Windscreen fillet strip size change?

[MGs]

I have just replaced the rubber windscreen surround, due to water leaks. I purchased a new rubber surround and fillet strip (later plastic type).
Having got the windscreen and rubber back into the car. I tried fitting the strip (something I have done several times before). The strip (supplied with the rubber) seems to be quite a bit wider than the one which I removed (about 2mm more). So much so that I had to bend the diamond at the end of my tool to fit it in. I am now having lots of problems trying to get it to fit, even having soaked it in hot water and used plenty of lubrication. Has anyone else had this problem? Got any idea how to solve it? Fairly urgent as "Daffy" is my daily driver.

Thanks

[bmcecosse]

Have to assume you have been supplied with a matched pair. Will work best if you can heat the windscreen rubber - perhaps get someone to work ahead of you with a hairdryer warming it up. Whatever you do - don't use washing up liquid as the lubricant!

[simmitc]

Roy, why not washing up liquid? It's been a stple of the toolbox for many years...

[bmcecosse]

It's LOADED with SALT = corrosion under the rubber ...... Better with KY Jelly or similar - I'll leave others to make the jokes.....

[les]

Yes it does appear to be wider, in fact I ordered some stuff that was smaller because of this, only to find it didn't swell the rubber enough to seal against the bodywork. i used the wide stuff in the end which, to fit, was a real struggle, I also had to widen the insert tool, take it easy I think it wouldn't be hard to tear the rubber if not careful. Once in and properly bedded (important) it spread the rubber well and looked how it should.

[Roni]

I just recently had problems with the windscreen strip. It was fitted by an experienced professional on a nice warm day. The strip, supplied with the windscreen rubber, caused no end of grief. It was the type that was black with the shiny effect on the surface. Eventually, the strip was fitted but the shiny surface started cracking in the corners and separated off.
I ordered a replacement strip, from Minispares, that was clear with the shiny effect inside the plastic. The size was slightly smaller and refitting the new strip was a job measured in minutes.

[MGs]

Many thanks for the advice. Now fitted

I got the wife to help out, used some KY jelly and a hairdryer (cheers bmcecosse)

Some swearing involved .......just have to hope it doesn't leak when it rains.