Windscreen Removal and Installation

[Guest]

Hi
I am getting ready to paint my Stag and one of the jobs is to replace the windscreen. I have ordered a new windscreen and it has arrived. I have spoken to the person who is going to do the job and he said he wants to use the old seal and leave the windscreen mouldings in place as he has done this job before and struggled with the mouldings. I need advice and if possible an instruction on what is the correct way to do this job. I did look in the tech area but did not find any information. I do have concerns as it appears that the mouldings are no longer available should they get damaged.

Thanks Paul Zeeders

[dasadrew]

There is some information that might help in these threads here. I describe a method to fit the trim too (haven't found time to upload a pdf into the Tech Section yet). Be aware that there are two types of trim but, at the last count, only one type of rubber. So some of the original trims won't match with the current rubber available.

Drew

https://socforum.com/forum/forum/stag-owners-club/soc-forum/35320-windscreen-chrome-fittings?34460-Windscreen-chrome-fittings=

https://socforum.com/forum/forum/stag-owners-club/soc-forum/28868-how-to-fit-windscreen-trim-in-5-minutes

https://socforum.com/forum/forum/stag-owners-club/soc-forum/24304-windscreen-trim-someone-taking-the-mickie

[Guest]

Hi Drew
Thanks for the response, very helpful. Are you able to comment on using the old seal and leaving the trim in place while changing out the windscreen. To me this seems impossible as you will need to stretch the rubber over the edge of the windscreen to fit it to the new windscreen.

Thanks Paul

[Guest]

Also does the moulding form part of the seal or is it just there as a decorative feature. Do you need to put sealant between the glass and the rubber seal?

Thanks Paul

[dasadrew]

I haven't used that method, so I can't say if it would work or not. Personally, I wouldn't re-use an old seal as the rubber does become "flakey" with age and I could imagine that it might tear when being removed. On the other hand, depending on what trim you have, you might end up with it not being the right type for a new rubber. I think some on here have then just glued the trim in place using rubber mastic.

I myself would probably:
1. buy a new seal
2. remove the trim
3. compare new seal lip to old one
a) if the new seal lip is like the old one and fits the trim, fit a new seal
b) if the new seal is not like the old one, see if the old one can be salvaged. If not, fit new seal and glue trims on or search for a used set of the different trims

Drew

[dasadrew]

Yes, I would use a smear of windscreen rubber sealnt on both body-to-seal and glass-to-seal areas. Just my own experience.

The trim is simply ornamental and doesn't affect the sealing.

Drew

[Guest]

Thanks Drew for the information, is there one seal better than another or do they all come from the same source?

Regards Paul

[dasadrew]

I used one from James Paddock and was happy with it. I've read that others talk of COH Baines as a good source. Other than that I have no personal experience with good or bad seals.

Drew

[PhilB]

My windscreen was fitted by an independent professional (old school type) and he looked at and then said he was happy to re-use the old seal. He said Moulding went in OK but not a doddle job for an amateur.