It might be worth having full coverage insurance just for this alone.
>Original Message-----
From: Dave Houser [SMTP:mgs4dave@warwick.net]
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 1997 2:30 AM
To: John Middlesworth
Cc: mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Replacing windshield: how hard?VERY!
Finally after 8 years, the front windshield and rear hatch glass are
back in my Special 1967 GT!
Let me say upfront, this is NOT a job for the faint-hearted!
I had heard how hard this job was from many who tried it and I
listened. I lined up a professional who after waiting 5 months to come
to my house finally showed up this past Monday to do the deed. He
arrived at 10:30 and left totally exhausted at 5:30. He was a very
conscientious type and treated the car with its fresh paint very well.
However, I don't think he'll tackle one again for a long time.
First, Problems arose with the seals from Mossloose. He applied
a urethane finally to keep them from leaking. With the Suction grip
tool for holding the glass, he had to push and pull to line up and
center everything before attempting the chrome finishers.
They are the next problem!
I'm telling you, I was sweating watching him trying to put these
devils in place. I even jumped in on several occasions to help. The
bottom chrome(aluminum) front windshield piece from Moss is not the
correct shape as the original. There should be more of a bend at each
end, their's is straighter. It does not go in. After several attempts,
with a lot of care on his part, I have a slight tear in the bottom lip
of the seal. This can be fixed but I had him stop at that point and I
will attempt to find a piece with the correct shape to it before
continuing. Everything else is in place and looks great. This cost me
$175 and it was the best bargain to date (except for the $10 AMCO
center console).
My library is chock full of MG tech but sorely lacking on info for
proper replacement of these chrome finishers. Anybody out there have a
source or set of detailed instructions on fitting these babies they
can forward me?
I leave you with the only reference I have from a very good book, The
"MGB-Restoration, Preparation Maintenace by Jim Tyler" --"if the
filler strip is a touch awkward to fit, the finishing trim verges on
the impossible. The edges locate under a thin rubber lip and there is
ample opportunity to stab your way through the glazing strip while you
try to persuade it to move over the lip of the trim. The author spent
6 hours trying to fit the trim yet had to eventually admit defeat." In
trying to contact a windscreen fitter, most "ran the other way when
the MGB GT was mentioned".
Good Luck to us all,
Dave Houser
|