of like the rubber flared away from the window Any ideas what the problem could be? Any help would greatly be appreciated.
Kevin
 
Just a WAG…. Is it possible to install the seal 180 degrees from how it was originally installed?
 
Gliderman8 said:
Just a WAG…. Is it possible to install the seal 180 degrees from how it was originally installed?
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply. The seam should be on the bottom of the gasket, right? It was snug equally around the glass before I put it in. The rubber IS a bit stiff from age. I ordered a new gasket to try it again if I can’t get it to work.
 
ichthos said:
Thanks for the reply. The seam should be on the bottom of the gasket, right? It was snug equally around the glass before I put it in. The rubber IS a bit stiff from age. I ordered a new gasket to try it again if I can’t get it to work.
Click to expand...
Honestly it’s been years since I installed mine and I don’t remember where the seam goes.
You’re doing better than me. I broke the windshield on my first attempt. The second time went much better.
Hopefully the new seal will work for you.
 
I put in a windshield with a friend who knew what he was doing ten years ago. One advantage I have now is YouTube. Not always perfect, but gives me the general idea, including warnings. Frustrating to have it fit well except in two small areas.
 
ichthos said:
I put in a windshield with a friend who knew what he was doing ten years ago. One advantage I have now is YouTube. Not always perfect, but gives me the general idea, including warnings. Frustrating to have it fit well except in two small areas.
Click to expand...
Well, did the new gasket solve the issue?
 
At least the 6 is super easy to do .Rope the glass in sans the moulding, then install it last.
Liquid soap the slit and it presses in with a thumb.
If you want water tite fitting, use liquid butyl calk (find it on line). Be aware it makes quite a mess
clean it up with charcoal lighter fluid.
Mad dog
 
Also worth a mention, there are a lot of poorly made windshields on the market.
It is NOT uncommon to get bad fitting corners.If you do, the supplier should exchange it
Poorly made glass will often break within days of installation ,then you are stuck.
Mad dog
 
I’m going to watch that video. I hope he uses rope because I’ve never understood how that’s done. FWIW, the last time I installed a windshield I almost collapsed from exhaustion. It was unbelievable the effort to shove that window in with the gasket. Soap and water were critical, but no fooling that it’s easy. It isn’t.

I bought that little installation tool from Moss. Maybe it was me, but it didn’t help.

I could’ve had a shop do it, but I suspect they wouldn’t have had nearly the patience or caution about protecting the integrity of the windshield frame, etc.
 
Acetone would be a VERY bad idea for clean up it Will damage a LOT of things like paint, plastic, rubber .
The critical thing about the clothes line is it must be 1/4 inch cotton. This won't rip the seal as it pulls out.
bringing the seal over the lip on the frame.( the point of the game)/
Fit the seal to the glass with the corners aligned and the joint lower front/centered.Fish in the clothes line with a
dull screw driver.Leaving the ends crossed in the middle lower. The early Tr4's had a solid alloy mld that must
NOW be set into the rubber with dish soap.When this mess is neatened up, Tape it in place lest it pop out.
The Tr6 style mld is set latter. AND is lots easier. Many people just do the later style mld for this reason.
Put some soap on the inside of the rubber and place the entire assy into the frame, (done on the car) it should
fit tightly into the aperture. Pull the clothes line out starting from the bottom center, making sure the seal lip gets
over the pinch weld as you go. Slapping the glass gently, to seat it, go around the corners, and up the sides.
When you go around the top corners, the center should drop into place as the cord comes out.
If doing a Tr4 you are now done, don't concern yourself with sealing the glass/rubber the stuff you want was discontinued
manny years ago. The Tr6 can now be sealed with butyl caulk. Messy but effective. Then the mld is set last with liquid soap.
Mad dog
 
1/4 inch cotton? Can’t use smooth 1/4 inch rubber or nylon cord?

And what about that tool that Moss sells?
What is it supposed to do?

Thx
 
Have only done this dozens and dozens of times. If you do NOT have the described cord, IMHO you should get it
ASAP. I have kept my favorite cord long enough to wear it out. You invite disaster to use a smaller cord it is necessary
to have a cord that fills the rubber and stays in place till pulled out.
Sorry I have never seen a Moss tool. Have several "hogdicks"(screwdriver like cork screw) also an old time
set of panel hooks from 1971.
When all is ready, this job is 2 or 3 minutes. often NO tools at all.
Mad dog
 
OK, I watched the Rusty Beauties windshield installation video. I actually watched two of them. He now uses 10 gauge wire, claiming that it poses less friction when you pull the wire through the gasket for installation. You’re strongly, recommending 1/4 inch cotton cord, so I think I’ll probably go with what you’re saying because I’m guessing you feel it’s less likely to tear the gasket. Or maybe it absorbs and holds the soapy water better and longer?

Also, I’m curious. Where do you buy your windshields?
 
Not too many years ago NAGS still had a # and a good glass shop could order it for you. Lot has changed
post covid.
Wire ?? WTF ?? Risking disaster is not in my play book.If you rip the rubber ya be doin over man.
Mad dog
 
I have more questions: 1) Is it possible to save the old windshield gasket and reuse it with a new windshield? I'm just not recalling if I ruined my last gasket when I removed the windshield. FWIW, my current gasket is in great shape. 2) Is the triplex windshield all that much better, and do the cheaper ones pose challenges to install? From the posts I've seen, triplex is the only way to go, but I wanted to ask anyway.
 
If your old rubber is in fantastic condition you can save it. Buy some glycerine at a pharmacy
bathe the thing to soften/preserve it. This is also a good thing for NEW rubbers.Adds life to them.
Always inspect a new part for defects. QC is a thing of the past ......
Mad dog
 
For what it is worth, your mileage may vary, etc., etc., however the ONE time - ie I have very little experience - I installed a windshield:

I used 12-gauge household wire. Insulated, pulled from a roll of 12-2 romex from Home Depot.

I liked the wires (vs rope) because (1) it is slippery, (2) stiff and stays in place while I positioned everything, and (3) you can push it back into position when needed (when it slips out too soon). I also used plastic trim removal tools to finagle the seal in a few spots.

Again, my experience is limited, and I never tried the parachute cord, so please take my advice with the usual grains of salt. However, for my first time installing a windshield, I got it in on the second try.
 
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