Front windscreen rubber 'insert trim'

Post by **dunketh** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 9:51 pm

Just a quickie.
From reading other posts on here I'm led to believe that my 66 4 door should have the rubber with a plastic insert? Yes?

Mine has a rubber with a metal insert - with two metal tabs that slide over the joins top and bottom.

Anyway, I want to replace it as it leaks. What do I replace it with?
I much prefer the idea of the plastic one that you hammer in to tighten the seal... but will one fit?

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:08 pm

I'd go for the latter plastic insert. You can buy a special tool to fit it for around £12, this makes fitting very easy. Be sure to get the better quality insert though as the thin laquered type will peel as you feed it into the screens corners. There are better versions available. Its a good idea to leave the insert in warm water to soften before fitting it. I spray the rubber with white grease for easy fitting, and just wipe off when done. Not seen the hammer in type !! you will need the later rubber for the plastic insert.

Post by **dunketh** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 9:23 am

Thanks.
When I replaced the windscreen on an 82 Mini years ago I had to practically beat the beeding into the groove - but it made a very tight seal. (hence 'hammer-in'

)

Post by **Willie** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:07 am

The 'plastic chrome' type of insert will only fit the later type windscreen
rubber. It will be too long when supplied but will shrink gradually with age so cut off as little as possible to make it fit initially.

Post by **wibble_puppy** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:40 pm

excellent tips on this thread - noted for later use - many thanks guys

Post by **les** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 9:27 pm

The longer you can keep the insert the better the seal, this helps to spread the rubber into the screen corners more tightly

Post by **cliff** » Fri Apr 06, 2007 9:02 am

I've got the earlier metal trim but only one piece is in, the other came with the car.

Is there some sort of tool to help it in?

Post by **Willie** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:50 am

The early stainless windscreen trim is fitted into the rubber before the
assembly is refitted to the car. The later plastic trim is fitted after the assembly is on the car.

Post by **Peetee** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:59 am

Whichever you decide to plump for make sure you talk to the supplier to make sure you get compatable items. I had a real hedache finding the right rubber for my metal strip inserts and, even though it REALLY WAS the right one, the screen still leaked everywhere! For this reason I would recommend the plastic insert type.