TR2/3/3A Windshield lower seal orientation, again...

[RC64]

I'm ready to install the seals on the windscreen. I remember seeing some discussion about which way the lower seal should be oriented. I've looked back at several of the old threads on this issue, but have not been able to find a definitive answer. I talked to Moss tech support today and they didn't have the answer either. I'll post a couple of photos first and then go from there with the question.



This is a rough sketch of the end view, but it illustrates that the wide part of the seal is concave and is not perpendicular to the head of the seal that fits in the slot on the windshield. If you look real close at the second photo (stolen from an earlier thread) you can also just make out that the wide part is not perpendicular, and that the concave surface is facing aft.

In several of the threads folks were saying that they were not getting a tight fit and that there were some gaps along the scuttle. It seems logical (I know, logic isn't always right ) that if the concave surface was facing aft, when the seal was forced forward during the install that there would be more of a tendency for the seal to fit tighter due to the permanent set in the rubber.

Anyone have the "official" scoop on which way the seal should be installed?

Rick...

 

[TR3driver]

Not official in any way, but the concave side does go down/towards the back. Mine still doesn't meet the scuttle.

 

[Tinkerman]

Just installed mine, concave side goes to the back and mine does meet the scuttle. I did spend quite a bit of time stretching the wavy curves out of the bottom seal after it was on the windshield frame. I really feel that it was time well spent because I have a nice tight fit with the scuttle.
Good luck with yours, Dick

 

[mgedit]

Agree with Randall and Dick about the orientation. It is a slow process to fit that seal. I started at the centre and worked to each side. Found that use of masking tape helped keep seal in place as I worked it into the groove. I used some "personal lubricant" and a staple remover (best option of several things I tried) to get the seal in place. Left seal sit for a few days after installation to "rest" before I trimmed. Happy with how mine fit. Cheers, Mike

 

[TFB]

I'm ready to install the seals on the windscreen. I remember seeing some discussion about which way the lower seal should be oriented. I've looked back at several of the old threads on this issue, but have not been able to find a definitive answer. I talked to Moss tech support today and they didn't have the answer either. I'll post a couple of photos first and then go from there with the question.

View attachment 33841 View attachment 33842

This is a rough sketch of the end view, but it illustrates that the wide part of the seal is concave and is not perpendicular to the head of the seal that fits in the slot on the windshield. If you look real close at the second photo (stolen from an earlier thread) you can also just make out that the wide part is not perpendicular, and that the concave surface is facing aft.

In several of the threads folks were saying that they were not getting a tight fit and that there were some gaps along the scuttle. It seems logical (I know, logic isn't always right ) that if the concave surface was facing aft, when the seal was forced forward during the install that there would be more of a tendency for the seal to fit tighter due to the permanent set in the rubber.

Anyone have the "official" scoop on which way the seal should be installed?

Rick...

I am in the process of replacing my glass again,replacing the ill fitting VB unit with one from Moss that fits.
I didn't notice before but the seal has a very small stamped "rear" on the middle of the seal.Not sure if this was from Moss or TRF.
The pencil sketch is the way it goes,pointing to the back,until insatalled.
Tom

 

[NutmegCT]

",pointing to the back,until installed."

Tom - not sure I follow. Pointing to the back *until installed*? So what happens when/after installed?

Thanks.

 

[mgedit]

Tom, you are correct. I recall now that seal I got from TRF had rear marked on seal. Cheers, Mike

 

[doc50]

Just will jump in here to say one can just think of installing the seal so that it will put the most pressure on the scuttle...(ie; as all the posters have said...).
I happened to do mine wrong, using my razor sharp common sense and intuition ...and it settled in just fine so all is not lost.

 

[TFB]

",pointing to the back,until installed."

Tom - not sure I follow. Pointing to the back *until installed*? So what happens when/after installed?

Thanks.

I kind of positioned the frame a little forward of the stanchions,then as you pull it back the seal edge rolls to the front.
The cross section sketch shows the seal position before install with the front of car on left side of drawing.Kind of counter intuitive
.Without this forum I probably would have put in backwards.
Tom

 

[RC64]

Thanks to all of you for the comments on which way the seal goes. Using the "set" in the rubber to exert more down force against the scuttle makes perfect sense.

I also like Mike's idea about starting in the middle with lots of lubricant and a staple remover to "encourage" the seal into the channel. I can't imagine the effort it would take to slide the seal in from the end, especially when the channel is partially blocked by the vertical piece. Another source suggested a narrow, but hefty putty knife to do the "encouraging". I've considered using rubber grease. It has worked very well for me on other rubber parts (grommets) that require much coaxing to get then where they belong.

Mike, I like your choice of color. I decided to stick with the original powder blue on mine too.

Rick...