Well everyone! I worked on getting the side windows into Gerty's new
hardtop last nite.....for 4 %#&$%&# hours! I finally got them
in.....what a pain in the butt!
I couldn't find the correct seals....I found some that were close, but the
opening in the seal that the glass fits into was too tight. After thinking
about it for a week or two...I decided to try to make a jig for my router
table which would allow me to run the rubber seal over the bit, and
hopefully open up the opening for the glass without destroying the seal. I
traced the profile of the outside of the seal onto paper, then I went to
HOME DESPOT and found some router bits which would approximate that profile.
Then I used the two bits to make a jig (fence) for my router which would
allow me to run the seal through the jig (which would keep it aligned and
from turning). I coated the jig with paraffin so the seal would glide on
the guides. Then I *pulled* the rubber seal through the router (pushing it
would cause it to bunch up) with a 3/8" tenoning bit (the same thickness as
the glass). I had to be careful not to cut too deep, as that would cut the
seal in 1/2.............bad news.
It was still quite a squeeze to get the seals and windows into the openings
of the hardtop, but at least I know they're in there good and won't come out
in a crash. I sealed the corners up with black rubber cement.....
Then, time for the test drive! WOW!!! It's warm and cozy in there
now....but oh so noisy! The hardtop really keeps the sound in doesn't it?
On to the next problem......that nasty clunk from the right rear suspension.
Where could that be coming from?
Curtis Carlson
'66 Austin Healey Sprite MkIII ("Gerty") HAN8L-63423
'72 MG Midget MkIII ("unnamed")
________________________
Research Geographer 612.931.3936 (voice)
Navigation Technologies 612.931.3937 (fax)
5780 Lincoln Dr Ste. 100 612.251.7492 (mobile)
Edina, MN 55436 carlson@navtech.com
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