Fitting a new windscreen?

[Fingers]

I'm getting a new windscreen fitted next week and was wondering if any one that has done this or had it done on a Beta coupe had any tips, I'm going to be watching them like a hawk to make sure they don't damage the metal (stainless?)trim strip around the front window. Let me know what's involved please, that'd be great.

[cthargiss]

Fingers, First they must remove ALL of the old adhesive. This can be difficult if it is the original solbit thermal adhesive on s1 and early s2. Next all rust spots,and there will be some, must be brushed to bare metal and zinc primed. Also prime any bare metal that adhesive removal exposes. Modern butyl adhesives make installation easier but it still must be held firmly in place untill the adhesive sets. Use new trim clips if at all possible, as these are delicate and tend to rust out. Make sure that they guarantee their work, as these windscreens tend to leak if not installed precisely.

Good Luck, Craig

[Fingers]

Thanks Craig, I'll be making sure it's all done properly, watching over his shoulder, they offer a mobile service and can do it in my driveway. I'll post again when it's all done

[Fingers]

Well it's all done, I could see as soon as he ripped into the metal strip that he was going to bend it, and has slightly, nothing I couldn't fix though. I managed to pry it out with a bent and very thin flat bladed screw driver, levering from the out side of the trim strip and placing a small about 4mm thick piece of wood under it to get more leverage and not scratch the paint. The old screen broke while getting it out, but the seal is still in good condition. There was a little rust at the bottom corners, which I wire brushed and put a bit of rust converter on. With the new seal fitted on the new screen the steel trim was put on before putting the assembly back in the car, tried first time with the strip off and couldn't get it in. It is T shaped but has a small lip to grab the outer part of the seal. A small piece of rope was put inside the inner part of the seal, the part that wraps around and into the cabin, and the screen was placed on top of the opening. While pulling the rope out, a bit of downward pressure was applied to the screen and all of a sudden it was in, a bit of a wiggle with hands on both sides of the window to centre it then it was cleaned and I can now see where I'm going again. The old one had lots of small pits from stray stones. It was all done in less than an hour, I was amazed. I hope this helps anyone in the future when they come to do it, the steel strip is tougher than it looks too.

[Shant Fabricatorian]

Cheers for the tips from this quarter as well.

My windscreen needs refitting too, it was done a few years ago and - surprise - it leaks. I'm hoping there won't be too much rust but I'm prepared for the worst.