Windscreen replacement - New Rubber Seal ?

[stag888]

Hi Folks ,
Need to get my windscreen replaced , and am getting mixed messages on weather or not to change the rubber seal at the same time . My insurer , like all it seems is linked to Auto Glass , and their fitter , who seemed happy to take on the work was adament that the orginal rubber should remain , mainly because it is moulded to the screen shape and makes fitting easier . Secondly that if a new seal was fitted and the screen broke in fitting , it would not be covered by the insurance . but common sense & a review of recent posts makes me think a 35 year old rubber seal once disturbed can't really be the ideal bed for a new screen. Thoughts & advise on the matter would be appreciated .
Cheers Steve

[martin]

Hi Steve, speaking from experience, I wouldn't let Autoglass near it ! The business about re-using the old rubber is nonsense, if the existing one looks good that's fine, but ANY sign of cracking make it scrap, he can't change terms and conditions to suit his incompetence. They did mine a couple of years ago, after fitting, he ran a bead of sealant round the outer edge of the rubber to the body and that's all, two days later, my dash is under two inches of water, and an expensive class 1 immobiliser is ruined. Both the grooves for the steel, and the glass should be sealed inside and out, before fitting. I went to a local experienced Stag man and he removed, re-sealed and re-fitted for about £50, I might as well have gone to him in the first place. Good luck mate, Martin.

[Bob Heritage]

I can't see any point putting a 35yr+ rubber back in, it is bound to have perished cracks in the corners. Buy yourself a rubber first and then give it to the fitter you choose, the guy I used insisted on a 'Bains' rubber.

[stagmuffin]

the guy I used insisted on a 'Bains' rubber.
and how was it for you bob!!!!! lol
steve

[coldstreamer]

i have just had my screen fitted ,with a new seal ,bought from robsport , and fitted it with the string system , it took about forty to fifty minutes , the new seal was quite soft ,( i,m keeping well away from the word rubber ) and was an easy fit ,

andy

[martin]

i have just had my screen fitted ,with a new seal ,bought from robsport , and fitted it with the string system , it took about forty to fifty minutes , the new seal was quite soft ,( i,m keeping well away from the word rubber ) and was an easy fit ,

andy

That's a good point Andy, but doesn't it rather depend on your experience ? If you've not fitted one before it can quickly become a nightmare. Martin.

[Bob Heritage]

the guy I used insisted on a 'Bains' rubber.
and how was it for you bob!!!!! lol
steve

Oh and plenty of lublicant

[cloned earl]

I would always advise fitting a new windscreen rubber on a stag/2000, it will hold the chrome trim in more securely and will make fitting easier, about 30-40 minutes depending how experienced the fitter is (and how much care they take) don't let them use silicone to seal as it will make fitting the chromes a real nightmare, and the chrome will never 'seat' properly, and always fit the chrome trim after the screen is fitted in the car...

[KOY 23]

Oh and plenty of lublicant

Japanese tourist??

[KOY 23]

Just looked upBaines rubber. They make loads of seals. Wonder if they have a suitable seal for the hood?

http://www.coh-baines.co.uk/media/cohbaines-catalogue.pdf

John

[stag888]

Thanks for the feedback , I think I 'll be giving Autoglass a wide berth ,and taking it down to Favershams to get it done. It may mean less convience in organising the work - paying for it up front / claimng back , and the drive down to Faversham , but I,m now convinced I'll end up with greater peace of mind.
Plus I 'd rather spend a couple of hours hanging around the Faversham workshop rather than a day ( Thats how long they quoted to do the work ) in an Autoglass waiting room. Cheers

[Classic49]

I asked Autoglass for a quote for removing the windscreen, fitting a new seal which I have obtained from James Paddock, and replacing the windscreen. They quoted me £180 and said they couldn't be held liable for any breakage! So I'm giving them a wide berth.

Simon